After a daylong discussion, the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) on Tuesday adopted the motion of thanks on governor La Ganesan’s address delivered on February 26 through a voice vote.
Giving the concluding remarks in the discussion on the motion of thanks, chief minister Neiphiu Rio noted that most speakers focused on the crucial need for creating a peaceful atmosphere in Nagaland and resolving the Naga political issue through dialogue and compromise.
He pointed out that during each session of NLA, ample time was devoted to discussing the Naga political Issue, besides adopting resolutions advocating an early and peaceful resolution.
He hoped that the combined efforts of the legislators would yield positive outcomes, leading to the final and peaceful resolution of the Naga political issue during the current Assembly’s tenure.
Referring to some members expressing concern over suspension of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Indo-Myanmar border announced by the Centre recently and fence the border, Rio said the state government was fully aware of the matter. He mentioned that the government recognised the gravity of the situation, particularly for those residing in border areas.
He clarified that the state government had formally communicated its concerns to the Central government, and appealed for reconsidering the suspension of FMR. He mentioned that the state government had proposed formulating FMR regulations in consultation with the affected people in border areas, ensuring a mutually beneficial arrangement that addressed everyone’s concerns.
He reiterated adviser KT Sukhalu’s emphasis on providing well-structured training to government officials, particularly for teachers transitioning to administrative roles later in their careers. He cited ongoing training and school leadership programmes aimed at enabling teachers to function as effective educational managers, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020, and assured to enhance these training programmes.
Regarding equitable distribution of road projects across the state, Rio reaffirmed the government’s focus on improving road connectivity in all regions, utilising both state and Central funding sources such as Annual Maintenance, State Road Development Programme (SRDP), and Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), through collaborative efforts.
Referring to NPF legislator Kuzholuzo Nienu’s mention of fair allocation of resources to districts and constituencies, he reiterated the government’s commitment to equitable development, ensuring that resources were distributed evenly across the state and all plans and programmes were designed with the goal of addressing the specific needs of each area.
Additionally, for less developed regions, he assured to provide extra resources and support to facilitate their rapid progress, with specific programmes tailored for backward areas.
In response to NPF legislator Achumbemo Kikon’s remarks, Rio acknowledged underdevelopment and insufficient security presence in border areas, agreeing to establish police outposts and enhancing security over the years. He cited ongoing initiatives to address infrastructure gaps for accelerating development in the border regions.
Addressing concerns raised in the previous session regarding human-animal conflicts, particularly with elephants, he said the government considered it a serious issue, disclosing that a comprehensive action plan had been formulated to address the situation, and it was currently being actively considered by the state government.
Responding to adviser Imkong L Imchen’s concerns, Rio mentioned that for the Doyang to Izheto village road, the department had recently issued the letter of acceptance (LoA), and construction was set to commence soon.
Regarding the Mariani-Mokokchung road (from Sewak Gate to 63 KM Longtho valley), the LoA for short term maintenance contract (STMC) was issued in February this year. He said the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) engaged a project management consultancy for the Changki village highway diversion, and currently survey works were being conducted to determine alignment based on technical feasibility.
Responding to Nyamnyei Konyak’s emphasis on enhancing agricultural productivity and improving produce marketing, Rio claimed that the Agriculture Department was taking measures to elevate agriculture. He cited the recent execution of memoranda of understandings (MoUs) by farmer producer companies for supplying organic foxtail Millets as a positive step in this direction.
With regard to the “War on Drugs”, he said the police and relevant departments were actively taking measures to eradicate drugs and narcotics from the state, adding that they planned to intensify their efforts in this regard.
On the concern raised by JD(U) legislator Jwenga Seb over advance GST collection, Rio clarified that the Finance Department held discussions with stakeholders, including the Contractors’ Union, in June 2023 and it was mutually agreed that the arrangement of Tax Clearance Certificate would continue with modifications to streamline the process. However, he mentioned that they would thoroughly review the matter and implement necessary measures if needed.
Regarding the identification of economically backward villages in specific districts, he assured a comprehensive examination of the matter. In response to improving power connectivity in Tseminyu district, he said the department concerned would take further steps to address the issue.
The motion of thanks on the governor’s address was moved by Moatoshi Longkumer and seconded by Sethrongkyu, before being adopted by the House.