Minister of Power, C. Kipili Sangtam, on Tuesday called for collective effort to eradicate the backward tag through understanding, sacrifice and hard work, saying politicians and leaders alone cannot accomplish the task. Minister made the call while speaking at the valedictory programme of the capacity building training programme under Underdeveloped Areas Program (UDAP) 2015-16, at Midway Resort Eco Village, Tsiepama (below NH-29), some 35 km away from here. The programme was organized by Department of Underdeveloped Areas (DUDA) and conducted by Zynorique initiatives society.
Asserting that the eastern Naga people remained backwards due to embracing Christianity late and Naga political problem, Kipili, however, said one should not remain the same but come out from such tag and work hard to excel.
Minister appreciated the activities of DUDA and said it was the most important department for the backward areas of eastern Nagaland to avail the opportunities provided under UDAP for the uplift of people.
He advised the 570 trained persons from eastern districts of Nagaland to pass their acquired knowledge to others and utilize their skills purposefully for the benefit of the society. Kipili also reminded that the training they received would allow them to earn their livelihood and also increase the economy of the society. Further, he told the trainees that to be successful in their future endeavour they needed to maintain punctuality, dedication, sincerity and truthfulness.
DUDA advisor, N. Thongwang Konyak, in his address, said having realized that many youths in the state did not get the government job, the department initiated human resources development programme to generate self-employment opportunities, provide better livelihood with provision of basic amenities so as to reduce poverty amongst the youths from backward areas of the state. Konyak also urged all the master trainers, who were trained in the skill programmes, to go back to their respective places and train those who have not been skilled. Advisor said the objective of the department’s capacity building programme was to boost the economy of the state and also to make Nagaland a skilled state. Konyak said this initiative would encourage and promote promising artisans among the younger generation. He also described the programme as a great window of opportunity for all the artisans to expose their talents and become self-reliant.
He advised all the trainers to live a productive life and not eat up the loan and fund provided by the department meant for earning livelihood.
Altogether, 570 persons from Eastern Nagaland completed their training courses of 19 various disciplines of their choice. While some took three months others took six months to complete the training depending on the courses.
Earlier, Department of Underdeveloped Areas (DUDA) Advisor, N. Thongwang Konyak, on Tuesday inaugurated the Anghya Outlet Stall (ENPO Coffee Shop & Retail Outlet), at Midway Resort, Tsiepama village located on National Highway 29.
Speaking at the opening programme, Richard Belho from Zynorique Initiatives Society informed that the outlet was aimed to facilitate the talented local artisans, particularly the Eastern Nagas, with marketing linkage for their products besides coffee shop.
Secretary DUDA Senti Ao led the programme and also delivered welcome address. Richard Belho from Zynorique Initiatives Society presented an overview of the training programme. DUDA director K.S. Anden Konyak shared the objective of capacity building programme and the expected outcome.
Tsiepama Model Village chairman gave brief address while DUDA joint director Dr. Anungla Phom proposed vote of thanks. Minister RD and REPA C.L. John also address the gathering.
The programme was also attended by parliamentary secretaries including R. Tohanba, Eshak Konyak, Y.M Yollow, L. Khumo and others.