Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday gave away the Chief Minister’s Meritorious Students Fellowship (CMMSF) to 55 meritorious students at a function here at the Capital Convention Centre.
Altogether 55 students belonging to indigenous Scheduled Tribes of the State were given certificates and Rs 50,000 in cheque by the chief minister.
It may be mentioned that the selected best students from HSLC result would receive Rs 50,000 each year for five years, provided they continued to score not less than 80% marks in their promotion/annual/semester exams in the succeeding classes/grades every year. Non-fulfilment of the criteria will lead to discontinuation of the grant under CMMSF, which is monitored by a committee.
Addressing the gathering, Rio urged the meritorious students not to betray their parents’ trust and keep alive their competitive spirit to be successful in life.
“Every recognition comes with responsibility and don’t let your parents, schools and State government down,” Rio exhorted while congratulating the meritorious students.
He also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to schools, teachers and parents for taking up their responsibility with all sincerity and encouraged them to keep doing so.
He explained that the fellowship was to encourage, recognise and motivate students so that they could become successful in life and contribute to society and nation, besides spreading a positive message to other students to work harder.
However, he urged the students to be serious, keep consistency in their studies and perform well and be the asset not only to their families but also to the community.
Observing that Nagas in general were casual, Rio remarked that people talked much about politics and Naga political issue, but were hardly bothered about economic development. He said “We cannot continue to blame on our unresolved political issue as the reason for lacking in every field.”
Citing an example, he said Japan and Korea were economically ruined during World War II, but became two of the richest nations in the world within a short span of time.
Rio called upon the State’s youth to change their mindset from remaining focused only on government jobs by also looking in private sector for more employment. He said a Delhi Express News Service had reported last June that Nagaland had the country’s highest ratio of people in government jobs and highest unemployed in private sector.
He pointed out that the State’s economy was salary-centric with no production or industry, while the natural resources were yet to be exploited. However, people from outside the State were all employed in “our land”, he added, even as he expressed concern that Nagaland did not win any medal in the recently-concluded Khelo India Games held at Guwahati.
Pointing out that for many years Nagas did not get through UPSC exams and that the State’s requirements for bureaucrats and technocrats had to be met through all India services, which were a matter of great concern, the chief minister said his government had selected 100 students for scholarship through interview. He stressed that the young generation must be serious in whatever they do and be job givers.
In his brief address, school education adviser KT Sukhalu said CMMSF was the outcome of a concept of Rio with the motto to help bright younger students, whom he encouraged to remain committed and work harder and be the asset of the State and Nation. He said when the light of education spread among its children, Nagaland would prosper.
Encouraging the parents to actively involve themselves in children’s education, the adviser claimed that the PDA government was serious about upcoming generation in education, sports, music and arts. He urged the awardees to inspire other students to follow their footsteps.
Compeered by Mechüni Iralu, principal of CD King Higher Secondary School, Jotsoma, the welcome address was delivered by School Education and SCERT principal secretary Menukhol John.
Special song was presented on the occasion by Ruovilhou Kense (Northfield School), Niphreno Iralu (G. Rio School) and Emjungwapang Amer (Mezhür HSS kohima) spoke on behalf of awardees while closing prayer delivered by Rev. Keviyiekielie Linyü.