Describing corruption as a collective problem, the state chief minister, TR Zeliang, on Thursday asserted that the foremost step to tackle corruption was for each individual to change themselves first and be upright in what they do.
Speaking as chief guest on the second day of the 18th Biennial Conference of the All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) at Fazl Ali College here, Zeliang said that corruption was the most talked about issue in the state today, saying the issue has not been tackled effectively despite efforts by successive government over the years.
The chief minister, however, affirmed that his government would continue to vigorously pursue to set the goal of addressing corruption. He said corruption was an all-pervasive evil and not just confined to government alone.
Commenting on the public distribution system (PDS) scams, the chief minister said those malpractices were prevalent from long before, but no tangible action could be taken against the perpetrators.
However, the chief minister asserted that in order to tackle the matter, the government has constituted a special investigation team (SIT) and the accused persons were charge-sheeted and the matter was now in judicial magistrate’s court.
Zeliang stated that the government has further issued stringent orders that no petrol pumps should deal in adulterated fuel. He said violators would be fined by cancelling the dealership licence and appropriate actions would be taken as per law.
Further, the chief minister maintained that the government was fully committed to ensuring implementation of National Food Security Act 2013 (NFSA) in letter and spirit.
On the issue of state’s crumbling infrastructure, the chief minister said that without adequate resources, it was “simply impossible” to develop the infrastructure of the state. “We are literally left with nothing but to seek help from the government of India,” he said.
The chief minister, however, maintained that the face of roads of Nagaland would soon change as the Centre has approved many of the proposals in principle for sanction. Some important roads have already been accorded sanction, which combined together, amount to over Rs. 30,000 crore for road sector alone, he said.
The chief minister also stated that one of the major visions of the state government was to make Nagaland a hub of connectivity with South East Asian countries.
He expressed confidence that this initiative would open up new opportunities for youths to actively participate in the growth and progress of the state. “We must be prepared to make use of these new openings when it comes to our door steps,” he added.
Expressing concerns over the reported influx of illegal immigrants into the state, the chief minister said the government was putting every effort towards containing the menace of illegal immigrants.
In this regard, the chief minister called upon the general public to also play their role.
Urging youths to take up skill jobs and run business establishments, Zeliang said that unless the youths of the state played their roles, it would be very difficult for the state government alone to contain illegal immigrants.
Therefore, the chief minister appealed to all the young people gathered to seriously introspect and contribute towards solving this common problem.
On growing unemployment amongst the young educated people, the chief minister said it was also not possible for the state government to provide white collared jobs to all the educated youths.
In this regard, Zeliang urged the youths to come out of the conventional way of thinking and explore new and innovative avenues and venture into unexplored areas if state was to overcome unemployment problem.
On the Naga political issue, the chief minister said that the seven decades old issue was not only concerning the NNPGs, the politicians or the elders, saying all must help in finding solution to the protracted Naga political problem.
He said that it was now a golden opportunity for the Nagas and the government of India to resolve the issue amicably.
The answer to various problems, the chief minister said lay in finding an honourable, acceptable and inclusive solution to the vexed Naga political problem.
In conclusion, the chief minister called upon all to commit to work together for the betterment of the future of the state.
Earlier in the day, the chief minster upon his arrival hoisted ANCSU flag. The chief guest before delivering his address also released the conference magazine.
At the programme, ANCSU president, Temjennungsang Jamir, delivered presidential address while organizing committee convener, N Ejanthung Ngullie, delivered key note address.