Nagaland Home minister Y. Patton on Tuesday highlighted the government’s initiative and achievements at the 67th Republic Day programme in Dimapur, DDSC stadium as the chief guest.
Addressing a gathering of around 3000 people including government officials, Patton said citizens celebrate the occasion with pride in their hearts for having the right to justice, liberty and equality, irrespective of caste, creed or colour which is enshrined in the lengthiest written constitution in the world which guarantees all citizens their rights. In his speech, Patton reminded that the framework agreement signed between the Government of India and NSCN (I-M) on was a momentous development and deserved to be welcomed by all.
Stressing on e-governance for good governance, Patton said department of Information Technology and Communications launched Mobile Seva, Online Public Grievance Redressal System and Online Post Matric Scholarship under ‘Digital India’ programme.
With the support of National Council for Science Museum Kolkata, Patton said that Nagaland Science Centre, Dimapur was equipped with a 3D theatre. He also said that online application for NPSC examinations was fully functional along with online payment facilities, while 45 Community Service Centers were providing banking services to the citizens. With regard to communications, he said public and private sector telecom service providers were expanding the reach and content of telecom services.
Patton said Taxation department was working to simplify tax administration through computerization and that registration, filing of returns, issue of forms and challans were made online.
He also informed the gathering that the state saw an increase of 17% in tax collection during the present fiscal year and that the first phase of computerization of Treasuries was launched at Kohima on May 22, 2015 by chief minister T.R. Zeliang.
Patton called upon the people to look ahead at the prospect and the challenges with courage and confidence and optimism saying, “nothing is achieved without effort and positive frame of mind”.
Earlier, the chief guest unfurled the Tricolor, inspected the parade and post his speech inaugurated the exhibition stalls.
The 12 parade contingents included armed personnel from both state and central forces, ex-servicemen, Bharat Scouts and Guides and students from different schools took part.
Various stalls for display and sale were put up by 32nd Assam Rifles, departments like Horticulture, K&VIC, NB&HM, DIC Dimapur, DDLSA, G&M, NBDA Dimapur, Dimul, DRDA Dimapur, Agriculture, Veterinary, Farmers Producers Organization and Krishi Vigyan Kendra Dimapur.
Musical and cultural presentations by Nagaland Conservatory of Music, Gorkha cultural troupe-Dimapur, Mind Blowers Club-Dimapur, Dimasa Kachari-Bamunpukhuri-II and Zeliang cultural troupe Dimapur.
To mark the day, Dimapur citation awards 2015 was awarded to Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo (DABA) and District Rural Development Agency, Dimapur for ‘best beautification’ during festive seasons 2015 by the Dimapur district administration.
Later, an exhibition football match was played also between DC’s XI and HoDs’ XI.