Nagaland chief minister, T.R. Zeliang has reiterated that education was a crucial need in Nagaland and for which the state government would welcome any organisation, whether religious or non-religious, willing to set up institutions and universities to raise the standard of education to the highest level.
He said this while speaking at a programme to felicitate Deviangs (a branch for the differently- abled under Patanjali Ayurved Limited- PAVL) held at the residence premises of N.Thomas Lotha (Advisor Higher & Technical Education), Khermahal, Thursday evening.
While acknowledging Baba Ram Dev aide Bal Krishna Acharya who was present and welcoming his assurance to establish a 100- bedded hospital for the differently abled in Nagaland Zeliang assured all possible support from the state government. “Let us open ways for the company to set up university in the state.
Not only the state government but NGOs and every section of the society should cooperate not only towards this project but also towards any company who wants to invest in the state”, said Zeliang.
Bal Krishna Acharya of Patanjali Ayurved Limited (PAVL) a Fast Moving Consumer Good (FMCG) company has assured that they will set up a 100-bedded hospital in Dimapur for the differently-abled person and has expressed interest in setting up a university in Nagaland in partnership with the state government and Central government. Three sites were inspected of which one would be chosen for the 100- bedded hospital.
In response to the chief minister’s full support to the Deviangs, Bal Krishna Acharya immediately sanctioned Rs. 100 crore towards the project which was announced by advisor Higher and Technical Education, N Thomas Lotha. Thomas is also a member of General Council for People with Multiple Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
The programme was organised to felicitate Deviangs a branch of Patanjali Ayurved Limited headed by Baba Ram Dev and his aide Bal Krishna Acharya.
Former Uttarakhand chief secretary, R.K. Sharma who was also present at the programme delivered a short speech, where he spoke about the importance of setting up colleges and universities in Nagaland. Speech on behalf of the Diviangs (other termed for differently-abled persons) community was delivered by Nagaland State Disabled Forum (NSDF) general secretary Ashe Kiba.
Differently-abled persons represented from Zunheboto, Mon, Mokochung, Kohima and Dimapur districts at the programme.
The chief minister was accompanied by Home minister, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, while host of dignitaries attended the programme.