Minister of Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue, Parliamentary Affairs, Neiba Kronu inaugurated the newly constructed residence of state chaplain at NBCC hall Kohima on February 27.
According to DIPR report, Neiba Kronu while addressing the gathering said that in many places around the world, church and government institutions worked closely and even consult each other sometimes in policy making.
He added that time has also come for the state to consult each other in policy matters. He said that the NBCC and the legislators’ role were almost the same as both strive to work and guide the people in the right direction. He also reminded the NBCC to work towards accomplishing the promise made many years back of sending out ten thousand Naga missionaries across the world to spread the gospel.
He expressed gratitude to the NBCC ministry for lending them a full time chaplain for the legislators and their families for spiritual growth. While pointing out that the state chaplain residence was long overdue, he remarked that the residence was a token from the state government for the tireless service rendered by the chaplain ministry. He also lauded the department and the contractor for completing the building before the stipulated time and added that this can be an example for other contractors to emulate.
Rev. Mechiehol Savi said in Nagaland there was a unique ministry called chaplain ministry, meant for the MLAs and their families irrespective of their political affiliations. He remarked that although state and church were different entity, both work for the welfare of the people and makes every effort to make Nagaland a growing state in all aspect.
He expressed gratitude to the legislators and the PWD department for their generosity and completing the project, adding that for many years since the inception of the ministry various people had worked in chaplain’s ministry without a quarter.
Addl chief engineer PWD Er. Lopongol Angami sharing the technical report of the project said that foundation stone for construction of state chaplain quarter was laid on December 7, 2016, with an estimated cost of Rs. 102.89 lakhs and work order was issued to M/s Atoulie Mepfuo. However, he said that during the process of site development the location had to be changed due to the existing loose soil condition and the original project cost was increased to Rs. 183.00 lakhs He further indicated that the project has been completed two months ahead of the scheduled date.
Earlier, Nieba Kronu inaugurated the building and state chaplain Rev Kuzierang Thou offered dedicatory prayer. Kaisa Rio, minister of Soil and Water Conservation V Kashiho Sangtam, advisor to CM V Sakhrie, PWD officials, contractors and NBCC staff attended the programme.