Tongpang calls for investment friendly environment

Advisor, Water Resources, Tongpang Ozukum on Saturday said that state needed to adopt investment friendly environment in order to solve the unemployment issue.
He said this while addressing media on the sidelines of a thanksgiving programme held at Cornerstone Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, organised by Dimapur residents from 24 Angetyongpang A/C.
The advisor said that unemployment issue could be solved by creating jobs but it can happen only when state becomes an “investment friendly environment”.
He also said that state government should try to open more industries and factories, and urged the youths to venture out reminding them that Nagas were second to none.
Ozukum also admitted on the lack of development in the state pointing out that around 65% to 70 % of central funds were spent for payment of salaries and the remaining 30% to 35% were left for development works.
On his opinion on the revision of reservation on the ULB and NSSB, he said that as far as NSSB was concerned, the objective of the state government was very clear, and that it wanted to maintain meritocracy.
He said Chief Minister, in his previous term, was also convinced and determined to implement NSSB, and with good intention, the cabinet had approved.
He also said that he had personal discussions with the NSF leaders and requested them to allow the exam to continue by assuring of correction or review the guidelines in case of any loopholes detected in the exam.
On the ULB elections, he said it was a constitutionally based directive to conduct the election, however pointed out that since it somehow infringes the special provision (Article 371 A) given to the Nagas, the stakeholders have been protesting for certain changes, and in line with that the cabinet on March 28 resolved to repeal the act.
He later opined that the state government would frame another ULB Act in the right time. “We are not going against anybody. We are just trying to maintain and protect our right”, he stated.
Asked on the steps taken on the Naga issue and the seriousness of the members of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Ozukum replied that the elected members, though people’s representative, were not part of the negotiating team, but can only act as the facilitators.
He however reiterated that Naga Political Issue was the most important issue for all Nagas, and as facilitators, the legislators would continue to bridge the gap between the Naga Political groups and government of India.
When ask on how to tackle scarcity of water in the state, he said it was not only the department of water resources but also the PHED, department of Soil and Water conservation, and other departments had been dealing with water related centrally sponsored schemes and projects.
Meanwhile, addressing the gathering, Ozukum thanked all his supporters, Churches and prayer warriors for their hard work, dedication and prayers for electing him for the second time. He also thanked Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, president, NDPP, Chingwang Konyak and all ranks and files of NDPP for reposing faith in him and giving him the NDPP ticket.
He later requested all to continue to support and pray for him, noting that he would need their wisdom and knowledge to execute his aims and visions.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Anenla Ozukum, invocation by Asst Prof., Discipleship Bible College, Dr Imsenperong Jamir, special number by Amongla Lemtur and benediction offered by Repatozung Longkumer.
Short speeches were also delivered by CI Meren, Chubaonen Jamir, Temjen Imsong, T Chingmak, general secretary, NDPP (Central), Imliyanger Jamir, vice president, Dimapur Mongsenyimti Senso Telongjem, Opangkumzuk Pongen, and, while vote of thanks by Masatoshi.