Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday asserted that unity was the prime need of the hour, emphasising renewing and strengthening the bonds of unity and brotherhood.
Addressing the 61st Statehood Day celebration at Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza here on Friday, Rio prioritised peaceful resolution of the Naga political issue to fructify the innermost desire of the people.
He reiterated the state government’s unwavering commitment towards peaceful resolution of the long-pending Naga political issue and called upon all Naga political groups (NPGs), the Centre and other stakeholders to collaborate in overcoming their differences and reach a peaceful resolution in a time-bound manner.
Addressing the 61st Statehood Day celebration at Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza here on Friday, Rio prioritised peaceful resolution of the Naga political issue to fructify the innermost desire of the people.
Rio reminisced about the six decades of statehood and acknowledged the challenges and triumphs throughout the journey.
He referred to the obstacles and adversities encountered along the way that had tested the indomitable spirit of the people, imparting strength, wisdom, and unity.
He urged the people to recognise the collective responsibility in carrying the legacy forward and fostering a sense of belonging and pride as citizens of the state, while also remembering and honouring the visionary leaders whose dedication, foresight and sacrifices paved the way for the state’s formation with special constitutional guarantees.
He also highlighted the historical and geographical factors that had led to comparatively less socio-economic and infrastructure development in the Eastern Nagaland region. To address the backwardness, Rio said the state government had established the Department of Under Developed Areas in 2003, while both the Centre and the state governments had worked tirelessly over the past 20 years to eliminate developmental deficits in these areas. He informed the gathering that a special development package of Rs 180 crore for Eastern Nagaland under PM DeVINE was under implementation.
Despite considerable progress, Rio acknowledged that much remained to be done, assuring the people of Eastern Nagaland that both the Centre and state governments were keen and committed to continuing and intensifying these special measures. He said that the aim was to uplift the backward regions to the level of the rest of the state as soon as possible, and urged the people to commit themselves to resolving grievances through dialogue and understanding in the true spirit of Naga brotherhood.
As the 24th Hornbill Festival commenced, Rio reflected on its continuous growth in stature, reach, and reputation since its inception. He mentioned that the festival had evolved into an event that was recognised and discussed both nationally and internationally.
He said this year’s Hornbill Festival was witnessing the participation of the United States, Germany, and Colombia as partner countries, along with Assam as the partner State, which he termed as an indication of the expanding footprints and growth of Naga soft power worldwide.
Noting that the festival had become a major event in the state’s calendar, he stated that it celebrated the unique Naga culture and identity, serving as a source of inspiration for everyone.
On connectivity, Rio disclosed that approximately 2,500 km roads were constructed or improved in the state over the past five years through collaborative efforts of the state PWD with various Central agencies.
He said the construction of a 220/132/33kV sub-station with associated transmission lines at Tsitrongse, Dimapur, was undertaken with fund from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) under the PM-DevINE at a cost of Rs132.37 crore. Additionally, there was a proposal to upgrade the 132/66/33kV Nagarjan sub-station, Dimapur at an estimated cost Rs 24.46 crore.
He claimed that the department of Industries and Commerce had initiated new institutional arrangements and policy formulations to align the state with the PM Gati Shakti framework in the process.
With 70% of the state’s population relying on agriculture, he revealed that the state was integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and drones to offer farmers insights for informed decisions, adding that the State FPO conclave on “Transforming Market Linkage through MOVCD-NER” held at Angh House, Agri-Expo, Chümoukedima on October 19 this year aimed to advance the mission of Organic Value Chain Development for the north-eastern region.
He said the department would hold Millet Festival on December 2-3, 2023, aligning with the Hornbill Festival, marking the culmination of the International Year of Millets celebration.
Rio said horticulture model village in all 16 districts were formed for the “One Crop, One Village” initiative under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), while the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Department prioritised enhancing milk production, conserving indigenous animals, and capacity building with the Central government’s support.
He mentioned that the Soil and Water Conservation Department was targeting to reclaim 1,000 hectares of acidic soil in 2023-24.
Rio further revealed that Rural Development department completed 9,106 houses out of the targeted 49,054 under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G), adding that the remaining houses would be finished by the end of the financial year 2023-24.
He said the Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM) had established 175 producer groups and one producer enterprise to promote Nagaland’s products under the brand “Women Folk”.
Since April 1, 2017, he mentioned that the Environment, Forest, and Climate Change department had implemented JICA-assisted Nagaland Forest Management Project, leading to afforestation in 24,225 hectares, planting 55.79 lakh seedlings and generating 15 lakh man-days of employment, including the construction of an Eco-Park in Kohima.
Emphasising skilling of youth, creating employment opportunities, and attracting investment, Rio claimed that initiatives like Bloom Bazaar in Kohima had transformed, generating around 600 employment opportunities.
He maintained that Tourism Taxi Promotion Scheme was aimed at creating a minimum of 100 employments through entrepreneur and tour operator participation. He also referred to the launching of training programmes with guaranteed industrial connections, collaborating with entities like IBM Skill Build Program, Unnati Skill Centre, UNXT programmes, and Entrepreneurship Development Centres.
He claimed that all these initiatives were meant to fostering employment through proactive engagement with industry leaders, financial institutions, and various agencies, providing ample employment opportunities for the state’s youth for a prosperous future.
Terming the September 4, 2023 launch of the Woman and Child Development (WCD) Control Room in Nagaland as a noteworthy event in woman and child empowerment, Rio said it involved integrating Women Helpline 181 and Child Helpline 1098, and unifying them with the Emergency Response Support System – 112 (ERSS).
Rio acknowledged that the mounting drug problem in the state prompted the police and related departments to launch the war on drugs, along with establishment of anti-narcotics taskforces in all districts. Stating that concerted efforts were underway to dismantle drug networks, he urged the church and civil society organisations to join the battle against drugs.
He said the police had introduced MADEIN Nagaland (Movement Against Drugs & Extortion in Nagaland) app for reporting any information on extortion, drug peddlers, and traffickers.
Advocating meritocracy and transparency in recruitment, he mentioned that the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) was established for open and fair selection to all Group C posts in the state.
He said Nagaland won eight medals in the recently held National Games in Goa and acknowledged the state’s youth getting exposure and success nationally and internationally in recent years in diverse fields. He called for promoting and popularising traditional games and sports, integral to Naga cultural heritage.
On developing sports infrastructure, Rio said five pre-fabricated multi-discipline sports stadiums in Chümoukedima, Niuland, Tseminyu, Tuensang, and Noklak were inaugurated on November 13, even as 11 more projects were currently under construction and nearing completion.
He remarked that though visible development and growing soft power of the state were visible, yet there were untapped opportunities. Hence, to develop the economy and improve overall quality of life, he called for diversification and creation of more jobs, while investing in human resource development for equipping the youth with the latest skills for a rapidly changing world.
Referring to the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences & Research (NIMSR) at Kohima that was inaugurated on October 14, 2023 by Union Minister Dr Mansukh L Mandaviya, he stated that MBBS classes with 100 students had already commenced and plans for its future expansion and construction of a 400-bed hospital was underway.
He said the state government intended to make the institute the backbone of the state’s healthcare system and shared the progress of the Medical College at Mon.
He also claimed the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme initiated in 2022 was gaining momentum with enthusiastic participation from the citizens, while efforts were underway to include additional tertiary care hospitals to allow individuals to access advanced medical treatment.
Rio also mentioned about other significant achievements in education sector, Kohima Smart City Development Project, passing of the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2023 etc.
On the occasion the chief minister also launched the Nagaland School Safety Digital Training and also released a book on Nagaland Disaster Reduction Road Map. Rio also inaugurated the photo exhibition on ‘60 years of Nagaland’ set up by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations.
Altogether 10 contingents took part in the ceremonial parade led by 4th NAP deputy commandant Vikato Thonger and 4th NAP assistant commandant Khriesaviko Pienyu.
Highlights of the programme included a special presentation by 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Band, finalist of TV reality show “India’s Got Talent 2023”, along with pipe and brass bands by various police battalions, “From a distance” by Esther Dailiam, “We love Nagaland” by Lam Grace and “Then sings my soul” performed by NSS Music Club Choir.
Cultural troupes included Burgeon Society Chedema (Angami), Tobu Area Sheko Khong Union Kohima (Konyak), Pushon zi (Rengma) and Benreu Students’ Union Dance Club, Kohima (Zeliang).