Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio reiterated commitment of the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) to finding a permanent solution to the Naga political issue by playing the role of facilitator and to also contribute in creating a conducive environment for peace.
Congratulating all party rank and file for the tremendous progress achieved despite being a new party, Rio termed the 3rd general convention of NDPP as “a historic occasion” for the mammoth turnout of delegates and party members (approximately around seven thousand as per registration). He also said it was also for the first time the convention was held after party had faced two elections and installation of the PDA government.
Rio stressed on the need to continuously pursue unity among all sections of society and to prepare the landing ground in order to pave way for smooth transition and implementation once solution was arrived at. Rio appealed to all sections of the people including the mass-based organizations , civil society, tribal organizations , churches and NGOs and the people as a whole, to come together under a spirit of brotherhood and oneness.
He pointed out that NDPP “is a people’s movement” with a cadre-based structure, a regional party with distinct regional identity, having a national outlook keeping in mind global needs and concerns. He also said NDPP seeks to provide a platform and opportunities to the citizens of Nagaland to be part of India’s progress as contributors and participants.
On the achievements of his NDPP-led PDA coalition government, which took office in May 2018, he highlighted the ending VIP culture, focus on governance and development, making all government departments through CM Dashboard and be present in social media so as to make the government more accessible to people. The website real time updates about key schemes and programs. He also said introduction of biometric attendance has been made mandatory to ensure efficiency and educational facilities. Teachers have also been digitally mapped. All in all, Rio said use of technology was to ensure good governance and transparency.
Rio also reiterated that his government accorded top priority to road improvement, communication and transport and taking major repairs of roads and for which tenders for improvement of roads in Kohima and Dimapur have been floated and work orders issued. The Trans-Nagaland highway (foothill road) road Tizit to Khelma is being pursued vigorously, besides Chiethu Greenfield airport, with the Government of India.
He said the government has also launched city buses in Dimapur along with pink buses for women, senior citizens and differently-abled persons.
He said Nagaland has declared defecation free on October 2 much ahead of the national target and efforts were also being made to declare Nagaland plastic free. The others include landmark initiatives like protection of the rare tragopan, and protection of butterflies in Zunheboto district.
He also highlighted the initiative taken for creating Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN); promotion of tourism sector; organizing mini hornbill festivals in all district headquarters to promote culture and heritage, water supply projects for augmentation of water supply to Kohima town, Wokha town and 24 villages at Chiephobozou RD block and signing of tripartite agreement signed with Poilwa and Khonoma. He also pointed out that Nagaland hosted its first ever Ranji Trophy match; observing Dr. T Ao centenary year and work on Dr. T. Ao football academy at Dimapur.
On school education, Rio said for welfare of students, 50% of post matric scholarship has been released from state resources even without getting funds from the centre; introduction of insurance schemes of upto 5 lakhs for students studying outside the state who face unfortunate fatalities; approval of SSA and RMSA teachers scale pay and release of grant-in-aid to VDB under rural development.
Rio reminded the NDPP rank and file, that as a major partner in PDA, they are duty bound to carry more of the burden make more sacrifices and ensure that exercise a more accommodative spirit.
He reiterated the commitment of the PDA government that it will leave no stone unturned of bringing all round progress and development. He called upon all the citizens of the state to come and join the collective journey leaving aside affiliations and work for the greater good of the larger Naga family.
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