Chizokho Vero
Kohima | March 8
Marking a highly ambitious first day in the office, the People’s Democratic Alliance government led by newly sworn-in Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio has promised conspicuous changes within a matter of 100 days in office.
Right after the swearing-in ceremony, the Chief Minister wasted no time and called the first Cabinet sitting. The meeting, according to a press release issued by Cabinet Secretary Temjen Toy, touched on a number of issues requiring immediate intervention and set a target of 100 days to accomplish the same.
On Naga political issue: The first cabinet sitting today assured that it will play the role of facilitator in the ongoing peace process that is honorable, inclusive and acceptable to the people is achieved as soon as possible. It appealed other NPGs who are not part of the negotiations to join in the current political talks.
Good governance: Deciding to make all out efforts to implement good governance initiatives, implement transparency and promote a culture of meritocracy, the Cabinet resolved that all government departments and institutions would be required to have its websites, internet portals and social media accounts that provide all information related to their respective departments within 100 days.
It decided that periodical appraisals and assessments of the departments, including ministers, will take place regularly. Specific targets and deadlines for achievement of programmes & policies and completion of projects would be put in place. Targets for 100 days, six months and one year will be made public, it stated.
All government directorates and secretariat would be covered by Aadhaar enabled biometric attendance system within the 100 days. An appropriate system will be devised for ensuring attendance in the district offices.
Likewise, all ministers and elected members would be required to declare their assets and the assets of their spouses and dependents within the hundred-day time frame.
Sports & youth affairs : The Cabinet decided that a new Nagaland State Sports Policy would be announced within the 100 days. The Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima will be renamed T. Ao Stadium in memory of the first Naga Olympian to coincide with the centenary year of the sports legend. A new insurance scheme for students studying outside Nagaland would also be launched.
Repair & renovation of roads in 60 days : The Cabinet also decided to repair and renovate the roads and filling of potholes in the State capital, the commercial hub, Dimapur and the district headquarters within 60 days.
A comprehensive master plan for maintenance of all major roads will also be put in place where citizens can monitor and give feedback on progress of works and quality control using information technology and web based mapping software will be implemented within the 100 days.
No more Parliamentary Secretaries
Unlike in the past, the Nagaland Legislative Assembly will not be as crowded in terms of portfolios allocated to the MLAs. Addressing the media after the first Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said there will be no appointment of parliamentary secretaries while stating that this was against the law of the land. He, however said, “We are having discussion with the advocates and we will be listening to their advices and also taking consultation with BJP. We will try to device the method because we are a small state and downsizing has affected us.” On distribution of portfolios to the council of ministers, Rio informed that this would be finalized in a day or two. Also, BJP MLA, Mmhonlumo Kikon has been proposed to be the protem speaker, the Chief Minister informed. On cabinet ratio where NDPP was lesser than BJP (NDPP-4, BJP-6), Rio said the share of NDPP has been given to JD (U) and Independent.
