Nagaland celebrates 65th I-Day

Rio on achievement of state government: Addressing a mammoth gathering on the 64th Anniversary of Independence Day celebration held at Secretariat Plaza ground Kohima, the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio observed that Nagaland has come a long ways from a single district with a vast un-administered area to being the 16th State of the India Union.
The rate of literacy, quality of education, health and other socio-economic development indicators have improved remarkably over the years and today we are marching confidently with the rest of the country on the path of progress and prosperity, Rio maintained.
Stressing on the need for effective system of administration of justice, as an important pillar of good governance, Rio informed that the Government has taken up construction of customary courts in 56 Administrative outposts. He also said that the current year’s annual plan has been fixed at Rs. 1800 crore, 20% increase then last year’s plan size.
Expressing concern over the increase in the levels of unemployment of educated people in the State, the Chief Minister of Nagaland said that the Government has focused on capacity building and appealed to the youth to come forward and take full advantage of the facilities provided by the Government. Rio also informed that the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) would be established at Dimapur shortly, while the National Institute of Technology has been shifted from its temporary campus at Silchar to Chumukedima during the current year. He further said that the State has initiated the process of establishing five new polytechnics at Phek, Wokha, Tuensang, Mon and Dimapur under the Skill Development Mission.
Touching on the road sector, Rio said that the Government is committed to create, upgrade and improve the road network in the State. Under the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for North East 329 kilometres of roads are being upgraded to 2 laning covering Mon-Tamlu-Merangkong road, Longleng-Changtongya road, Zunheboto-Chakhabama road and Phek-Pfutsero road.
In the power sector, Rio said that the newly upgraded sub-station at Kiphire has been commissioned, enabling Likimro Hydel Project to generate full capacity of 24MW during monsoon. While informing about the notification of the first electricity tariff revision with effect from 1st July this year by the Nagaland Electricity Regulatory Commission, Rio was of the view that while every citizen has a right to electricity they have an equal duty to pay for its use.
Highlighting on PHE Department, Rio informed that water pumping from Zarü water source is being taken up, to meet the water requirements of the State capital, and further said that the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.

Rio on future plans of state government: Dwelling at length on the future plans of the State Government, the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio re-iterated about the commitment of the Government for achieving the vision of “Food for all by 2020”. To increase productivity, thereby improving the economy of the farmers, 120 watershed development projects are being implemented in the State and mechanised agriculture is being encouraged in a big way. He said this while addressing the people of Nagaland on the occasion of 64th anniversary of Independence Day celebration at Secretariat Plaza ground Kohima. The department of Soil & Water Conservation has embarked on a policy of Scientific Development, Conservation and Management of Land and Water Resources, towards sustainable natural resource management, Rio also said.
On the Horticulture sector, Rio said that warehouses with infrastructures would be provided under the Thirteenth Finance Commission Awards, in the district of Kohima, Mokokchung, Mon, Phek and Wokha to boost the remuneration of farmers. He also informed that the department of Irrigation and Flood Control is taking up 200 new MI Projects during 2011-12 covering 8000 hectares under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme.
With a view to enhance meat production in the State, the Vety. & AH Department has launched Livestock and Poultry Production Unit Project under Public Private Partnership, Rio informed. Touching on the Fishery sector, Rio said that the department plans to enhance the annual production of fish from 6585 tons to 7000 tons during the current year.
Stating that Nagaland is endowed with vast mineral resources, Rio affirmed that the State Government is committed to safeguard the ownership rights of its citizens, while aiming to mobilise the available resources for faster economic development and for generation of employment avenues for the Naga youth.
Highlighting on the initiatives of Nagaland State Transport, the Chief Minister said that the Kohima Metro Ropeway project has been initiated to reduce traffic congestion in Kohima town. He also informed that the Inter State Bus Terminus at Kohima would be inaugurated soon, while the construction of ISBT at Tuensang is also in good progress, he further maintained. Underlining the importance of Information Technology, Rio said, “We are working to harness these technologies to improve the quality of our administration and to provide better services to our citizens”. He said that e-Governance initiatives such as common service centres, setting up of State Data Center and State Wide Area Network (SWAN) are all advanced stages of completion. The State Portal and State Service Delivery Gateway projects have been initiated and is expected to go live this month, Rio informed. The State is also implementing the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS)-a project that will network all the Police Stations in the country for information sharing.
 
Rio on health and other sectors: The Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio while affirming the Government’s commitment to improve health delivery system said that the department is setting up a Health Helpline which will function as 24x7 call centre, to provide easy access to reliable health information.
The construction of State Institute of Health & Family Welfare and four Drug Warehouses in the State has commenced, while 1700 Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHSs) have been recruited and are being trained, to further strengthen rural health infrastructure, Rio further informed.
Highlighting on rural Development sector, Rio said that more than 15,000 houses were constructed for the poor people in the rural areas, under the Indira Awas Yojana last year.”This year 10,000 more houses will be constructed under the scheme”, he added.
Touching on the Youth resources and Sports Department, the Chief Minister of Nagaland said that the State Government has decided to institute “Young Naga Achiever Awards” from this year to recognize the Naga youth who have excelled in various activities including entrepreneurship, private enterprises, music and arts, sports and games, information technology etc.
He also announced that the State Sports Awards function would be held at Raj Bhavan, as part of the Governor’s at Home, from this year onwards.
In his address on the 64th anniversary of Independence Day, Rio also informed that the Union Home Ministry has temporarily lifted tourists visiting Nagaland and was optimistic about inflow of more tourists during Hornbill Festival this year –“As tourism and culture go hand in hand, the Art and Culture Department is planning to set up ‘Rani Gaidinlui Library cum-Memorial Museum” in the State, he also informed.

‘Govt. committed to safeguard ownership rights of its citizens’

Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 15

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today stated that the state is endowed with vast mineral resources but unfortunately “we are unable to take full advantage of these resources for lack of consensus on their exp loration and exploitation.”
In his address at the Independence Day celebration here, Rio said the state government has constituted a nine member Cabinet Sub-Committee on exploration and mining of petroleum and natural gas in Nagaland to examine the issue.
Last year, on the recommendation of this Sub Committee, the Nagaland Legislative Assembly adopted a resolution on the ownership and transfer of land and its resources as enshrined in Article 371 A of the Constitution of India.
Rio said Government of India has concurred with the State Assembly Resolution, as reflected in their reply to the Lok Sabha Question on 10.3. 2011. The sub committee was held consultations with tribal apex bodies, NGOs, students and others for framing of fresh modalities and rules for oil development in the state. “The state government is committed to safeguard the ownership rights of its citizens, while aiming to mobilize these resources for faster economic development and for generation of employment avenues for our youth,” Rio said.

Rio releases HDR for Kohima, Mon, Phek: Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today released the District Human Development Report of Kohima, Mon and Phek districts.
This was released during the Independence Day celebration here. The report is prepared with the support of the Planning Commission, Government of India and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) project. The Report is meant for strengthening of state plans for human development. Series of thematic reports on traditional agriculture, communitization and health, livelihood and employment, the role of women in natural resource management, communitization of education and rural- urban migration including a publication on gender budgeting manual were also released by the Chief Minister.

Presidents’ police medals awardees

During the celebration of Independence Day at Nagaland Secretariat Plaza Kohima, the following awardees were awarded with various medals

1. President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service
(Announced on Republic Day, 2010)
1. Toshitsungba Aier, AIGP (OPS), PHQ, Kohima, Nagaland
2. President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service along with Certificate/Scroll
(Announced on Independence Day, 2010)
1. Kelhousithie Kire, Director General of Police, PHQ, Kohima, Nagaland
3. Police Medal for Meritorious Service.
(Announced on Independence Day,
1. Temjen Imtiakum Ao, Dy. Commandant, Tuensang 3rd NAP
4. Police Medal for Meritorious Service
(Announced on Republic Day, 2010)
1. Nzanbemo Nchumo Ngullie, Circle Inspector, Wokha, Nagaland
2. Pilamo Lotha, Inspector, OC Security, Civil Sectt. Kohima, Nagaland
5. Police Medal for Meritorious Service along with Certificate/Scroll
(Announced on Independence Day, 2010)
1. Richard Yimto, Senior Superintendent of Police, Longleng, Nagaland.
2. Meren Jamir, Commandant, 15 NAP (IR) Mahila BN, Chumukedima, Nagaland

(I) GOVERNOR’S GOLD MEDAL (Announced on Independence Day, 2010)

1. C. Tinu Pongen, State Badminton Coach
2. Er. Aroba, EE. Directorate of Youth Resources & Sports, Nagaland, Kohima.
3. Chubayanger, Project Officer, Directorate of Labour, Nagaland, Kohima.
4. Dr. Simon Tshümatho, Meluri Village, Phek District.
5. Ghotoli Suu Sema, Dimapur.

(II) GOVERNOR’S GOLD MEDAL (Announced on Republic Day, 2011)
1. Vanchamo Ngullie, DPO, Land Resources Department, Wokha
2. Alemso1a Ao, ANM, Health & Family Welfare Sub-Centre, Matikhru, Phek District
3. Vipin Yhoshu, SI DEF, Dimapur
4. Pachio Khiamniungan, ABSI, 4th NAP, Thizama
5. Toiho Yepthomi, DB. Gr-I, DC’s Office, Tuensang
List of Recipients for Governor’s Gold Medal and Commendation Certificate 2011, and for Meritorious Conduct of Census Operation, 2011

Governor’s Gold Medal 2011
1. Menuosietuo Tseikha DPO, Longleng, Land Resources Department
2. Jenmei Konyak UBI, DEF, Dimapur
3. Dr. K. Pewezo Khalo Medical Officer, PHC Weziho, Phek District
4. K. Tiayanger Tzudir Addl. Director, Treasuries & Accounts, Nagaland, Kohima
5. Kethosituo Sekhose, NCS SDO(C), HO, Kohima

Award of Governor’s Commentation Certificate 2011 :

6. S.T. Doungel Treasury Officer, Kohima North Treasury, Nagaland, Kohima
7. Vitsulie Montonyu Acounts Officer (Audit), Treasuries & Account Nagaland, Kohima
8. R.N. Chhipa Research Officer, Director of Census Operation, Nagaland Kohima
9. Pelhouneio Angami UBC, DEF, Kohima
10. Remphamo Lotha ADAO, Agri. Department, Tizit
11. Er. Kitoshe Y. Aye Executive Engineer, PHED, Phek Division  
12. Rhosietho Nquori, NSC SDO (C), Longleng
13. Neilezo Tep, NCS EAC (SADAR), Kohima
14. Temsu Longkumer, NCS ADC, Mangkalemba, Mokokchung District
15. Imtiakum Public Prosecutor, Dimapur

Award of Governor’s Commendation Certificate for Meritorious Conduct of Census Operation, 2011
16. C.M. Tsanqlao, NCS DC, Kiphire      
17. Nihekhu Sema, NCS DC, Longleng
18. Lithrongla G. Chishi, NCS DC Mokokchung
19. Vyasan R. IAS ADC, Wokha
20. Nikhase, NCS CEO, DMC, Dimapur
21. Hokhuli, NCS ADC, Niuland
22. Temsunaro, NCS ADC, Chozuba
23. Nokchasashi, NCS ADO (C), Atoizu
24. Manpai Phom, NCS EAC, Niuland
25. Moakumzuk, NCS EAC, Kiphire
 
Three gets President’s Police Medal 2011
 The President’s Police Medal for meritorious service on the occasion of Independence Day 2011 has been awarded to Rothihu Tetseo, Superintendent of Police Kohima, Selichem Sejongmong Sangtam, Superintendent of Police Wokha and Theguolhoulie Angami, Havildar, DEF, Kohima.

Independence Day celebration in districts and sub-division

Chozuba Town: Chozuba Town citizens joined along with the rest of the country in celebrating Independence Day with MLA & Chairman NKVIB & Advisor Music Task Force Dr. Neikiesalie Kire as the chief guest at Chozuba Local ground this morning.
The chief guest unfurled the National flag on his arrival, followed by Parade review led by post commander, 5th NAP Chetheba. Reading out the regular Independence Day message, Kire highlighted the achievements of the state government also the projects that are in process.
Eight contingents, 111, BSF, 5th NAP, DEF, NCC GHSS, NCC Japan Riba, GHSS Chozuba, GHS Yoruba and GHS Japan Riba took part in the March past while cultural programme included cultural dance, cultural song, Drill/PT display by EC school, Choreography by Greenwood Cottage school and WWF match by Women Department Police Baptist church Chozuba, followed by Prize distribution. The chief guest was accompanied by host of government officials and party workers.                           (MExN)
Dimapur: The Republic Day celebration in Dimapur was graced by Minister for Health and Family Welfare Khuzoluzo Neinu at the DDSC stadium here this morning. The programme began at 6 am with flag hoisting in offices/institutions and private buildings to mark the day. The chief guest arrived 9 am on the dot and took the parade review before unfurling the national flag and taking the ceremonial salute from the parade contingents. After delivering his speech, the chief guest inaugurated the exhibition stalls. The Department of Horticulture, ATMA, Department of Land Resource, Department of Fisheries, Department of Industries & Commerce and self-help groups participated in the exhibition.
A cultural display from the Chakhesang Dzuve Cultural Club, Naga United Village; Holy Cross Hr. Secondary School cultural troup e; Christina Memorial Hr. Secondary School cultural troupe; Narisen Lotha Cultural Club Dimpaur and Chekiye Women cultural troupe also marked the occasion. Later in the afternoon, a cricket exhibition match played between 173 Bn CRPF vs. Dimapur District Cricket Association (DDCA) was won by DDCA.    (MExN)

Kiphire: Kiyanilie Peseyie, speaker Nagaland Legislative Assembly today took the salute as chief guest of the 65th Independence Day celebration at Public ground, Kiphire with thousands of public joining the celebration.
The chief guest read out the Independence Day speech and also inaugurated the exhibition stall put up by various departments. Some of the highlights of the day’s event were bamboo dance by Agape School, display by Teakwando association, song by JNV Kiphire, dance by Trinity School and Good shepherd school. Changchor village and Phelungre village also presented a cultural item.
Earlier, the district award was presented to Hozheto Shikhu, EE National Highway, Dr Keviyani Chucha, MO PHC Sitimi, Baby Thomas Teacher, Manoj Kumar Lecturer, Setsao BEE CMO office, Tongseli Typist DC office, and Pitsali Sanitation worker KTC. The programme was also followed by the state lunch and visiting of patient and jail inmate by the IRCS Kiphire Branch. There was altogether 17 parade contingent. In the afternoon programme football exhibition match will be played between Young star and the Legend club.                              (MExN)

Mangkolemba: Azheto Zhimomi, MLA and Advisor, Sericulture and Co-operation hoisted the national flag as chief guest to mark the occasion of Independence Day celebration at Mangkolemba ADC headquarter, under Mokokchung district.  The chief guest took salute of march-pass contingents besides delivering a speech. Accompanied by entourage, chief guest also witnessed a colourful display of cultural items by school children, cultural troupes and sports clubs. After the culmination of morning programme state lunch was hosted at ADC’s residence. Azheto donated a sum of Rs. 50,000 towards the preparation of state lunch and Rs. 5000 each to four march pass contingents and three cultural groups.