Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 27
Opposition leader TR Zeliang in the Assembly session on Monday called on People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) government to take appropriate policy decision to declare Nagaland as an organic producing State while pointing out that the State has lots of potential for organic produce with a constantly growing market.
On attempted murder of Joy Chandra and Rekha Das in Dimapur on March 22 and 23 respectively by armed people, he said the incidents directly affect the ease of doing business in Nagaland. “It is the paramount duty of the state to protect the lives and liberty of the citizens,” he stated, requesting the leader of the House to ensure that citizens are protected.
Referring to various road projects, he told the House not to dispute over who had brought sanctions but “let us give more importance as to how the sanctioned projects should be implemented within the stipulated period and as per specifications laid down in the contract agreement.”
“We will see a change on the face of road connectivity in our State within 2-3 years if the state government and the people of the state co-operate with the implementing agencies while executing the projects which are sanctioned and also the projects approved in principle for sanction.”
MLA Imkong L Imchen said the Opposition bench of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly will closely monitor the promises made by the PDA government. Agreeing on the need to address the discrepancies in the electric billing system, he urged the government to honestly carry forward the online billing system.
On higher and technical education, Imchen urged the government to set up a Government Law College and upgrade the Atoizu Polytechnic into a full-fledged engineering college. Pointing out that the up-gradation was approved by the cabinet in 2007, he lamented that nothing has been done after a lapse of more than 10 years. He also emphasized on the need to set up a medical college in the state at the earliest.
Irrigation & Flood Control advisor Namri Nchang expressed hope that the budget will boost the morale of the people and serve the interest of the masses. Referring to the stipulated time target set for completion of roads and other projects, he called the budget one of the best. He further expressed hope that areas which were earlier left unattended will be given due attention under the new leadership.
MLA Chotisuh Sazo raised question on the status of the advisors appointed and voiced concern at the atrocities committed against Christians. While appreciating the government for the concern expressed on the Naga political issue, he pointed the need to rope in all parties for making the same a reality. Sazo also questioned why only the ENPO areas should be focused while leaving other backward areas behind.
Minister for Agriculture & Cooperation G Kaito Aye appreciated the budget, calling it broad based. On Naga political issue, he stated the entire population of the state with 60 likeminded MLAs coming together can bring the solution. He further appealed to the ENPO MLAs to judiciously use the allocated funds for the area and properly implement the projects sanctioned.
MLA Dr. Ngangshi Ao pointed out the need to review and change our approach to bring a solution to the Naga political issue. “We cannot only be facilitator but stakeholders to the issue,” he maintained. Questioning if anyone has done any cost evaluation of the Hornbill Festival and commensurate the expenditure incurred with the income generated, he suggested modifying the same, opposing the government's decision to organize mini hornbill festival in various districts.
MLA CL John meanwhile said the need for special focus of the ENPO areas should not merely be on papers but delivered with all sincerity. Alongside coffee plantation, he suggested taking up cardamom farming especially in the cold areas of the State.
Minister for PHED Jacob Zhimomi appreciated the decision of the government to introduce modern information technology, maintaining that manual functioning should be minimized. He called the government’s decision for a sports policy in the state as a long felt need with a capacity to provide many opportunities for our youths.
MLA Dr. Imtiwapang Aier while appreciating the idea to implement meritocracy in the state said “it will be very unfortunate for all of us if it remains only in the paper and not implemented.” He further stated that the goal for achieving food for all lacks focal point since no specification of allocation for farmers was made. He also questioned the approach taken by the Government to help the young farmers.
On the other hand, MLA Yitachu said the Budget presented gave more confusion than highlighting the policies of the government. Peace and development, he noted, will not come as long as the solution remains outside the reach of the people. Yitachu assured support from the Opposition on the use of biometrics for government employees and setting up of Public Grievances Cell. On the Holy Land tour, he suggested developing pilgrimage places in the State like Molungyimsen, Molungkimong among others.
MLA EE Pangteang said instead of Holy Land tours and excursions, focus should be made on other priorities like roads and connectivity. He also mentioned that if the government desires to shut down the non-performing PSUs, a special committee should be set up first to study the PSUs.
MLA Y Vikheho Swu further stated falling of bridges all over the state was because of non-maintenance and also almost all the bridges have crossed their life span. He further suggested that SBI branches be set up in sub-divisions.
MLA Dr. Chumben Murry compared Nagaland with Mizoram where both are Christian dominated states with similarities in many ways but Mizoram has a surplus budget unlike our state. He cautioned that the 26 opposition members will be the watchdog over transparency, meritocracy and check corruption. If the government is serious with organic farming in the State, he added, a State Organic Planning Policy should be framed.
MLA Muthingyuba Sangtam advocated for review in the policy of DUDA since only minor works are undertaken under it. He also stressed on good road connectivity to the villages in Eastern Nagaland. He added that a committee should be set up to check the unemployment issue in the State.
Later, Yitachu said that Opposition leader also deserves within the ambit of Governor, Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Speaker and Deputy Speaker regarding the use of pilots and escorts.
