Minister Kaito Aye speaking at the NPF orientation programme on February 23.
Kohima, February 23 (MExN): The Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Frbruary 23 organised an orientation programme for legislators and party leaders at the NPF Central Office under the theme “Insight on Government Departmental Activities and Constructive Role of Party Leaders.
Addressing the programme, Hekani Jakhalu Kense, Advisor to Industry and Commerce, pointed out that safety, security, illegal taxation, and human resource challenges often discourage investors from investing in Nagaland.
However, she expressed optimism that the department’s initiative “Made in Nagaland” will promote Naga handicrafts, handloom, and food processing. She asserted that while the government does not have “free money,” it has resources for genuine projects, and urged Nagas to take business seriously.
She also highlighted plans to identify Nagaland’s weave, home furnishings, and wood carving as key products, and noted that the government is focusing on infrastructure development, including the upcoming Unity Mall at Chümoukedima. The mall will follow the “One District, One Product” formula, with space allocated for each district.
Nyusietho Nyuthe, Advisor of NRE and NSDMA, emphasised the need for social and cultural unity among Nagas. He noted that Nagaland lies in a seismic zone and that the department is prepared with relief measures for natural calamities. He also highlighted various funds available for disaster relief and urged collective preparedness.
Wangpang Konyak, Advisor to the Social Welfare Department, stated that the department is bearing all expenses for cataract surgery for senior citizens and called upon the public to avail of the facilities. He added that the department has a pension scheme for senior citizens above 80 years of age under BPL, with more than 52,000 beneficiaries currently availing of it. He also noted that there are some duplications of beneficiaries in certain districts, which the department is working to resolve.
Tongpang Ozukum, Advisor for Water Resources, said that due to backlog problems, the department faces challenges in taking up new projects, but expressed hope that new projects will be launched from the next financial year. He added that the department is working to restore water bodies in the state, noting that Nagaland has very few compared to other states.
Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, Advisor for School Education & SCERT, emphasised the need to redesign schools in Nagaland and shared various challenges faced by the department. He said the department is taking up many new initiatives to upgrade and improve the standard of schools, particularly focusing on infrastructure, administration, and scaling of school standards.
Kaito Aye, Minister for Road and Bridges, urged party leaders to stay updated with government policies and programmes. He said many roads were constructed under centrally sponsored schemes as well as state PWD funds, and stated that the department has done its best to ensure road connectivity in the state.
CL John, Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, expressed regret that the government occupies only about 5% of forestland and urged party leaders to create awareness among communities to preserve reserve forests. He stated that the department has banned the destruction of wildlife and forest resources to protect the environment.
The programme was chaired by moderator Merentoshi R Jamir, Vice President COB, with invocation prayer by K Puro, Vice President COB, and benediction prayer by K Mangyangpula Chang, Vice President, Central Farmer’s Wing.
