Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 16
Nagaland Parliamentary Secretary for Geology & Mining and Irrigation & Flood Control, Y Patton, today said that the status of a country depends a lot on engineers and technocrats, especially in the modern era where stiff competition among nations is the order of the day and where only the advanced nations can survive.
“Engineers are the men behind bringing a strong and resilient infrastructural development and in building a strong and vibrant nation”, the Parliamentary Secretary said in his address a chief guest at the annual council meeting of Indian Engineering Federation, North-Eastern Region (INDEF - NER) held at Rhododendron hall, Police Complex, Chumukedima.
This year’s annual meeting of INDEF (NER) was hosted by Federation of Nagaland State Engineering Services Association (FONSESA). Patton said that one of the primary concerns of NE Region, which is within the Seismic Zone-V, is the perennial threat due to natural calamities such as earthquakes, landslides and floods.
“Let me remind you that the region should be well prepared to face these challenges technically and our structures should be resilient to with stand such calamities. We should take stock of these challenges and draw expertise from them. The engineering response must be firm and tuned to the future, leaving as lasting footprint for future generations”, he said.
On the other hand, Patton also said that the whole of Northeastern region has vast potential with regard to natural resources with beautiful landscapes and suitable climatic condition, which calls for exploitation of the resources as well as promotion in tourism sector. He said the engineers should take responsibility in exploring the rich natural resources that are available at “our door steps.”
The Parliamentary Secretary further said that with the comprehensive “Look East Policy” focussed in changing the face of the North-East in all aspects, engineers and technocrats of the region should re-dedicate themselves and work harder with clear vision and innovative ideas.
“Engineers are professionals. They should strictly show their professionalism in maintaining quality control without any compromise...When engineers and technocrats of the Northeast region work with true commitment, I don’t see any reason why our region should be lagging behind”, he said.
On INDEF’s charter of demands, especially with regard to welfare of FONSESA members, Patton assured that he would apprise the Chief Minister of the genuine grievances of engineers in the state. “Demands maybe genuine but demands often get delayed for one reason or the other. However, I am quite positive and convinced that your demands will be fulfilled sooner or later”, he added.
Former INDEF (NER) President Er. C Debnath, Engineer-in-Chief Nagaland PWD, Er. Vikuotuolie Angami and INDEF (NER) Secretary General, Er. Katung Waghe, also addressed the meeting. Er. Vikuotuolie presented his personal views on the road task force on development initiatives for the NE states. INDEF (NER) President Er. PR Marwein delivered the presidential address.
INDEF (NER) reiterates 3-pt charter demand
Reiterating its 3-point charter of demands, Indian Engineering Federation, North-Eastern Region (INDEF - NER) has urged both Government of India and all state governments for early implementation of the demands for welfare of engineers and technocrats in the country.
Addressing a press conference on the sidelines of INDEF (NER) council annual meeting, INDEF members said their charter of demands include constitution of engineering commission, heading and manning of technical departments by technocrats and removal of disparity in career values of engineers vis-a-vis administrative services.
On constitution of engineering commission, INDEF officials said they have already written to the President and senior Union ministers for Parliament to pass an act to that effect.
With regard to heading or manning of technical departments by technocrats, INDEF members informed that so far 19 states in the country including four in the North-East (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya and Sikkim) have implemented the same.
