Nagaland CM, Neiphiu Rio addressing the NLA on March 20. (DIPR Photo)
• NLA members take oath
• Governor La. Ganesan to address assembly session today
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 20
The newly elected members of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) today took oath in the first session of the 14th NLA here.
Before proceeding to assembly business, the 60 members of the House stood for one minute silent prayer, invoking God’s blessing as they embark to serve the people of the state for five years.
Pro-tem Speaker Mhathung Yanthan initiated the 1st session and administered the conduct of oath taking for all the elected members into the 14th NLA.
The 14th House of NLA has 29 new members and 31 returning members, amongst them 2 women members.
The House accorded welcome to Salhoutuonuo Kruse and Hekani Jakhalu for being the first two women legislators in the history of the state assembly.
In the 2023 state general election held on February 27, Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party won 25 seats, Bharatiya Janata Party-12, Independent-4, Janata Dal (United)-1, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas)-2, Naga People’s Front- 2, National People’s Party-5, Nationalist Congress Party-7 and Republican Party of India (Athawale)- 2.
Earlier, the Pro-tem Speaker made obituary reference to the passing away of Dr Imtiwapang Aier, former member of NLA who expired on January 7 this year. “Though he is no more with us, his valuable services and noble deeds to the people will always be remembered,” said Yanthan.
The House observed one minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul.
Meanwhile, Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan will address the second day of the assembly session on March 21 at 9:30 AM. The session will continue till March 28.
Sharingain Longkumer elected unopposed as NLA speaker
Sharingain Longkumer has been elected unopposed as Speaker of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly. Longkumer filed his nomination for the post of Speaker on March 18. His candidature was proposed by Minister Temjen Imna Along and seconded by advisor Kekhrielhoulie Yhome.
“Since there is only one nomination paper, (for the post of Speaker NLA), I have the pleasure to declare Sharingain Longkumer unanimously elected as speaker of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly,” said Yanthan after completing the election process of Speaker in the first session of the 14th NLA here today.
In his acceptance speech, Longkumer said “It is with sincere humility and a profound sense of honour that I humbly submit myself to the verdict of this August House, and graciously accept the dignified chair as the Speaker of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly.”
Longkumer expressed his gratitude to all members led by the Leader of the House, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Ministers Yangthungo Patton and TR Zeliang for the confidence, trust and privilege bestowed upon him by electing him (unopposed) to serve as the speaker of NLA for a 2nd term.
He assured to carry out his duties and responsibilities in such manner as “befits your trust and confidence.”
He maintained that the fundamentals and essence in a parliamentary democracy is to always project a people's mandated government that addresses the most pertinent issues of public concern through discussions, deliberations and decisions in the greater interest of its people.
Stating that Nagaland Assembly is second to none on such matters of public importance, he urged all the members to participate and to make contributions raising concerns of public importance in the greater interest of democracy.
“On my part, it will also be one of my endeavours to prioritize and strengthen the various committees of the Nagaland Assembly in strict compliance with rules established, as an earnest attempt in support of the efforts of the present day government to bring about a robust system of transparency and accountability in governance,” he said and also sought the support of the chief secretary and civil administration.
“As I uphold my reserved sentiments in enthusiasm to serve you as Speaker, I solemnly affirm before this House that I shall discharge my duties and functions with diligence, dignity, and honour and perform with the highest degree of efficiency, integrity and impartiality protecting the rich traditions, high standards and dignity of this August House,” he said.
Rio felicitates speaker
Leader of the House and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio congratulated Sharingain Longkumer for being elected unopposed to the constitutional post of NLA Speaker
Longkumer was elected as a member of the 14th NLA from 26 Aonglenden Assembly Constituency.
Longkumer entered the NLA for the first time in May 2019 on being elected in the bye-election from 26 Aonglenden Assembly Constituency. On October 18, 2019, he was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the 13th House of the NLA, a post which he held till 6th February 2020. Later, on February 7, 2020, Longkumer was elected Speaker of the 13th House of NLA, and on that occasion also he was elected unopposed.
“Given his qualifications and rich experience, we have unanimously decided to entrust him with the prestigious post of Speaker once again, and I sincerely thank all the Members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly for graciously accepting our nomination of the candidate and electing him uncontested,” Rio said.
Rio said that the very high responsibility has been placed to the newly elected Speaker to steer and assist the NLA in its function of enabling and guiding the Government for legislating policies for the welfare of the people and for implementation of programmes.
“I assure you the unwavering cooperation of the Government,” he said. “I am confident, that, with your qualifications, past experience, and capabilities; you will be able to discharge the functions of the post of Speaker, commendably and with due honour,” Rio added.
