MTLT seeks better healthcare, education, transport and infrastructure
DIMAPUR, NOVEMEBER 17 (MExN): The Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT) today submitted a representation to the Nagaland State Governor highlighting issues of concern in Mokokchung district regarding healthcare, infrastructure, education, transport and power.
The MTLT listed out demands with regard to the Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH). It asked that a technician be appointed to run the ultrasound equipment; repair/replace malfunctioning CT scan; technician be appointed to run the ECG equipment; establish an ICU; appoint more gynaecologists; provide paediatricians; and make the Radiotherapy Unit functional.
Regarding the PHED, the MTLT informed that more than half of the consumers are paying meter rent without any drop of water supply. It revealed that there are 2460 pipeline connections (as per the Department’s disclosure) against an approximate 30,000 households in Mokokchung town. Further, it stated that the pump house located at Salangtem ward has a tank that is always overflowing with water. Hence, provisions must be made to pump the surplus water to reservoirs already located at different locations in town, the MTLT demanded.
Meanwhile, it pointed out that as the Mokokchung-Mariani road has now been declared a national highway, responsibility lies on the Governor as a representative of the Centre. The MTLT also proposed that the library at the Fazl Ali College be pgraded with state-of-the-art facilities. In addition, it asked for more colleges to offer various disciplines.
Meanwhile, it pointed out that Mangkolemba and Changtongya are two places developing rapidly, and hence asked that this growth must be complemented by emphasis on educational growth. Towards this, it proposed setting up of at least one college in each location.
The MTLT further lamented that the Inter State Bus Terminus in Mokokchung is “still left to rot since its inauguration in 2011.” It noted that the district administration has also issued several directives to shift everything to the new ISBT. Keeping in view the traffic congestions in town and the potential economic benefits if shifted to the new facility, the MTLT petitioned the Governor to intervene.
It meanwhile stated that the proposed ‘Northern Peripheral Road’ approved by the District Planning & Development Board (DPDB) in 2015 needs to be sped up. As per the report, the PWD R&B division of Mokokchung has already prepared the project’s concept note and submitted it to the government for approval, it revealed, and asked the Governor to take up the matter with urgency.
The MTLT also pointed out that the current Youth Hostel is lying unutilised. Such a facility needs to be made fully functional, it said and proposed that a sports academy be set up in the district.
The PDS scam, it also stated has “spread far and wide in Nagaland.” It claimed that the Mokokchung PDS scam is “just the tip of the iceberg and has bigger implications in the Nagaland context and beyond.” Hence, the MTLT asked that a CBI probe must begin with immediate effect. It further informed that the MTLT “is still not satisfied with the outcome of the things with regard to this issue.”
Regarding the power scenario in the district, the MTLT stated that earlier promises made by the government to establish a new substation at Majakong ward and upgrade of the current substation at Salangtem have not seen the light of day. It informed that with the increasing number of consumers and urbanisation, such projects must be finished with high priority.
Time to change our mindset: Governor
MOKOKCHUNG, NOVEMBER 17 (DIPR): “It is high time to change our mind-set, for to bring about a change in the Naga society only Nagas can do it”, said the Governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya during the civic reception programme at Town Hall Mokokchung today.
The Governor said corruption has diluted Naga culture and it is time for people to realize that the worst enemy for development is insurgency and corruption.
While reiterating on the development issues in the state, he said crores of rupees that come from the centre should be well monitored. Lamenting on the poor infrastructure in the state he said in most of the district Hospitals there are less number of patients as compared to the capacity of the hospital and to move to other hospitals involves immense hardship due to pathetic road connectivity.
He also stated that the basic foundation for a society is education and called for change in the present educational system. He opined that certain subjects need to be added so that students would be employable. He also urged empowered young Naga people to come to Nagaland so that they could contribute to Naga society.
The Governor then said raw materials in the state need to be exploited and industries should be set up to solve the unemployment problem in the state.
