Hopeful of political settlement before or immediately after Christmas
Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 13
Governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya graced the inaugural session of the 48th General Conference of Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu (SKK) at Zutovi village on December 13.
Addressing the gathering, on the Naga Political issue, Acharya reminded about the agreements inked by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi Government with NSCN (IM) and the 6 NNPGS and expressed the hope that peace process would be finalized either before Christmas or immediately after Christmas.
PB Acharya said that the Representation submitted to him regarding development of Nagaland University, Lumami was “pertinent and important.” He made comparisons with the neighbouring Tezpur University and NU which started at the same year but added that the former had progressed by leaps and bounds yet the latter was yet to see development in many areas.
He said that the conventional degrees being offered by universities in the country were hardly applicable today and reminded about including skill development in the last semester.
Acharya said there was nothing wrong in the conventional degrees but added “If you want to make a golden Nagaland you have to enter into the skill sector.” He also spoke about the diminishing work culture where nobody wanted to be a welder, electrician, plumber etc. “These are the jobs required in every industry,” he said.
The Governor described it as a “lamenting story” about the NU Lumami students demanding a truck at least once in a week for going to Assam border to purchase vegetables. Acharya said the students’ grievances were presented to him during one of his visits to NU Lumami.
“Road connectivity is a political job, it should be done by your politicians, bureaucrats, contractors and you have to question them. Stand against corruption, it is the biggest disease. Every year, Nagaland has a budget of Rs 1500 crore, where does it go?” he said.
“You have good leaders and government but where is the governance?” the Governor queried. He also pointed out that every MLA was getting Rs 2 crore annually for their constituency development.
He said that Modi Government had made it mandatory for every MLA and MP to adopt a village adding, “But none of them have come to me saying they have adopted a village,” he added.
Touching upon the education sector, Acharya said that the government schools in Nagaland attracted only the poor people and the rich send their children to private schools.
He said that the young people have to be a game changer and called for a change in the mindset. He said Nagaland was overflowing with government employees and that there was hardly an opportunity to get government jobs. “Many infrastructures are missing in schools, funds are coming in for Mid Day Meal Scheme but where are they vanishing?” he added.
The Governor highly praised the SKK and the Organizing Committee for conducting the programme in Sumi dialect adding “Mother tongue is God-given, be proud to be a Sumi but it does not mean about hating others. Without your mother tongue, you have no identity and you will be nowhere,” he added.
The Governor upon his arrival unveiled the Conference monolith in the premises of Zutovi Village Baptist Church.
SKK President, Ninoto Awomi in his keynote address paid rich tributes to the pioneers and former leaders of the Union. He highlighted on the issue taken up by SKK regarding transfer with post in the Education Department, SARDP, illegal immigrants in Zunheboto town, Mission Doing Right etc.
Sumi Hoho President, Hekhushe Shikhu urged upon the youngsters to introspect into what they can contribute towards the society. “Revoke disunity amongst yourself and appreciate each other for the betterment of our society,” he said. He also encouraged preserving and promoting Sumi dialect.
NSF President, Kesosul Christopher Ltu stressed on the issue of illegal immigrants adding “unless we were ready to embrace work culture, the menace cannot be contained or addressed.” In this connection, he pointed out that as long as the State’s economy was controlled by others then the future would be sabotaged and made a clarion call for promoting one another within the society for a vibrant economy.
Central Organizing Committee, Convenor, S. Zhevihe Swu chaired the programme while Rev Dr Hevukhu Achumi Executive Secretary, WSBAK pronounced the invocation.
A memorandum was also submitted to the Prime Minister, Narendra Damodardas Modi through the Governor of Nagaland with the request to review of the rate of land compensation aid to the six villages land viz. Shokhuvi, Razaphe Basa, Pimla, Zutovi, Khemnok and Dhansiripar for construction of Railway project in Nagaland.
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