Dimapur, June 24 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has put up some important proposals pertaining to the State. He pointed out that the needs have not been attended to till date by the Centre. Addressing a meeting of chief ministers of north eastern states on Wednesday at Shillong convened by the Minister for DoNER and Mines, Rio requested that the schemes must be taken up either under the Rs 500 crore special package announced by the former Finance Minister or under the special economic stimulus package of Rs 20,000 crores for the country. Rio in particular requested the Union Minister of DoNER to give his personal attention towards early sanction of the projects that are crucial for Nagaland.
The demand listed by the Nagaland CM included the alternative airport at Ciethu. “This has been a long-felt need which is yet to be fulfilled. I would like to request the Minister of DoNER to kindly ensure that this is taken up during his tenure”, Rio stated. Another important issue according to Rio was setting up of a medical college in Nagaland. He pointed out that the state does not have a single medical college. Further stating that air connectivity would be crucial in the future context of the NE region, Rio informed that the state government was negotiating with some firms to set up a pilot and air-maintenance institute in Dimapur and requested that the DoNER may come to assist the state for setting up such an institute.
Rio has also suggested that DoNER through NEC may take the initiative to introduce a helicopter taxi service for NE region by either promoting some private operators or helping the states to purchase helicopters and assist in its maintenance through a common agency in the region. On railway connectivity in Nagaland, Rio reminded on the proposed Dimapur-to-Kohima railway line while lamenting that it was “still on the drawing boards”. Rio informed about the proposal for a railway line from Dimapur to Tizit via Tuli Paper Mill pointing out that this was another important economic infrastructure for Nagaland.
Also, the Nagaland CM reminded that the government had moved the Central Government for the extension of the four lane east-west corridor to Dimapur – Kohima - Imphal and Moreh. “This would not only help in linking Nagaland with the rest of India but allow Manipur / Nagaland / Assam to be linked with important growth centers in South East Asian countries. This proposal should be taken up seriously”, Rio stated.
Further, Rio informed that there is a great need for colleges in Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire and Longleng districts, they being the most backward districts of the state. He requested a special package from the DoNER for this program. Similarly Rio mentioned that there is a need to build tribal hostels and residential schools in the border areas and called for assistance, describing them as “critical for the development of the most backward areas of the state”.
