Chizokho Vero
Kohima | April 25
State administration today inked another landmark in its history as the new assembly complex of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), covering the assembly hall, assembly secretariat and legislators home, was inaugurated in the capital.
“May it become a hallowed institution, from where the true voices of the people are expressed and heard, from where fair play and justice flows out, and from where the state draws its inspirations and directions for speedy growth and development,” Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said while dedicating the complex to the people.
Rio hoped that with great improvements in the physical infrastructures and amenities, the performance of the legislators will see corresponding improvements, both inside and outside the house.
Stating that the Nagaland Assembly has now completed 43 years of existence and the present assembly is the 10th assembly, Rio expressed hope that Nagaland assembly will continue to be the standard bearer in maintenance of parliamentary decorum and decency.
The Chief Minister said in terms of its location and beauty, its architectural and aesthetic designs and the quality of buildings, the new complex is second to none, especially in the north east region and “it has, in fact, become a matter of pride for the Nagas, and an envy of our neighbors.”
Also, NLA speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie informed that the shifting process of the assembly secretariat will start very soon.
Opposition leader I Imkong also said that “this new Legislature Secretariat and Legislators’ Home shall uphold the pride of the state before the nation and the members of the house will stride forward with rejuvenated spirit and motivation to build a prosperous state where democracy rules with triumph over evil and disparity for the welfare of the prosperity.” Imkong also conveyed his best wishes for a grand success in the functioning of the new complex.
“It is okay” observed former Speaker Zhovehu Lohe on the new complex.
Referring to maintenance, Lohe regretted that the people were lacking behind the sense of love to government properties. He was hopeful that the elected representatives will set a role model in keeping the MLA hostel and its premises neat and clean.
“We are very proud of it,” said MLA Takamasa while commenting on the new complex adding that it was ‘impressive.’ Terming the project as “collective achievement,” he also acknowledged all the past and present leaders in making the project a reality.
MLA KV Pusa also described the structure and location of the complex as ‘one of the best,’ adding “We are proud to present this to people of Nagaland.” “It is really beautiful,” he complimented and expressed the hope that further improvement will be given on aesthetic aspect.
The foundation stone of the project was laid by the then speaker Thenucho, now home minister in 1991 with an estimated cost of Rs. 65.55 Crore which was revised to Rs. 85.91 Crore in 2004. The first session of NLA was held on March 22, 1964 in the makeshift hall in the premises of old Kohima Art College, which was addressed by the first Governor of Nagaland Vishnu Sahay. In this session, TN Angami was elected as the first speaker.
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