Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 9
Minister for rural development and REPA EE Pangteang today said that in democratic form of government, devolution and decentralization of power is the core of governance and expressed happiness that Nagaland has been the trend setter in the country with “our VDB system as the development agency at the grassroot level, for which the Government of India has also appreciated similar model in the form of Panchayati Raj.”
Speaking at the programme, the minister said today Nagaland has 1238 recognized villages with 2,84, 310 households which is covered by 74 RD blocks and 11 DRDAs.
“Inspite of acute financial constraints, state government continue to release the Grant- in- Aid to the VDBs and state matching state share to various CSS to the extent possible,” he said and urged that all 1238 VDBs in the state should properly formulate its action plan and carry out the development activities through most accountable transparency for the benefit of all and carry out the big responsibility government has entrusted.
Pangteang said that over the years, the department has shifted its focus by laying more importance to implement income generating activities with the objective of attaining sustainable development.
Stating that VDB are the core committee in the villages, he wanted that it should properly set good example and guide the other sister committees like Village Education Committee, Electricity, Health etc to bring about holistic development in the villages.
Stating that in village, not only rural development department but many other departments are simultaneously implementing various development schemes and projects, he appealed to the VDBs to avoid duplication of works in coordination with the departments concern and extract optimal benefits from each schemes and specific projects.
He maintained that the RD department has been implementing several flagship programmes in the state, adding that many roads have been constructed under MGNREGA since the inception of the scheme in 2006 along with PMGSY and other programmes.
“However, years after those roads already completed are either in pathetic conditions or become non-motorable. Therefore time has come for us to focus on maintenance of assets already created,” he said.
He also urged VDBs to resolve to protect from environmental degradation and preserve land resources in their respective villages through sensitization on its importance and ill-effects.
“Let us together rededicate for the service of our people and relentlessly strive to bring positive transformation in their lives through effective and successful implementation of various programmes as per the targets set and thereby achieve the goals envisaged in Vision 2030,” Pangteang said.
He also said that the launching of Mission Antyodaya was a momentous event in the history of the department. “The purpose of this campaign is to create an environment for clean villages, development of livelihood plans for households which centres around Gram Sabha meetings which would be implemented across all the Gram Panchayats throughout the country,” he said.
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