Morung Express News
Kohima | April 14
Joining the rest of the country, Nagaland today commemorated the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R Ambedkar by pledging honour his legacy maintaining social harmony and equity. The nation-wide campaign for celebration of National Panchayati Day was concurrently observed during the same event.
The State level celebration organised by the Social Welfare Department and Rural Development Department was held at Rural Development, Directorate Conference Hall Kohima.
Chairing the programme, the State Chief Secretary Pankaj Kumar IAS administrated the Oath to the participants, where they made solemn pledge to maintain social harmony and equity in order to create an equitable society, the dream of Dr. B.R Ambedkar.
Speaking on the occasion, CL John, Minister for Rural Development highlighted the contributions of Dr. B.R Ambedkar to the nation who visualized the socio economic and political transformation of the country through parliamentary democracy and rule of law, and gave the nation the idea of liberty, equality, fraternity.
He said that Nagaland is a pioneer in the grassroot development through the concept of Village Development Boards in the country. While the existence of the village councils has exempted Nagaland from the purview of Panchayati Raj, the state should not be denied its due share of development from the schemes framed under the Panchayati Raj Ministry, he asserted.
“All of us must ensure that the Constitution is strictly enforced. Justice delayed is justice denied and most of the time the weaker sections happen to be the victims,” he added.
He further articulated for peace and congenial atmosphere to usher in development. “To make a strong and progressive India as envisaged in our constitution, all of us must remain vigilant and guarded against forces and elements trying to destroy the unity and social harmony of our Nation.”
Kelei Zeliang, IAS, Secretary, Rural Development who spoke on the significance of 14th April the day of the Constitutional Amendment for Panchayati Raj came into force, stated that the Panchayati Raj Act was the foundation on which dignity and equality was bestowed upon to the poor and needy and the pillar of protection for the deprived. While taking pride in the success of the VDB format of decentralization in Nagaland, Zeliang maintained that the format also contributed to the basic formation and concretization of the Panchayati Raj Act.
Zeliang further briefed on the importance of decentralization and significance of the 73rd Constitutional amendment, and its Eleventh schedule which focus on land development programs, education and cultural activities, social welfare, provision of civic amenities, poverty alleviation and allied programs, maintenance of community assets, organisation and control of rural markets and village fairs.
A life sketch of Ambedkar was narrated by Delirose M Sakhrie, IAS, Secretary, Social Welfare while a short speech was delivered by Kiyaneilie Peseyie, Minister for Social Welfare.
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