Focus should be given to income generating schemes and good road connectivity: CL John
Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 9
Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development and REPA, CL John today called upon the officers of the Rural Development Department to properly guide and educate the Village Development Boards (VDBs) on implementation of various schemes and its guidelines so as to reap maximum benefits.
John said that the Government of India has undertaken numerous flagship programmes with a view to ameliorate the suffering people, especially to eradicate poverty in the rural areas of the country. “In our state, rural development has been always accorded top priority to uplift the poor and weaker section of the society,” the Parliamentary Secretary said, while addressing the annual conference of the Nagaland Rural Development Service Association (NRDSA) here today at Hotel Vivor.
He stated that with effective and laudable implementation of centrally sponsored schemes like MGNREGA, IAY, SGSY, BRGF and Grants-in-aid and micro financing under state plan, the people have immensely benefited through the collective efforts and contributions for all the members of the NRDSA. He asserted that a lot more remains to be carried out by ensuring effective and judicious utilization of funds so that development of rural areas is at par with that of urban areas.
“We should remembers that in any society, people cannot survive solely dependent on grants from the government and therefore the department and VDBs should focus special importance to income generating schemes and good road connectivity, by which the villages can have a self sustained village economy,” he said. He added that such an approach would go a long way in meeting the cherished dreams of the pioneers of the unique institution of VDBs, the idea and vision for which was conceived based on the prevalence of strong social capital in Naga society.
He also challenged the gathering to salute and pay rich tributes to the late Vamuzo and M. Gokhale, the architects for the evolution of VDBs in the state. Also stating that the main thrust of the DAN government being rapid development of backward and rural areas in Nagaland, with special attention on having good and all weather roads across the state, John said that the government has recently decided to converge the implementation of MGNREGA and BRGF schemes for construction of village approach and circular roads in association with the Roads and Bridges department.
He said that the department will prepare the detailed data base and provide technical assistance for all such roads to be taken up from 2013-14 onwards through these two schemes. He added that maintenance of the roads thereafter would be the responsibility of the VDBs.
The Parliamentary Secretary was optimistic that the officers would play their part well in translating the vision and policy of the government into a reality, raged by effectively coordinating with the R&B department and also by properly guiding VDBs towards providing good road connectivity in rural areas of Nagaland.
“As we embark on a journey of the new DAN government under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister,” he sought cooperation and feed-backs for effective implementation of the various programmes. Also speaking on the occasion, Commissioner and Secretary for Rural Development, V Sakhrie stressed on the need to have a team spirit and for better coordination to ensure that the goals and objectives of the department go in the right direction.
He also requested the Association to extend full cooperation to the department and at the same time to uphold the image of the department. Rural development Director, Metsubo Jamir stated that 80% of people in the state depend on the performance of the RD department and called upon the officers to see that its performance is improved.
He also urged upon them to not forget their responsibility but to rise up to the challenges ahead not only for the department but for the people of Nagaland. Earlier, NRDSA President, Kevipodi Angami delivered the Presidential address. NRDSA Vice President, C.L. Meren chaired the function while a vote of thanks was proposed by NRDSA advisor, Neibu Sekhose.
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