Chizokho Vero
September 28
Kohima (MExN): In a significant development, the Department of rural development is contemplating introducing Public Help Centers in the State capital to address emergency cases in cases of power breakdown, disruption of water supply etc. Minister for Rural Development Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu informed Self Help Groups and Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies’ members during a one day Seminar on HIV/AIDS here today that said such centers would be located within the officers’ populated areas in Kohima on a trial basis. The centre, he said would be equipped with telephone facilities and would deliver quick service in the event of power failure, water supply as well as availing vehicles for patients in medical emergencies. These would be managed by the State Government for a year and would then be handed over to the concerned locality if the venture proves successful, he said. The minister also lamented that there were several cases of bogus co-operative societies in the state, with the sole objective of seeking loans and assistance from the Government. He also argued that there were several cases of individuals forming co-operative societies with the names of their entire family as the members. Taking serious view of the contemptible practice, he called upon the members to involve in the cooperative societies with a meaningful purpose to achieve sustainable income generation.
Referring to HIV/AIDS, the Minister emphasized the importance of mass awareness at the grass root-level and participation of the church and village. Tovili Sema, IAS also said that the government alone was not enough to tackle the problem and sought the involvement of every civil society and individuals to fight against HIV/AIDS. She maintained that since 95 per cent of the state population are Christians, the church could play a crucial role in AIDS prevention and care.
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