In Mon, CM calls for improving district’s low literacy rate
MON, APRIL 6 (MExN): Nagaland State Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio today reiterated his government’s endeavour to bring change in the next five years be it in infrastructure, sports arena, tourism, agri and allied sectors.
Addressing the 27th anniversary of the Konyak Gazetted Officers’ Union (KGOU) at the Council Hall, Mon Town today, the CM recalled that the NDPP and BJP launched their election campaign in Mon. “I hope our partnership will continue so that we can continue to serve the people,” he stated.
The Chief Minister meanwhile lauded the KGOU as a “pillar of support” for the Konyak Union, the KNSK, Konyak Students Union and also various agencies including the Church. “You have been taking a pro-active role in shaping the future of our society. You are the cream of the society and the hope of our people and I am happy that you are gaining more momentum and having more commitment to serve the people,” Rio said.
Meanwhile, drawing attention to the low literacy rate in Mon, the CM challenged the KGOU to work towards addressing this issue. For this, he sought cooperation between the people and the government towards bringing quality education in the area.
“The literacy rate of Mon is only 56.99% against an average of 79.55% for the State of Nagaland. The challenge before us can be seen from the fact that the literacy rate of our State in 2001 was 66.59% - around 10% higher as compared to the literacy rate of Mon in 2011,” the CM informed, while appreciating the KGOU for its initiative to start coaching for central and state services examination aspirants.
Rio also acknowledged the Mon Deputy Commissioner, Thavaseelan K for his “humanitarian service” in taking the initiative with the help of NCS/NPS/IAS/IPS officers posted in Mon district to have free weekly classes for civil service aspirants. “We must take full advantage of this initiative,” he said.
“It’s also heartening to note that many youth from Mon have registered for the Mock tests being organized by Shankar IAS Academy, Chennai. I am hopeful that other districts will also follow this example and take advantage of these free Mock examinations to be conducted on April 12, May 13 and May 27 in Dimapur and Kohima,” he added.
He informed that the academy has also helped set up a library in the DC’s office for UPSC and NPSC aspirants. He expressed confidence that these initiatives can be further strengthened by involvement of the KGOU, who also plan to set up a Library cum reading rooms.
The CM also pointed to the need for setting up a Science wing in Wangkhao Government College, and urged all stakeholders to work towards this.
Private sector keen
The CM meanwhile informed that various corporations and charitable institutions like Tata Trust, Reliance Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, BMW Foundation, and John Deere Foundation are eager to work in Mon as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.
In this, the CM advised the KGOU to leverage the opportunity and extend its support in working out plans in the field of education, health, skill development and livelihood and employment generation. He informed that the government will be meeting with several of these companies soon.
Focus on tourism
Further talking about the new government’s aims, Rio stated that a key focus area is tourism. “My government has decided to promote the tourism sector. Hornbill Festival is world renowned and so we decided to have mini hornbill festival across the districts. The Government will support the Tribal Hohos to celebrate the tribal festivals which will be known to others as Mini Hornbill Festival. That will attract tourists throughout the year wherein tourists can come and see our rich culture and tradition, witness songs and dances.”
The government, he assured would provide support. He however asked tribal hohos to take ownership. “Throughout the year, you should produce your handloom and handicrafts, and your crops so that during your festivals, you can exhibit your products and earn revenue,” he added.
Stating that the Hornbill Festival requires an investment of around 4-5 crores but produces a turnover of approximately 51 crores, the Chief Minister informed that the Government will train tour operators, tourist guides and agents for which the gazetted officers should document the stories and legends of the tribe.
Towards this, the state government has decided to build a convention centre and tourist guest house in Mon Town and many other areas in Eastern Nagaland districts so that basic amenities can be available to the tourists.
In addition to this, the CM also laid emphasis on air connectivity within the State, the Foothill Road (Express Road) to Mon without going through Assam, as well as the railway line to Tizit. He hoped that these projects would soon become a reality with the cooperation of the people.
The CM further spoke on the need to test soil conditions of various areas so that cultivation of favourable crops will become economically viable. “The government gives agri loans, crop insurance etc. You can have contract farming and crop price protection so that the fluctuation of prices does not affect your farming project,” Rio stated and asked the DC to make an assessment report with all the departments.
In the area of sports, Rio expressed his desire to construct a special dedicated football ground with all modern facilities in Mon.
Also speaking during the function, DC Mon, Thavaseelan K stated that the district administration was focusing on seven priority sectors – health, education, agriculture, livelihood and employment generation, water and sanitation, infrastructure (telecom, power and roads) and financial inclusion.
Specific groups of people were also focused on. They include women, children, youth, differently abled, elderly citizens, PLHIVs, Drug and Opium addicts etc.
