Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 7
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said mistrust has to be done away with for progress to take the front seat. He was referring to Delhi’s suspicion which stems because of the Naga political problem. Giving away certificates to Cosyne Career Institute’s first bevy of graduates who were accorded a ceremony at Dimapur, Rio cited an example of growing frustration by relating the case of 10 students selected by the Nagaland Government and sent to Israel to undertake studies on horticulture and agriculture.
The Government of India has yet to provide permission to the students, Rio lamented.
Calling for more flexibility in the guidelines which govern the entry of foreign nationals into Nagaland, Rio said the scrapping of the ‘Restricted Area Permit’ by replacing it with the ‘Protected Area Permit’ has not contributed to easing difficulties for foreigners. Overseas professionals such as doctors and teachers have to be allowed a minimum of 1 year’s stay in Nagaland in order for them to provide much-needed services, he said. “I have written to GoI and am pursuing (the matter),” he said. Rio has even requested Opposition Leader I Imkong to broach the issue with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Yo youngsters! No shortcuts in life, Rio raps
It’s about time the Naga youth brigade realizes the need for a change in mindset and attitude. Rio subscribes to this notion often advocated by elders. “Don’t eat the seed, eat the fruit” is his message to beneficiaries of the CM’s corpus fund who fail to make optimal use of the finances advanced. Unless capital is utilized, dividends will not be realized and the vicious cycle will continue, Rio urges.
His mantra? There are no shortcuts to obtaining money or carving a good living. Take Rio’s career as case study: “I have become CM after struggling in political wilderness for 33 years.”
Rio believes Nagas are incredibly receptive. “But we need good teachers, good lecturers, educationists from outside.” The announcement of two consecutive years of youth empowerment has allowed the government to ‘manage something’ and has also opened windows.
He says his government is prepared to extend further finances to support the youth. “If we don’t give opportunities to the youth, our future is bleak because the future belongs to the youth.”
