KOHIMA, MARCH 21 (DIPR): On the second day of the fourth session of twelfth Nagaland Legislative Assembly, besides starred questions and supplementary questions, other list of business included Assent to Bill, where Secretary NLA, A.E. Lotha reported the assent of the Governor of Nagaland on Nagaland salaries, allowances and other facilities of the Chief Minister, other ministers, speaker, leader of opposition, deputy speaker, parliamentary secretaries and other members of NLA. Pension for Ex-Members Act 2005 (4th Amendment) Bill 2013, administrative reports of various departments were laid on the floor of the House.
Government Bills including the Nagaland State Council of Higher Education Bill 2014, Nagaland Medical Council Bill 2014, Nagaland State Paramedical Bill 2014, and Nagaland Board of School Education Amendment Bill 2014 were introduced in the House. Speaker NLA Chotisuh Sazo informed that consideration and passing of these Bills would be taken up on March 22, 2014, and amendments, if any may, be submitted till 3 pm today, March 21, 2014. Supplementary demands for grants for the year 2013-14 and also statement of vote on account for the year 2014-15 was presented in the House by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. Discussion on vote on account will take place on March 24, informed the NLA Speaker.
Total amount received under IWMP
Parliamentary Secretary for Land Resources, B.S. Nganlang in response to a question raise by MLA Dr. Imliwapang Aier said that the total amount received by the department under IWMP scheme was Rs. 270,60,50,860. The area covered in the state was 1,80,000 ha and uncovered area under the scheme was 24,3000 ha. The parliamentary secretary furnished the expenditure amount year wise starting from 2009-2010 till date, which came to Rs. 270,60,50,860.
Minister on exploration of P&NG
Minister for Geology & Mining, T.R. Zeliang replying to a starred question raised by MLA Tokheho in regard to exploration of petroleum and natural gas stated that the State government has already issued two pre-production permits to two oil companies in Mon, Peren and Wokha districts for first phase of exploration and development programme. He also said that as per rule, the said permit holders shall start oil exploration with immediate effect.
Replying to a supplementary question of MLA Tokheho on whether the company will set up Oil Refinery in the State, the Minister said that the companies have submitted their profile with expression of interest. However, he said, it will depend on the quantity of the production which could be ascertained after the first phase of exploration.
Home minister and chief
minister on Naga political issue
In response to the opposition bench, the Home Minister, Kaito said the political negotiation is between the Government of India and “Underground” groups. He pointed out that around 68 talks have been held with the Centre, but currently the ongoing peace talk have been hampered due to non appointment of Interlocutor by the Centre. Commenting on the Naga political talks between the Government of India and “Underground” groups, Chief Minister Rio said that the Joint Legislature Forum comprising of 60 legislators have resolved to pursue the vexed Naga political issue for earlier settlement, where the NPF led DAN Government is a facilitator between GoI and the factions, he added. Rio also said that the Centre has invited Chief Ministers of Manipur and Arunachal to discuss about the Naga political issue, but the Centre did not invite Chief Minister of Nagaland for discussion of Naga issue, for which he felt that the Centre is not honest to the Naga political issue.
Forest minister on
devastations by elephants
In response to starred question raised by the opposition bench about wild elephants damaging crops and properties under Wokha district, Minister for Forest, Y. Patton said that when the government receive information about damages of crops and properties by wild elephants, the officers and staff of the department concerned inspect the spot for proper verification and pay compensation to the affected farmers. He also said that if villagers could donate land, the Government is ready to establish community conservation of wildlife area in the district. He also said that during the last three years, the Government has spent Rs. 1,39,350 to pay the victims.
Zhaleo Rio replies on municipal
& town council election
Parliamentary Secretary for Urban Development, Zhaleo Rio answering to a starred question raised by MLA Tokheho Yepthomi said that the election to Municipal & Town Council has been sub-judiced due to Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by the Joint Action Committee on Women Reservation (JACWR) in the Supreme Court. He also stated that the elections for Municipal & Town Council were due during 2010, as per normal tenure. However, the election was postponed in view of representations received from various Naga NGOs to withhold the elections to Municipalities, opposing to the 1/3 reservation of seats for women and due to the ongoing reconciliation and peace process at that period of time.
