Socio-political instability hampering state’s developmental progress: Kenye

Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye addressing the General Biennial Conference 2024 of FONSESA at Hotel Japfü, Kohima on September 6. (Morung Photo)

Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye addressing the General Biennial Conference 2024 of FONSESA at Hotel Japfü, Kohima on September 6. (Morung Photo)

Morung Express news 
Kohima | September 6 

Minister of Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye today underlined that unresolved and prolonged Indo-Naga Political issues has taken a toll on important developmental projects and has effected several generations then and now. 

Speaking at the General Biennial Conference 2024 of the Federation of Nagaland State Engineering Services Association (FONSESA) held at Hotel Japfü, Kohima today, Kenye admitted that the state do not have proper road infrastructure and power supply which are otherwise vital for development and effects every sphere of department. He attributed the ramifications to socio-political unrest in the state. 

He said developments are not forthcoming despite the Indian government not having any dearth for providing financing resources. "Even when state government approaches centre to provide finance, it takes years to consider our project, Kenye stated and said that without power and energy, no industry will come forward to establish its centre in the state. 

The Minister said much needed development have not been met even after 60 years of statehood because of unresolved social and political unrest for which the state machinery have not been given the liberty to access the available communication and collaboration to open up doors for making the state an important North-East economic corridor. 

He also said this socio-political situation is also not conducive for industries to come to the state. 

The Minister, meanwhile, lamented that Nagaland has the highest unemployment rate among the Northeastern states with 28.7% and the government was unable to accommodate more employees. 

These financial impediments, he pointed out, has been an underlying cause for keeping potentials of people and resources of the state untapped for many years. Kenye said these issues will reach a saturation point if this political issue remains unresolved and will have ramifications even on coming generations. 

Speaking on the efforts of the state government on the Indo Naga political discussions, the Minister said that the government is continuously engaged in discussions with all groups involved, but lamented that despite numerous meetings, little progress has been made. 

He also expressed that the struggle to find a common ground over the division among several NNPGs have further impaired progress on the talks. 

Kenye said the government machineries intents all different groups to be transparent and share their blueprints in public, allowing every citizen to read and assess them as it will impact every individual.  

Engineers have major role to play in the event of natural calamities 
FONSESA president, Er K Hutoi Sema said engineers have major role to play in the event of natural calamities in the state. He said the field of engineering today is also witnessing the advent of cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet of Things (loT), Building Information Modeling (BIM), and smart infrastructure systems which in has become the core of how engineers design, build, and manage infrastructure and  make  engineering more efficient, sustainable, and resilient. 

"Embracing these technologies will allow us to innovate and provide sustainable solutions that address the unique challenges of our state, such as difficult terrains, frequent landslides, and the need for climate-resilient infrastructure,” he stated. 

The president, meanwhile, highlighted that the proposed Nagaland Engineering Service Rule 2012 (NESR 2012) has been a long-standing challenge for the engineering fraternity, primarily due to two crucial issues in contention with the Personnel & Administrative Reforms (P&AR) Department. "These hurdles have delayed the finalization of the rules, impacted the structure and functioning of our engineering services," he stated. 

Sema also said that the Association, along with partner associations, is actively seeking justice from the state government to ensure that they receive rightful share as per admissible quota for IAS seat encadrement and NPSC member appointments expressing how it is crucial for fair representation and growth of engineering community.