Ministers CL John and Temjen Imna Along address a press conference in Kohima following a State Cabinet meeting on June 12. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 12
The State Cabinet on Thursday had a thorough discussion on the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO)’s comments on the draft proposals for the Frontier Nagaland Territory Authority (FNTA) and maintained that the basic principles agreed upon in the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) should be strictly followed.
The State Cabinet held that the 12 remaining points, where differences still exist, can be further negotiated, informed Nagaland Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister CL John and Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along, during a press conference at Hotel Japfu, Kohima.
On Reservation Policy
Meanwhile, the Cabinet ‘in principle’ decided to constitute a Commission to look into all aspects of the reservation policy in government employment in the State.
The Government will come out with comprehensive terms of reference and the composition of the Commission within one month's time, CL John said.
Regarding the memorandum submitted by five tribes concerning reservation, Along stated that the Cabinet had decided to constitute a five-member Commission to be headed by two IAS officers, along with one representative each from the Central Nagaland Tribes Council, Tenyimi People’s Organisation, and ENPO.
The idea of the Commission is not to take away or increase reservation, but to examine the matter thoroughly, he clarified. “For many years, this has not been reviewed in a proper manner,” he added.
The Chief Minister was very clear that people of integrity—academicians and qualified individuals—should be appointed to the committee, he said. Everyone must be taken on board, he assured, adding that the Commission cannot be seen as favouring only a few tribes.
Assistant Professors issue
The Cabinet also discussed the Committee Report for the absorption of 147 Assistant Professors under the Higher Education Department.
In the process, it took note of the recommendations of the High-Powered Committee and directed the Department to re-examine the proposal as per due process and bring back the post-creation proposal to the Cabinet.
The Cabinet was also apprised of the progress made on the laying of the gas pipeline in the State by IGGL and was informed that No Objection Certificates (NoC) have been granted for 107 kilometers out of the total 140 km stretch, with only 33 km remaining. The Cabinet, thus, directed for the expedition of the process.
