Kohima, March 18 (MExN): With the introduction of the new planning process NITI Aayog in the State, Apok C. Jamir, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism stated that it is a big challenge and responsibility for Nagaland where the onus of responsibility now lies with the State Government. “Unless, we mend our ways in our fiscal discipline and in our planning, we are going to see darker days. But I believe that we are in the efficient hands of an able leader and under his leadership. I also believe that the bureaucracy will take the challenge that is before us and that their commitment will be State first and Self second,” affirmed Jamir on March 18 at the ongoing budget session, where legislators discussed on the budget for the Year 2016-2017 which was highlighted on March 17.
Stressing on the significance of the opposition-less government, Apok C Jamir stated that it is the first time under the present leadership that the 14th Finance Commission has been introduced which “is more practical and more friendly.” Although the budget presented is a “very practical and progressive”, Jamir appealed to the bureaucracy of the State to ensure the progress “which the public expects from all of us will be seen not only on paper but also on the ground level.”
Year of the Construction Workers
2016-2017 has been declared the “Year of the Construction Workers”, thus concerns were highlighted on the declaration. “The Year of the Construction Worker is a big challenge because what we need to stress among the youth especially in the rural areas is dignity of labour,” said Apok C Jamir, who further cited the success story of Entrepreneurs Consortium. While the government has stressed a lot about youth and skill development, Jamir also pointed out the failure in making proper usage of the rich human resource in Nagaland.
“Naga people are weak not because we have less people but because we are disorganized and disoriented, because we only think of ourselves and not beyond our tribe,” said Yitachu. Asserting that Nagas have been spoilt with free money where many are getting used to receiving free money without work, Yitachu remarked it as an acute problem. Further stressing on the concept of construction work among Naga youth, Yitachu criticized, “We don’t feel shy to carry a spade and go to our fields but we feel shy to carry that very spade to work on the road.”
