Kohima, August 3 (MExN): Newly appointed Minister for Rural Development & REPA, EE Pangteang today commented on various reports pertaining to issues of contract appointment and deputations which has put the department in the limelight over the past few months.
On this the Minister informed that a high level committee would be conveyed soon and necessary action would be taken up according with the court directive. He said this during an interactive session with the officers of RD Department at its Conference Hall, informed a press note from the department.
The Minister also launched the RDNLKM Bulk SMS for facilitating effective dissemination of information and communication of the departmental programmes and for smooth implementation to all the stakeholders.
He emphasized on the importance of the department’s role in employment generation and to facilitate and create avenues to avail opportunity especially at the grassroots level.
He said that the department with its integrated policy needs to mobilize and communicate with the concerned village authorities, VDBs and NGOs to identify the potentials so that self-sufficiency is achieved since their economic well being will directly lead to the improved economy of the State.
Maintaining that programmes like Grant-in Aid to VDBs, Micro Financing and Matching Cash Grant are making a big impact towards providing infrastructure requirement to the rural people, he however stressed that the beneficiaries of these programmes must ensure that all facilities provided by the government are properly utilized and accounted for through active participation of the VDBs. Towards this end, he said the officers of the department must ensure that socio-economic developments generated are focused to a point where the rural areas can be declared as developed.
The Minister further lauded the effort and achievements made by the department towards implementing the various flagship programmes. “Significant contribution has been made towards development of the State in general and uplift of the rural in particular and to be a part of such elite group is an honour,” he added.
He also called upon all the officers to rededicate themselves on the numerous responsibilities and to accord top priority to the government’s policy of serving the rural and village people who comprise the vital sections of the people.
Welcoming the Minister, Secretary RD, Kelei Zeliang expressed hope that under his leadership, the department will would be able to reach new heights and achieve bigger things especially for the rural people.
Joint Director RD, K Neibou Sekhose also briefed the Minister about the activities of the department and urged him look into the process of Cadre Review of the department as per rules and at par with other alliance departments.
Project Director, Kohima, Kevipodi on behalf of all the PDs assured the Minister of their cooperation as implementing agencies, to successfully implement all programmes and activities under the department.
The Programme was chaired by Director, RD, Metsubo Jamir, while vote of thanks was delivered by Additional Director-I, RD, Imlimeren Jamir.
