Elders should be honest while upholding traditional values — Nagaland Chief Minister

Our Correspondent
Kigwema, Dec. 17 (EMN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio reminded the older generation to be honest while upholding the traditional values and norms of the village council system as the Centre has exempted Nagaland from the system of Panchayati Raj.

He was speaking during the inaugural function of Kigwema village council hall in Kohima on Thursday.

Rio said that the need to establish a community building or hall is part of those necessities which deserves attention of the government.

The chief minister also reiterated that once delimitation is implemented, the correct number of representation will be allocated to each district according to their demarcation.

Citing various examples from Article 371 (A), which gives special provision with respect to the state of Nagaland, he urged the people not to distort their own identities as the government of India has acknowledged the unique culture and tradition of the Nagas, based on its history.

He therefore, urged the elders of Kigwema to select good leaders, with their wisdom, who can look after the welfare of the villagers.

The chief minister was also appreciative of the farmers from southern Angami region who not only harvest varieties of vegetable crops for their consumption but also for the residents of Kohima town by selling their produce to them.

He said that one of the best educational institutions in the state is situated in the region.

Meanwhile, Rio shared how the state government had faced a ‘huge problem’ due to the faulty enumeration of the state Census carried out in 2001, ‘which hampered the plan of the government’.

He stated that such defective enumeration in the census gave rise to an excess numbers of teachers. He added that due to such fraudulent activities, the Election Commission is insisting on referring to voter's identity cards with Aadhaar or biometric identity cards during election.

Rio also said that people of Nagaland do not know how to “give back to the government” though they are being exempted from paying taxes.

He reminded that Nagaland needs to be self-sufficient while asserting that during the pandemic-induced lockdown, Nagaland relied on the assistance extended by the Centre.

Citing such examples, he reminded the youth to realise the vast opportunities in agri and allied activities and stop depending only on government jobs.

“It’s time for Nagas to lead a new life,” he said.

The chief minister also assured to look into the possibility of upgrading the government high school at Kigwema into a higher secondary school (science stream) as requested by the village.

Citing the delay caused by land disputes at the present site for construction of the Nagaland High Court at Meriema, Rio informed that they are deciding to shift the site to the existing Gauwati High Court Bench building in Kohima.

He also extended greetings for the yearlong celebration in commemoration of 100 years of Christianity in Kigwema while wishing a merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.

Thepfuralie Zütso, convenor of building committee, informed that a total of INR one crore and sixty-lakh have been spent to construct the village council hall.