INR 2 cr. out of 800 cr.: Governor ‘disappointed’ at measly contribution

Kohima, Sep. 6 (EMN): Terming the ‘emergency-like situation’ in Nagaland triggered by heavy monsoon rains, which have led to loss of lives, and damage to houses as a ‘test time’ (sic) for the people, the governor of Nagaland PB Acharya has appealed to the people to extend help in every possible way.

In his presidential address at the 32nd annual general meeting of the Indian Red Cross Society Nagaland (IRCSN) that was held at Red Cross Complex in Kohima, Acharya expressed disappointment that through the CM relief fund, the state could generate only a little more than INR 2 cr. when the total required amount was INR 800 cr.

Acharya maintained that it was a time for every individual to introspect to exert more efforts to help people in distress.

The governor appreciated the IRCSN for rendering services to the community and providing emergency assistance within its resources. Nonetheless, he said that the organisation needs to exert more effort at difficult times such as this when the state was reeling from emergencies.

Acharya said that the society should take the lead in helping the people and motivate others to assist.

“We have the capacity;we have rich people and achievers amongst us,” Acharya said, and appealed to stakeholders and the public to extend help by contributing to the CM’s relief fund to help those who have been affected.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also spoke during the event. He acknowledged the generous donations and prompt services of the IRCSN in the service of humanity in response to the monsoon emergency this year in various parts of the state, and outside the state.

The service of the society, he said, is especially relevant today when the state is facing challenges in terms of loss of life and damage to property caused by heavy rains and landslides.

Many roads and highways, particularly in Kiphire district, have been damaged or blocked due to the rains. Rio said the government has mobilised all its resources to ensure roads are open and supply of essential commodities unhindered.

He called upon the Red Cross units in the districts to assist the deputy commissioners and district disaster management authority to mitigate the crisis. They can mitigate the crisis by organising health camps and raising resources for the disaster relief aid, he said.

Rio opined that the society should be more proactive with regard to disaster management. He said that the role of the Red Cross can be there not only for immediate relief during emergencies but also in disaster mitigation activities and rehabilitation programmes.

Emphasising on the need for the society to evaluate its past performance and to formulate a plan of action for the future, Rio suggested promoting the Junior Red Cross units in more and more schools across the state to train young people in first aid and basic humanitarian services.

“Involvement of youth enables them to imbibe the spirit of understanding and acceptance of one’s civic responsibilities towards fellow human beings, preparing them to become better citizens of tomorrow,” Rio said.

To ensure that the Red Cross remains vibrant and active, Rio said the society needs to reach out to more people, particularly the youths, in the remote areas. This can be done by expanding the organisation’s activities and making its presence felt for the needy and those in distress.Rio appreciated the active role being played by the Red Cross Society in the Swachh Bharat Mission too. He is optimistic that the society would be an instrument for influencing attitude change among the people to help the state.

While informing about the government’s resolution to declare Nagaland “plastic free,” Rio said that the involvement of the Red Cross’ members in banning the use of single-use plastics was going to be ‘very important.’