Nagaland can never be developed if villages are not developed, says Chief Minister Rio

Dimapur, Nov. 30 (EMN): Nagaland can never be developed if villages are not developed and our target was to double the income of farmers and make village life more comfortable, said Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday.

Addressing the members of Kohima District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) during its day out cum pre-Christmas programme held at Youth Recreational Hall, Pfuchama, Kohima, Rio lauded the board for coming up with the village/ward adoption committee programme for the welfare of the villages and farmers.

He urged the district officers to share the responsibility of developing the district and set an example for others through innovations and adopting good policies, according to an update from DPRO Kohima.

Stating that most people go to their native villages during Christmas to be with the people, families and friends, he said one should engage in resourceful activities including keeping the village clean and health during the festive season.

Rio said “unity is the need of the hour for the State to survive as a community”, recounting the changing of the state government logo from Ashok Chakra to the mithun in 2006 after a thorough study, signifying “unity” as the government of India had recognised the uniqueness of the Nagas.

Keeping in line with this, he said the Hornbill Festival is a celebration of State day where all the cultural troupes of the Naga tribes come together to participate. It is a cultural extravaganza to revive, protect and preserve the richness and uniqueness of the Naga heritage, he said, adding that it has become a unique platform for tourists from around the world to witness the cultural diversity.

On the unemployment issue, he pointed out that one must work more to learn more. He said ‘Nagas should come out of individualism or tribalism and work collectively for Naga people so that everybody would succeed’.

Also stressing on the “permanent residence of indigenous people”, the chief minister said the real responsibility lies with the village councils and the nearest administrative officers who certify the issuance of “Indigenous Certificate” from Deputy Commissioner’s office.

He, therefore, said that “the ownership is with the village council to give the right certification of the person to avoid any penalties and the administrative officers should be aware of the amendment of the Village Council and Tribal Council Act and guide the district people”.

On setting up of a verification committee for LADP Scheme 2022-23, the board decided to have one level of verification in the month of December and also decided to forward the proposal to change Thekrujuna village’s medical administration from CMO Dimapur to CMO Kohima and creation of a sub-centre to the concerned department.

The programme was attended by Kohima legislators — Advisor, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire; Advisor Youth Resource andSports, Zale Neikha; Advisor Technical Education and Election, MedoYhokha; MLA and Chairman, DPDB Kohima, Keneizhakho Nakhro and MLA Khriehu Liezietsu.

Welcome address was delivered by MLA Keneizhakho Nakhro and the programme chaired by Deputy Commissioner and Vice Chairman of DPDB Kohima, Shanavas C. The invocation prayer was pronounced by DEO Kohima, Emilo Patton while vote of thanks was proposed by DPO and Member Secretary, VilhouhunuoSachu, and benediction by Principal SCTE, Dr. Elizabeth Walling.

Other highlights of the programme included special numbers and Christmas gift exchange.