SRCW releases IEC materials in local dialects
Dimapur, July 30 (EMN): To commemorate the ‘World Day against Trafficking in Persons,’ the Nagaland State Social Welfare Board (NSSWB), State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW), 181- Women Helpline, Sakhi – One Stop Centre (OSC) and Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK) jointly collaborated to develop information, education and communication (IEC) materials in all the local dialects of the state.
An update from SRCW informed that the IEC materials included information about the types of human trafficking, how the victims could get entangled, rights of the victim, legal mechanisms and also service mechanisms in place.
The commissioner and secretary of the Social Welfare department and NSSWB administrator, Sarah R Ritse, officially released the IEC on July 30.
Speaking at the function, Ritse shared that globally, the Covid-19 pandemic has pushed women and children into vulnerable situations adding that the risk of being trafficked has highly increased. She, therefore, cautioned the public to be vigilant about the modus operandi of human traffickers who lure vulnerable people with false promises of a better life by offering jobs and education.
Ritse hoped that the IEC materials, which has been translated into local dialects, would be helpful to create awareness at the grassroots and encouraged NGOs, civil societies, churches and community leaders to participate in disseminating information on this pertinent issue.
Meanwhile, SRCW informed the public to contact the women helpline Nagaland on 181 or 9485239098 as well as contact Sakhi- One Stop Centres (OSC) and MSK- district level centres for women, which are set up in 11 districts of the state for further information. It further informed that IEC materials would be available in the district centres.
NSRLM facilitates FSSAI registrations for SHG
Dimapur, July 30 (EMN): As part of the 75th anniversary of the Indian Independence celebration (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav), which is being observed from July 1 to August 14, the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM), in convergence with Food Safety Authority (FSA), department of Health and Family Welfare, conducted workshop-cum-FSSAI registration of micro food business/ enterprises of self-help groups (SHG) in 74 rural development blocks across 11 districts on July 28 and 29.
An update from NSRLM stated that officials from district FSA and NSRLM provided verification and spot FSSAI registration facility to 183 SHG of Kohima, Dimapur, and Mokokchung districts where food and safety office are operating, while online registrations facility was also initiated for 72 SHG of the remaining districts where there are no FSA office.
It informed that the online FSSAI registration would be an ongoing campaign for all eligible and interested SHG and their members. It mentioned that NSRLM has promoted a total of 1,09,059 rural households into sustainable 12,272 women SHG to date.
It stated that as agriculture is the main source of economic activities in rural Nagaland, the majority of the SHGs have gradually initiated small-sized food businesses. NSRLM hoped that the joint initiative of the FSSAI registration campaign would foster the growth of rural micro food businesses/ enterprises, which provides legal benefits, build goodwill, ensure food safety, create consumer awareness, and assist in business expansion.
Legal authorities conduct awareness programme
Dimapur, July 30 (EMN): The Kohima district legal services authority (KDLSA) led by its panel lawyers Imsentila and Mhechiete along with para-legal volunteer and jailor Teisi Thou conducted a legal awareness camp for prisoners at Kohima District Jail on July 27.
An update from Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) informed that the legal services act and prisoners right to free legal aid were emphasised during the awareness programme. It mentioned that a total of 54 under trial prisoners (UTP) and eight convicts were present during the programme.
The team identified five unrepresented UTP, who were unable to engage private counsel, and interacted with them. The team also forwarded applications for legal aid and further course of action.
In a similar programme, the Longleng district legal services authority (LDLSA), in collaboration with the Health and Family Welfare department, conducted an awareness programme at the district court’s conference hall on July 29.
During the programme, the counsellor of Sakhi- One Stop Centre, Nyangnyusangla, highlighted the importance, duties and functions concerning women and children and further shared their success story to the gathering, while the panel lawyer, Panglang Y Phom, spoke on the laws relating to child rights enshrined in the constitution and also emphasised on the Right to Education Act 2009.
It stated that retainer lawyer, A Mane Phom, spoke on various laws on the child such as Pocso Act 2012, prohibition of child labour act and the immoral traffic prevention act 1956 and the district TB officer, Dr. Temsusashi, spoke on Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), child-related schemes.
He further challenged the gathering to work hand in hand to make Longleng a TB-free district.
Altogether, 32 persons attended the programme.
Sameti conducts training on promotion of IPM
Dimapur, July 30 (EMN): State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (Sameti), Medziphema, organised a two-day online training programme on “Promotion of IPM in agriculture and horticulture crops” for Atma deputy project directors and BTMs on July 29 and 30.
An update from Sameti informed that Dr. Avinash Chauhan, scientist of honey bee and pollinators from the Entomology department at SASRD, NU Medziphema, and J Akato Chishi, a senior technical assistant from Entomology department at SASRD, NU Medziphema, were the resource persons.
It stated that under the topic of IPM in vegetable crops, Dr. Avinash highlighted the importance of pest infestation in vegetable crops and integrating or mixing different vegetable crops all around to reduce the loss of production and control of pests.
J Akato Chishi highlighted the principles tools and techniques of integrated pest management with specials reference to the current infestation of fall armyworm (Faw) on how to control the growth and also take preventive measures to stop the loss of production.
It added that both the resource persons have highlighted the importance of integrated pest management through scientific and traditional methods.
A total number of 22 participants from different districts attended the training.
Speaking at the inaugural function, Sameti director and IETC principal K Remphamo Lotha highlighted the management of pests through economic ways keeping in mind the key methods such as cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical (eco-friendly).
It added that e-certificates were distributed to all the participants.
Kiphire DC flags off MTU vehicle
Dimapur, July 30 (EMN): A mobile teaching unit (MTU) vehicle for Kiphire aspirational district was flagged off at the office complex of the deputy commissioner in Kiphire town on July 29.
Speaking at the flagging off function, the deputy commissioner and chairman of Samagra, Kiphire, T Wati Aier, said that Kiphire was fortunate to be the only district in the state to be among ‘Aspirational districts’ in the country. He stated that many opportunities have been extended by the government through the programme so far, a DIPR report stated on Thursday.
According to the DC, the purpose of the MTU vehicle was to reach out to the villages and educate the students. He further requested the department authority to provide teachers in schools where there is a shortfall of teaching staff in the district.
During the programme, the joint mission director of Samagra, Dr. Kevi Rio, also displayed a tablet containing all the subjects according to the NBSE course syllabus. Stating that tablets have already been distributed to students from classes 8 to 10, he informed that the same for classes 11 and 12 would be delivered shortly. He, therefore, stated that Kiphire is the only district to avail such privilege.
Also speaking at the programme, USSC vice president Setrongba lauded the government/ agency for providing the MTU vehicle for the students of Kiphire district. He also requested the staff to utilise the property in a judicious manner and for a specific purpose.
MBCK observes 22nd foundation day
Dimapur, July 30 (EMN): The Maram Baptist Church Kohima (MBCK) observed its 22nd foundation day on July 25 in the church premises hosted by the women department with Rev. Zotuo Kiewhuo, senior pastor of Koinonia Baptist Church and principal of Kohima Bible College, as the speaker.
Senior pastor and founding member of MBCK, Jacob, who chaired the programme, stated that he started the church in the year 1999 with the blessings of God from Rev. Zotuo. He attributed the support of believers from every tribe for enabling him to continue the church to date with the growing number of members, an update from MBCK stated.
Pastor Jacob recounted that he was burdened by seeing people around Kohima, who are not in the walk of God. He stated that it was God’s call for him not to wait for others to save souls but start the fellowship after fasting and prayer. He added that the church has a prayer centre now, which is opened for all.
During the service, scripture from Old Testament was read by Sarah and from New Testament by Zasivoto Rote. The offertory prayer was said by MBCK deacon Isaac, while songs were presented by members from the youth department, evangelist Neilhou Sopfünuo and choreography by the Sunday school children.
PHED Wokha conducts PRA exercise on ODF+
Dimapur, July 30 (EMN): Under the government of India’s flagship programme Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G), the district water and sanitisation mission (DWSM) team of PHED, Wokha division, conducted behavioural change communication, capacity building and training on solid-liquid waste management (SLWM) and participatory rural appraisal (PRA) exercise on open defecation free (ODF) plus in eight villages under Wokha district from July 21.
With the attainment of the key objective of SBM-G phase-1 particularly to make India open defecation-free, the government has renewed its commitment to further enhance the sanitation and hygiene status in rural areas through SBM-G phase-2 (2020-21 to 2024-25), a DIPR report stated.
It stated that the DWSM team carried out activities in Tsungza, Khumtsu, Yonchucho, Sunglup, Upper Baghty, Soku, Makharung and Yimparasa from July 21 to the 29th.
The activities included capacity building and strengthening to sustain the achievements made under phase-1 and to sensitise and nudge the people into adopting better sanitation and hygiene practices.
During the campaign, the team emphasised the sustainability of ODF, greywater management through the use of soak pit, leach pits, waste segregation and disposal methods, plastic waste management and the ill effects of burning plastic, benefits of using compost pits for managing bio-degradable wastes, faecal sludge management, advantages of twin pit latrines etc.
The team urged the public to adopt a lifestyle that generates less waste and participate to achieve a clean, healthy and conducive environment for growth and all-around development. Participants included village council, Watsan committee, swachhagrahis, women and youth organisations, Anganwadi workers etc.
To encourage the importance of handwashing with soap before food and after using the toilet, soaps were distributed to the participants.
‘World Viral Hepatitis Day’ observed in Tsosinyu and Logwensunyu
Dimapur, July 30 (EMN): Commemorating the ‘World Viral Hepatitis Day,’ office of the chief medical officer (CMO), Kohima, organised a programme at Tsosinsyu and Logwensunyu villages under the Tseminyu sub-division on July 28.
Speaking at the programme, the CMO Dr. Vezokholu Theyo explained that the ‘World Viral Hepatitis Day’ is observed each year on July 28 to enhance awareness on viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes a range of health problems, including liver cancer.
With a person dying every 30 seconds from a hepatitis-related illness, she stated that they cannot wait to act on viral hepatitis but go for early testing even in the current Covid-19 crisis.
Regarding Covid-19 sensitisation and awareness, DIO (RCH/UIP) Dr. Rupert Peseyie emphasised the importance of early testing and treatment. He also stressed stigma and discrimination, which is hampering early testing as people tend to hide their symptoms.
Peseyie further urged the village GBs and elders to create awareness and get the vaccination.
It was followed with interaction wherein 114 samples were collected.
Nagaland regional EHNF scheduled in Sukhai village
Dimapur, July 30 (EMN): The third regional series of Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Forum (EHNF) 2021 – a unique assemblage on biodiversity — is scheduled at Sukhai village in Zunheboto district on August 1 on the theme ‘Understanding the socio-economic conservation models for biodiversity preservation in community conserved areas (CCA).”
The Nagaland Regional Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Forum this year is being formulated by Balipara Foundation in association with the Tata Steel Foundation and partnering with the Tizu Valley Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Network (TVBCLN) and The Energy and Resources Institute of India (TERI), an update from Balipara Foundation informed.
Initiating the conversations at the grassroots with a focus on Naturenomics principles, the Regional Nagaland Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Forum envisions bringing together 35 indigenous community members – community representatives, agricultural experts, policymakers, local entrepreneurs, conservationists, SHG groups, farmers, panchayat members from Zunheboto district and across Nagaland, it stated.
It added that the Nagaland regional EHNF is designed to witness insightful deliberations in context to indigenous people, forest management and traditional practices from an eminent panel of speakers namely Supongnukshi, conservator of forest and members secretary of Nagaland State Biodiversity Board (NSBB); Pikato V Jimo, general secretary of Sukhai CCA; Dr. Rakesh Kumar Chaursia, head and senior scientist at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Nagaland; Heirang Lungalang, chairman of Nagaland Community Conservation Areas Forum (NCCAF); and Rokongulie Meyase, professional bird guide and tour operator from Khonoma CCA.
It added that the grassroots colloquium is strategically designed and orchestrated to focus and explore indigenous perspectives on rural futures contexts like biodiversity conservation, community-led habitat restoration, harmonical co-existence with nature, grassroots climate action, resilient livelihood through sustainable agricultural practices, traditional handloom and handicrafts. It would also try to delve into interesting case studies of the fringe communities in context to indigenous forest conservation, governance and management through Naga traditional customary laws and practices.
Balipara Foundation further envisioned working closely with the indigenous communities of Nagaland through its flagship project ‘Rural Futures and Naturenomics™’ to ensure a sustainable future for the state and celebrate the indigenous conservationists as the custodians of the natural landscapes – protecting and preserving their lands.
The future initiatives that Balipara Foundation looks forwards to incorporate and implement are – community-based natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, documentation of traditional knowledge, and enhancing livelihoods.
The forum believed that coordinated actions with the community leaders could help bring ecology back to the economy and also take action for creating a sustainable and resilient future through cooperative leadership.
Balipara Foundation is a non-profit organisation based in Assam. Established in 2007, Balipara Foundation focuses on community development and conservation of natural resources in the region through the concepts of Naturenomics™ and Rural Futures.
The Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Forum was launched in 2013 to find solutions leading to important lessons for the communities and others at all levels from local to global.
SJU holds webinar on ‘Recent trends in Biological Science’
Dimapur, July 30 (EMN): The zoology department of St. Joseph University (SJU) organised a national webinar on “Recent trends in Biological Science” on July 2.
An update from the university stated that the resource person, Dr. Mehul P Dave, associate professor of Life Science (Microbiology) at the Indian Institute of Teacher Education, Gandhinagar, spoke on “Covid-19 prophylaxis: Pharmacognosy in the midst of pandemic waves,” in the first session.
While sharing the detailed information of Covid-19 and their symptoms, he elucidated on the history and types of vaccines and paralleled it with the current working and development of vaccines about the different types of Covid-19 vaccines.
He also briefed about analyses of different vaccine which is distributed in different parts of the world and the vaccine delivery management system in India. At the end of his talk, he gave a brief idea about the different types of medicinal plants to help boost the immune system.
In the second session, resource person Dr. Mukilan, assistant professor of Biotechnology from Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, spoke on “Probiotics, Prebiotics and Synbiotics”.
He shared about the several varieties of microbes which is present in the gut and their uses.
Besides speaking on gut microbiomes and the effects of their deficiency, he also elaborated on Probiotics and Synbiotics, their characteristics, functions, beneficial effects on humans, and their applications.
The webinar was attended by participants from various institutes and colleges from different parts of India.
