Nagas told to rectify culture of dependency

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Aug. 10 (EMN): Reproving the pervading parasitic attitude of the Nagas, advisor of Municipal Affairs and Urban Development department, Dr. Neikiesalie Kire, has called upon to rectify such culture for the society progress stating that it was wrong to depend on the government even for all individual and private property.

He stated this during the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)-Urban, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations as guest of honour held in the conference hall of Hotel Japfü in Kohima on Wednesday.

He stated that ‘housing for all’ was the vision of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, which officially started in June 2015, although it started somehow late in the state. He informed that 31, 241 houses for Nagaland were sanctioned. He expressed concern that there are still three towns in the state that are unable to start.

On the occasion, he commended the surveyors and beneficiaries who were awarded on the occasion for executing the responsibility. He also urged the people to do the best they could to make the programme a success.

Dr. Kire also told the people not to be discouraged by the little funds but to execute the project. He further urged the surveyors not to give up easily but ensure that the buildings are completed by 2022 year end.

Also speaking on the occasion, the additional director and head of department of Municipal Affairs, Chenithung Lotha, stated that PMAY (U) was envisaged to address the housing shortage in the country especially in the urban areas. He added that the scheme has brought many changes in the life of the urban poor.

The official informed that about 132 lakh houses were sanctioned in the country including Nagaland whereby the people from state have greatly benefited by the programme.

He also commended the PMAY (U) team for successfully implementing the programme stating that it was acknowledged by the central ministry. He requested them to give their best to achieve the target within timeframe. He also asked the beneficiaries, who are yet to complete the construction, to take advantage of the schemes.

Temjenrenla Kechu, state mission director of PMAY (U) and joint director of Municipal Affairs, delivered the welcome address, wherein she highlighted the various activities organised by the department under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM).

She informed that under PMAY (U) the ministry has sanctioned 31,241 houses for Nagaland out of which 6520 houses have been completed till date. Although the mission was supposed to be completed by June 2022, she stated that it was extended by one more year owing to the pandemic.

She expected to achieve 15,000 by March 2023 or more with the active participation of the beneficiaries.

Kevilenuo Solo, state nodal officer of PMAY-HFA (U) and deputy director of Municipal Affairs, chaired the programme, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Arika Achumi, and a song was presented by Elongthung Ezung, MIS, CLTC.

On the occasion, 29 best houses construction and 32 best surveyors were awarded with citations and gift hampers.