Principal Correspondent
KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 19
Minister for Rural Development and REPA CL John today asserted that there is no crisis in the DAN-III government under the leadership of Chief Minister TR Zeliang.
Addressing the inaugural function of the Block Development Office and District Planning Machinery Cell Office, Kohima this morning, John said the present government is very stable and termed all the reports about change in leadership as ‘street talks’ and ‘rumours’ while stating that this was the handy work of those who are sitting idle.
Terming Zeliang as an able chief minister, he said the present NPF-led DAN-III ministry will complete its full term and provide a stable government for the people of the State till 2018 general elections.
“This government will last long, remain stable and bring about better development,” he stated. Nevertheless, John also confirmed about the division with the party stating that “out of the 38 NPF MLAs, 25 are with Chief Minister TR Zeliang”.
On the financial health of the State, the minister said the present crisis is because of the adverse recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission with regard to expenditure on salaries of government employees. As per the 13th Finance Commission, he said, expenditure on salaries of government employees should not cross 35% of the total plan allocation but the State government spends more than 60% of the state plan on salaries.
However, he said, the State will have sufficient fund after April 2015 under the recommendations of the 14th Finance Committee.
Meanwhile, John exhorted the officers and staff of both the departments to be punctual and keep their respective offices neat and clean.
He also appreciated the work done by contractor Vi-u Belho and said the workmanship in construction of the building was excellent.
Commissioner and Secretary, RD, V Sakhrie called upon the departmental staff to render their best services for the uplift of the rural people. He said the Rural and Planning department has come together showing a classic example of convergence and synergy which should be an example for other departments to emulate.
RD director Metsubo Jamir, in his speech, said this is probably the first building in the State which has been taken up as a joint venture by two departments. He encouraged the officers of both the departments to be effective and ensure improvement in the delivery system.
Deputy commissioner, Kohima, W. Honje Konyak congratulated all the departments concerned for their initiative. He said the Planning department is the cell to monitor the workings of the DPDB while the department of RD is to supervise and implement programmes through grassroots planning. He said the departments should retrospect their achievements and also plan for their further challenges.
Deputy development commissioner (Planning) Nosazol Charles expressed gratitude to the RD department for spearheading the project. Contractor Vi-u Belho also spoke on the occasion.
The programme was chaired by project director, DRDA Kohima, Kevipodi Angami, ADC Planning Kohima Ketoho Luho delivered the welcome address while programme officer, DRDA Kohima, Mhiesihulie Bizo tendered the vote of thanks.
