Union Power minister assures to improve power situation in Nagaland

KOHIMA— Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, RK Singh, has reportedly assured to improve the power situation in Nagaland state.

The assurance was made when Nagaland minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye, called on the Union minister at his office in New Delhi on Tuesday.

An update from the state Power minister’s office informed that Kenye apprised Singh of the power scenario in Nagaland and expressed optimism on the outcome of the meeting.

“Deeply appreciate his (RK Singh) genuine concerns and assurance to assist the state in various aspects which are available to bring us (Nagaland) at par with the rest and improve the situation,” Kenye stated.

The Union Power minister’s assurance assumes significance against the backdrop of Nagaland state facing acute power shortage during the summer season owing to limited power generation, leading to the state purchasing power from neighbouring states and other sources.

On June 19, Kenye also called on the Union Minister of Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, at the latter’s residence in New Delhi.

The state minister briefed the Union Minister on the constitutional position of Article 371(A) and its relevance to the various aspects of “our situation in the state of Nagaland” with special reference to customary, religious and social practices, the update stated.

Kenye had earlier in April stated that it was high time to come out with an “official version” of Article 371 (A) as there were too many interpretations of the article.

During a press conference in Kohima, the minister also commented that the state has too many dobashis and interpreters where every second person interprets Article 371 (A) in his or her own views and opinions.

“Unfortunately, we have never had an official translation and interpretation of the Article 371 (A),” he stated during the press conference.

Meanwhile, he maintained that the Ngaland Legislative Assembly would discuss and arrive at a consensus and unanimous decision to come out with the “official interpretation.”