April 25, 2018

Page 1

Nagaland Post This issue 12 + 4 = 16 Pages @ ` 5.00

www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXVIII No. 137

DIMAPUR, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2018 Pages 16 ` 5.00

Shirui Lily Festival kicks off in Manipur’s Ukhrul

Walcott strikes down Newcastle

Rouhani warns Trump of ‘serious consequences’

northeast, Page 5

sports, Page 16

international, Page 9

Rio banks on VDBs, VCs for change

Rio speaking at the state level VDB & VC conference, Tuesday. (NP)

Correspondent

KOHIMA, APR 24 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio has spelt out a series of measures of the new PDA coalition government in his address to the State Level VDB and Village Council Conference sponsored by the department of Rural Development held at the NBCC Convention Centre Hall here Tuesday. In his speech to a jam packed conference hall, the chief minister instructed the

G&M objects to setting up of panel on royalty collection DIMAPUR, APR 24 (NPN): Department of geology & mining (DoG&M) has objected to the recent constitution of a committee for review of royalty collection relating to minor minerals, saying the move appeared to be overriding of the previous notification dated April 2, 2018. In a press release, G&M director, Wanthang Rengma, pointed out that the government in 2016 had constituted a review committee for implementation of the Nagaland minor minerals concession rules 2004, which was kept dormant for more than a decade because of forest department collecting royalty on minor minerals. Rengma said that the said committee recommended the department of geology & mining to operationalise the Nagaland Minor Mineral Concession Rules 2004 (NMMCR2004) as per rules of the executive business 2016. Accordingly, the director said an administrative notification was issued and published in an extra ordinary Gazette. However, he said the forest department continued to collect royalty on minor minerals despite government authorising the G&M department to implement NMMCR 2004.

RD department to explore a system to penalise nonperforming VDBs for slow progress and poor project implementation while rewarding those performing VDBs. While cautioning against misuse of funds, Rio asked both the department (RD) and the VDBs/ VCs to check on each other to ensure transparency and accountability. He also reiterated that the government would make all out efforts to achieve commitments made.

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not even half of the funds received annually by RD department. In view of the massive fund received under MGNREGS, the chief minister reminded the gathering that the project has the capacity to change the rural landscape provided funds were leveraged and used judiciously. He also highlighted how MGNREGS in other parts of the country had undergone paradigm shift where activities starting from planning to implementation were uploaded on Management Information System (MIS). These activities uploaded were also monitored by the Ministry of Rural Development which then released sanctions on the basis progress of projects taken up by villages. Rio said the activities were geo-tagged with latitude and longitude GPSenabled apps of the ministry, including electronic Public Fund Management System (eFMS), and banks accounts of beneficiaries linked with Aadhaar to enable direct benefit transfers (DBT). (Cont’d on p-7)

Govt to filter excess RD employees: CM

Admitting the existence of excess employees in the Rural Development (RD) department under various schemes, with MGNREGS bearing burden the most, chief minister Neiphiu Rio said that the People’s Democratic Alliance government intended to filter them through suitability tests to be conducted by DRDA project directors (PD). Stating that he was aware of the problem of “unproductive employees”, Rio said the amount saved by laying off excess employees will be used to increase the honoraria and fixed wages of staff like data entry operators who perform the most crucial work of MIS uploading and geotagging of projects. The chief minister reaffirmed his commitment to strive towards an environment of happiness and improve satisfaction index among government employees so that they perform with commitment and dedication.

ANLB questions govt apathy towards 13 tribal languages

Protect Naga customary rights, practices: NBA

language abruptly in class IX and X was an impossible task and those poor students faced untold hardships. “This has discouraged our students to take up subjects in their own mother tongue,” ANLB president said. He said 13 tribal languages have not developed their languages beyond matriculation, because permission to study these languages at secondary level has not been given till today citing an assortment of reasons. “This shows the government’s apathy to the promotion and welfare of other tribal languages which is discriminatory,” he said. ANLB president said that after pursuing hard some among the 13 languages reached class VIII in the year 2013.

DIMAPUR, APR 24 (NPN): Nagaland Bar Association (NBA) has called for protection of Naga social customs and practices conferred under Article 371A. In a submission before Law Commission of India, the bar association said that while doing legal research on introduction of a uniform civil code in the country, the commission should recommend to the Government of India to protect Naga social customs and practices. Claiming that in the backdrop of “classless and democratic” society of the Nagas people in Nagaland continued were content, the letter warned that any change to these “deeplyrooted” social customs and practices would destroy the inherent and constitutional rights of the Nagas.

DIMAPUR, APR 24 (NPN): Association of Nagaland Literature Boards (ANLB) has lamented that out of 17 tribal languages approved by the state government only four languages–– Tenyimia (Angami), Ao, Lotha and Sumi –– have developed their language course beyond matriculation. In a press release, ANLB president, Dr. Ditsolo Kapfo, pointed out that 13 languages-- Chang, Chokri, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Kuki, Khuza, Liangmai, Pochury, Phom, Rengma, Sangtam, Yimchunger and Zeme ––have not been permitted to go beyond class VIII. Kapfo asserted that since their children had studied their mother tongue as a language subject till class VIII, to take up a new

However, he said that when they tried to go for class IX language courses in their mother tongue, they were not allowed, stating that government order was first required. He said such instruction was never given to them before. To pursue the matter further, he said they had gone to the education department for permission to study their mother tongue in secondary level but were denied permission. Hence, Kapfo said 13 tribal literature boards met and set up an association and decided to pursue the matter together. After forming association, he said they approached the responsible officers and lastly the matter was placed in a cabinet meeting. (Cont’d on p-7)

Wokha-Merapani highway road work be made by the corporation and the contractor with the help of Lotha organisations for speedy implementation of the road project, which includes widening, strengthening and upgrade to a twolane highway, with runway of 7 metres (23 feet) in plain areas and 5.50 metres (18 feet) in hilly portion as per specifications in detailed project report (DPR). In the meeting that discussed various aspects of the ongoing project, the NHIDCL general manager further directed the contractor to follow DPR specifications, failing which the work order will be cancelled. He clarified that any work that required to be sublet to a sub-contractor will have to be approved by NHIDCL. Meanwhile, while ap-

preciating efforts of the Wokha DC in bringing NHIDCL and the contractor on a table to interact with the beneficiary community, Lotha organisations, however, expressed dismay at the insincerity of the corporation and non compliance to technical specifications by the contractor. The organisations pointed out that they had served an ultimatum to the contractor on April 16 to the contractor to start widening earthwork latest by April 30, failing which they threatened not to allow the contractor proceed further with other works. They pointed out that since the DPR had specified that the aim of project was to upgrade the Wokha-Merapani highway to “two lane which includes widening and strengthening, realignment of hair pin bends, cement concrete-paved shoulders, etc”, there is no need

DIMAPUR, APR 24 (NPN): Nagaland BJP unit delegation including party legislators and party officials called on the BJP president Amit Shah, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav and Ramlal on April 24, 2018 in New Delhi. According to PRO Nagaland House Delhi, the delegation expressed gratitude to the BJP central leaders for personally participating in the recently concluded election to the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) and leading the party into a record time victory. Reminding the central leaders that the party had gone to the people during election with commitments for more development under BJP-led NDA government at the centre, the delegation appealed Centre to extend full support to the commitments made by the Prime Minister and the central leaders to the state. They also expressed confidence that under the leadership and guidance of the Prime Minister and Amit Shah, BJP in Nagaland would grow from strength to strength in the future. Further, the delegation expressed gratitude to the party leaders for their

for any deliberations but to implement the project as per specifications. Asserting that there can be no compromise on either work quality or specifications, the Lotha organisations assured NHIDCL and the contractor that Lotha Hoho and tribal organisations will help solve any local problem. They further declared that no harassment or extortion by any individual or group will be allowed and that they will fully co operate with the agency and the contractor. They, however, made it clear that all personnel involved in the project work will have to authenticate his or her identity as per the ultimatum served on April 16 and that unidentified persons will not be allowed to be involved in the project. This was stated in a press release issued by Lotha Hoho vice-chairman S Mhonlumo Lotha and general secretary Er Mhondamo Ovung.

State BJP delegation with BJP national president Amit Shah.

concern towards the state development. Meanwhile, Nagaland deputy CM, Y Patton, along with ministers-- S Pangnyu Phom, Jacob Zhimomi, Kashiho Sangtam; and advisors-- Dr. Longriniken, Tovihoto Ayemi and Kazheto Kinimi paid a courtesy call to Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare JP Nadda at his official residence on Tuesday. During the discussion, Patton appraised Nadda on the ongoing state top priority project of the medical college Kohima, Nagaland and requested him to extend all his help towards the early completion of the medical college. The members also expressed their gratefulness to Nadda for his concern towards the state especially for the rural health sector. Union Minister reportedly told the

delegation that Central government was seriously committed to improve the health care system in the country. Earlier, minister for Transport & Civil Aviation Railways, Land Resources, P Paiwang Konyak met Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh, at his residence in New Delhi. At the meeting, Paiwang requested Rajnath to increase helicopter service from 480 hours to 1500 hours annually since demand of chopper service was increasing day by day. According to PRO, Rajnath assured Paiwang that he would look into the matter at the earliest and consider the request. Later, Paiwang also paid a courtesy call to the Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation Uma Bharati at her residential office, New Delhi.

Mobile food testing lab begins operations Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APR 24 (NPN): Mobile food testing laboratory “Food Safety on Wheels’, launched on April 23 in Dimapur, commenced operation on Tuesday, where a joint team led by food safety officer (FSO), Dimapur and technicians from State Public Health Laboratory, Kohima conducted preliminary tests on various food samples at New Market area. During the tests, small traces of iron were found from the loose tea leaves, which the team said was harmful to human consumption. FSO Dimapur, Sendong Jamir, who assisted technicians from the State Public Health Laboratory, Kohima, said that team carried out test on samples of specific items such as species, beverages and milk and its products. FSO said that tests will be conducted (Cont’d on p-7) on items wise.

NHIDCL assures to comply with DPR specifications

DIMAPUR, APR 24 (NPN): National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has clarified that no subcontract order has been issued for the ongoing upgrade work of the Wokha-Merapani highway (Cont’d on p-7) and that no running bill has been paid to contractor M/s CS Infraconstruction Ltd so far. The corporation also assured Lotha oganisations and Wokha district administration that the contractor will comply with technical specifications of the project. Taking part in a consultative meeting convened by Wokha deputy commissioner (DC) at his office on Monday and attended by district administration officials and representatives from Lotha organisations and M/s “ A l w a y s t a k i n g t h e CS Infraconstruction Ltd, prominent part in all social NHIDCL general manager works- with his mouth said works for earmarking and not hands.” right of way (ROW) will

This is it!

Pointing out the reach of 1238 VDB institutions in Nagaland besides 74 Block networks, he appealed to them to introspect the past, make improvements so as to transform the quality of life of the rural people. The chief minister took the opportunity to congratulate Pete Village Level Organisation (VLO) of Jakhama Block for being selected among the ‘Ten Best Performing VLOs under NRLM National Award” out of 2,30,158 V LO s t h r o u g h o u t t h e country. Rio described the achievement would serve as inspiration to others under various flagship programmes in Nagaland. The chief minister also informed that out of the budget estimate of Rs.3567.36 crore for 2018-19 under CSS, a total of Rs.1159.09 crore has been earmarked for MGNREGS. On the state budget, Rio also highlighted that 68% went to “non-developmental components” such as salaries, repayment of loans and leaving hardly Rs.580 crore for distribution to development departments. He pointed out that the budgetary amount was

State BJP delegation meets Amit Shah

SC pulls up states over solid waste NEW DELHI, APR 24 (AGENCIES): Supreme Court on Tuesday pulled up the secretaries of various states including Nagaland, Manipur and Assam for not being able to submit their ‘action plan on solid waste management’. The apex court, which was hearing a matter related to implementation of solid waste management rules across India, said some states were not serious about it. According to India Legal Bureau report, the bench comprising of Justice Madan B Lokur and Justice Deepak Gupta asked the secretaries of the states as to what steps they had taken on solid waste management. The report stated that Manipur, Nagaland, Assam and Jarkhand were unable to give substantial response on action taken. The bench has listed the mater for next hearing to July 10, 2018.

Technicians testing food items inside the mobile lab. (NP)

He that the main objective of the mobile laboratory was to curb adulteration by facilitating on-the-spot testing of food samples at free of cost. Since, the primary objective was to create awareness and sensitize vendors and consumers on food safety, the FSO said that the findings by the team will be send to the higher authorities for necessary actions. Therefore, any action against the defaulters will be initiated only through

the directive of the higher authorities, he said. Food Safety on Wheels will be travelling to Peren on April 27 and 28. It may be noted that the laboratory, apart from conducting simple tests on food samples will also be used for awareness building around food safety, hygiene and promoting healthy eating habits. Meanwhile, FSO has appealed to the public to report any mal-practices by vendors or grievances to Chief Medical Officer Dimapur.

ANCSU warns govt on KSC land encroachment issue Correspondent

KOHIMA, APR 24 (NPN): Expressing dismay over state government’s “inaction” on to issue of land encroachment at Kohima Science College (KSC) Jotsoma, the All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) has warned that it would take action if the government failed to initiate necessary action at the earliest. Addressing a press conference at Naga club building here, ANCSU president, Katho P Awomi, said that shortly thousands of volunteers would march towards KSC with the full support from ANCSU unit volunteers and KSC students’ union and faculty members. He said that successive governments and district administration have failed to address the land issue for over three decades. He said

that a total 200 acres of land, which belonged to KSC (150 acres compensated and 50 acres donated by Jotsoma village) has been illegally encroached by multiple parties. ANCSU president said the union would not accept less than 200 acres. Informing that KSC was in the process of being accorded deemed university status, Awomi said to be qualified the college required larger size of land for infrastructure development. Meanwhile, ANCSU has urged the government to immediately detach those teachers attached to VIP. Failure to do so, union warned that it would force government to terminate those teachers and make fresh recruitment. It also appealed to the government to set up cell/nodal department for implementing /initiating all scholarship schemes. K Y M C


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