KOHIMA, Jan 26: Nagaland Governor La Ganesan expressed the Government’s commitment to an early solution and appealed to all stakeholders to set aside their differences and make a final push for the eagerly awaited resolution.
During the 75th Republic Day Celebration at Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima, on January 26, 2024, Governor Ganesan extended his gratitude to all stakeholders for their tireless efforts in seeking a peaceful, honorable, and acceptable resolution to the Naga issue.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor emphasized that the country has made significant strides in various developmental spheres, securing a position among the strongest and most influential nations globally. He acknowledged Nagaland’s active role in contributing to the overall development of the nation.
Governor Ganesan highlighted several government initiatives over the years to enhance reliable road infrastructures in the state. Various schemes, including the NE Special Infrastructure Development Scheme, PMGSY, Central Road Fund, and NE Road Sector Development Scheme, have been instrumental in constructing and upgrading 944 km stretches of roads for improved connectivity. Notably, the proposal for the foothills road (Trans-Nagaland Highway) with a length of 364 km has been forwarded to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, estimating a cost of ₹9,000 crores.
Under Externally Aided Projects, the Governor informed that the Department of Power has submitted two major projects to the Asian Development Bank, namely the 42MW Lower Tizu HEP and 24MW Zungki HEP. Another 24MW Tizu Valley HEP project has been proposed.
The Department of Industries and Commerce has initiated the establishment of Modern Aggregation Centres at Longnak, Changtongya, and Pfutsero, along with an Integrated Warehousing and Distribution Center at Meluri and a Unity Mall at 6th Mile Sovima, Chumukedima. Governor Ganesan highlighted the multifaceted outcomes expected from these establishments, contributing significantly to the socio-economic progress of the region and providing a platform for promoting and retailing the State’s “ODOPs,” GI products, and other handicraft items. Additionally, the proposal for developing ‘Nagaki City,’ a fully planned modern city at Chate Valley, Chumoukedima, is at an advanced stage of development.
Discussing the Urban Local Bodies Elections, the Governor noted that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly has passed the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2023. Relevant rules have been framed, and the State Government is committed to holding the elections soon.
Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the Department of PHE has achieved more than three lakh Functional Household Tap Connections, with plans to cover over 64,000 households during the current financial year.
Governor Ganesan also highlighted developmental activities in Eastern Nagaland, where the Department of Under Developed Areas (DUDA) successfully executed iconic projects under UDAP and BADP. Livelihood Projects, with an outlay of ₹180 crores, are in the process of implementation under the PM-DevINE Programme.
The Governor shared that the Department of Higher Education succeeded in accrediting 36 out of 71 colleges in the state by the NAAC. As per NEP 2020, Nagaland University has implemented a four-year undergraduate program in all state colleges from the academic session 2023-24. The first medical college in Nagaland, Nagaland Institute of Medical Science and Research (NIMSR), inaugurated on October 14, 2023, is fully functional, with the first batch of MBBS students having regular classes.
Under the Digital Agriculture Mission, a Centralized Command Centre has been established at the Directorate of Agriculture. The Department of Rural Development, under the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, generated 117.32 lakh person-days and provided employment to 4.07 lakh households during the current year 2023-24.
Governor Ganesan highlighted the Department of Economic Affairs, Govt. Of India’s praise for the successful implementation of the JICA assisted Nagaland Forest Management Project in the state. A decade of Amur Falcon conservation in Nagaland was commemorated with the release of a Nagaland state poster by the state of India’s birds and a report by the Wildlife Institute of India titled ‘Understanding the Amur Falcon.’ State and District level indicator frameworks have been developed for monitoring SDG progress across the state, with SDG District Roadmaps for all districts of Nagaland being developed to achieve the Nagaland SDG Vision 2023.
Emphasizing that Nagaland is now one of the most thriving and sought-after tourist destinations, Governor Ganesan mentioned that the State has been identified as one of the 16 most exciting tourist destinations in the World for 2024 by the Sydney Morning Herald.
In the sporting arena, the State has undertaken major infrastructural projects, including the development of a football ground at Lakhuti village, Wokha, sanctioned by the Sports Ministry under the Khelo India Scheme, and the commissioning of five pre-fabricated multi-discipline sports stadiums across various districts. The State is set to host events at the National and International level, including the North East Olympic Games, Asian Belt and Traditional Wrestling Championships, and The Asian Music Summit later in the year.
With a commitment to creating a drug-free state, the Government has undertaken extensive awareness drives, set up Anti-Narcotics Task Force in all districts, and initiated a war on drugs campaign in the state.
Governor Ganesan expressed hope that, with the cooperation of both the Government and the robust population, the State can reach much greater heights.