On the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio called upon the citizens of Nagaland to draw inspiration from freedom fighters and renew their commitment to nation-building. He highlighted the State’s achievement in conducting the Urban Local Body Elections with a 37% women’s representation, surpassing the legal requirement of 33%. Rio emphasized that this achievement exemplifies unity and the potential for overcoming challenges.

Chief Minister Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio taking the Rashtriya Salute during the 78th Independence Day celebrations at Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza, Kohima on 15th August 2024. (DIPR)

Development and Infrastructure: Rio acknowledged the government’s commitment to the State’s development, noting that the Eastern Region requires additional support. He emphasized bridging gaps in both physical and human capital and reaffirmed the government’s open-door policy to address the ENPO issue.

Regarding infrastructure, Rio highlighted ongoing and upcoming projects:

  • Major Projects: Construction of Ciethu Airport in Kohima, Dimapur-Tizit Railway line, Foothill Road, Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (USER), upgrading Nagaland Institute of Medical Science & Research (NIMSR), and establishing the New Incubation City ‘Nagaki’ in Chumoukedima.
  • Upcoming Projects: The Department of PWD (R&B) will undertake eight projects under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) and eighteen projects under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

Energy and Connectivity: Rio outlined significant strides in energy and connectivity:

  • Hydro Projects: Approval of 42 MW Lower Tizu and 24 MW Zungki hydroelectric projects.
  • Small Hydro Projects: The 2.4 MW Duilumroi Small Hydro Project, with completion expected by August 2024, and the initiation of Lower Doyang HEP development.
  • Water Supply: Coverage of 64% of rural villages with Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
  • Data Center: Upgradation of the Nagaland State Data Centre (NSDC) under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme.

Agriculture and Allied Sectors: Rio emphasized the government’s initiatives in agriculture:

  • Agriculture: Rs 520 Crores credited to 2,03,462 farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN). Ongoing digital agriculture development.
  • Horticulture: Awarded Best State Horticulture Award 2024. Initiatives include organic cultivation and establishment of low-cost mushroom units.
  • Sericulture: Coverage of 800 beneficiaries and employment generation through silk farming.
  • Animal Husbandry: Establishment of Community Thutho Project, Veterinary Hospital, and Mini Dairy Plant-cum-Dairy Farmers Training Institute.

Rural and Urban Development:

  • Rural Development: Generated 6.65 lakh person-days of employment under MGNREGA. Achieved 100% saturation of rural households under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – Rural Livelihood Mission.
  • Urban Development: Implementation of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihood Mission (DAY-NULM). Initiatives include the PM SVANidhi Scheme, Nagaland Urban Infrastructure Development Project (NUIDP), and a new city proposal, “Na’gaki City.”
  • Municipal Affairs: Completion of 21,525 houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and construction of 9,241 houses.

Education, Health, and Social Welfare:

  • Education: Construction of new school buildings and residential quarters. Initiatives include lighthouse (NECTAR), Attendance Management System (SMILE APP), and Education Information Management System (EMIS).
  • Higher Education: Construction of girls’ hostels, NAAC accreditation for colleges, and scholarship schemes totaling Rs. 24.22 Crores.
  • Health: Upgradation of Radiation Oncology Centre at Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research. Completion of the first year of NIMSR and ongoing progress of Medical College, Mon.
  • Social Welfare: Assistance to women and children through helpline facilities.

Art, Culture, Sports, and Tourism:

  • Art and Culture: Success of Nagaland Madrigal Singers at the World Choir Games. Launch of Nagaland Tourism Policy 2024 and preparations for the 25th Anniversary of the Hornbill Festival.
  • Sports: Successful hosting of the 3rd North East Games in March 2024.

Law and Order: Rio commended the district administration and police for maintaining peace and acknowledged the support of the public, civil societies, and NGOs in the peaceful conduct of elections. He also noted advancements in forensic capabilities with new instruments at the Forensic Science Laboratory.

Information Technology:

  • Mobile App: Launch of DIPR Nagaland Mobile App and Multimedia Mobile Vehicles for enhanced news dissemination.

 

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