Fifth Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly begins

The Fifth Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) began on 27 August 2024 with the Speaker of the House making obituary references to the passing of three former Members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly: Late Mhao Humtsoe, Late MC Konyak, and Late Zhetovi Sema.

On the first day of the Session, the Ministers in charge of various departments responded to several starred questions raised by members of the House on 27th August 2024.

Members deliberate on health hazards of spurious liquor

During the discussion hour on urgent public importance under Rule 50 A, Advisor for Labour, Employment & Skill Development, Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer, initiated a discussion on the “Health Hazards of Spurious Liquor.” He stated that since the implementation of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989, the Act has led to numerous negative social, spiritual, and economic impacts, undermining its intended objective. Longkumer highlighted that the lack of proper guidance and rehabilitation avenues has negatively affected the social fabric, leading to the proliferation of liquor joints across the state. Due to the exorbitant prices of adulterated liquor, many youths have turned to more dangerous substances, contributing to drug abuse and the rise of HIV and AIDS in the state. He suggested revisiting the NLTP Act and regulating relevant acts for better implementation and enforcement of laws.

Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, participating in the discussion, remarked that the NLTP Act, which has been in force for over 30 years, has resulted in more bootleggers and widespread spurious liquor across the state, harming the health of young people. He appreciated the opportunity to discuss the ill effects of spurious liquor and emphasized the need for Nagas to come together to determine what is best for the state.

Advisor for Food & Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology, KT Sukhalu, joined the discussion, pointing out that 34 years of the NLTP Act have not been a success, as liquor continues to flow in every corner of Nagaland. He urged the House to sincerely consider the current state of affairs and take corrective measures for the good governance and welfare of the people.

Advisor for School Education and SCERT, Dr Kekhrie Yhome, expressed that demonizing liquor is detrimental to the state and future generations. He advocated for discussions with civil society and stakeholders to address concerns that lifting prohibition might create anarchy and disharmony. He emphasized the need to respect the rule of law and educate younger generations on responsibility.

Advisor for Civil Administration Works Division and Taxes, Kudecho Khamo, supported continuing the NLTP Act, viewing it as a protective measure for the people of Nagaland. He stressed the adverse effects of liquor on health, morality, finances, and social life, urging support for the Act’s continuation.

MLA Nuklutoshi criticized the NLTP Act as a failure, leading to rampant illegal alcohol sales and numerous problems for the state. He called for the Act to be lifted and urged both the church and government to fulfill their respective roles.

MLA Jwenga Seb, Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye, and MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu also participated in the discussion. Nienu acknowledged that the NLTP Act had failed, leading to economic and life losses due to spurious liquor. He supported lifting the Act and urged the government to increase enforcement manpower if the state is serious about its implementation.

MLA Dr Neisatuo Mero reflected on the Act’s origins, driven by the firm stance of churches and civil society organizations. He noted that the Act has failed to generate revenue and has caused more premature deaths and increased crime rates. He called for wide-ranging consultations and sharing of government policies among stakeholders.

MLA P. Longon suggested strengthening and reinforcing the Act by increasing departmental manpower. MLA Dr Sukhato warned about the professional and physical harm caused by spurious liquor, advocating for its strict prohibition.

MLA Achumbemo Kikon emphasized the failure of the NLTP Act over 34 years and suggested lifting it to reassess public response. He noted that alcohol-related restrictions have rarely succeeded globally and argued that the Act has become redundant due to situational challenges. He urged the government to constitute a committee to review the Act.

Adviser for Law & Justice and Land Revenue, TN Mannen (Retd. IAS), suggested that it was time to reexamine the NLTP Act. He proposed involving churches and tribal hohos in discussions to reach a balanced decision.

MLA Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso highlighted the medical and social benefits of alcohol when consumed responsibly. He argued against a blanket ban, advocating for education, awareness programs, strict regulation, and support for addiction treatment. Rhutso called for proper consultation with church leaders and civil societies, suggesting a trial period of lifting the ban for one or two years to observe the results.

CM remarks on NLTP Act
Speaking on the ‘Health Hazards of Spurious Liquor,’ Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio stated that the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989, was enacted with the intention of addressing social issues related to alcohol abuse. He said the Act envisaged that reducing alcohol consumption would, in turn, lower rates of alcohol-related diseases, thereby improving overall community health, among other benefits, and that the policy was aligned with the circumstances of the time.

The Chief Minister noted that the statute has been in place for over three decades but cannot be considered successful. He said efforts to ban alcohol have led to unintended and often detrimental consequences, highlighting the challenges of enforcing such policies, including the rise of the black market, increased criminal activity, and the proliferation of spurious and inferior-quality liquor, among other issues. He emphasized that the State Government can only regulate and restrict the sale and flow of liquor but cannot outrightly prohibit individuals from drinking, which is essentially a matter of personal choice and decision. He added that this issue is also largely driven by the dynamics of demand and supply.

Rio stated that, historically, the prohibition policy has been largely effective in rural areas of the State, while significant failures have been observed in urban areas. He acknowledged the Church’s vocal stance on this matter and appreciated its concerns. He added that the State Government has been consulting with all sections of society on important public matters such as this before making any decisions.

He stressed that this issue requires collective resolution and participation from every section of the community. He called upon everyone to understand that State agencies, such as the Police or the Excise department, alone cannot address the challenge. He noted that a few individuals have benefited from this system, as the business has gone underground and bootleggers have become the major beneficiaries.

The Chief Minister pointed out that common citizens have suffered, with many suffering from various diseases due to the consumption of illicit liquor, and that many men and women lose their lives at a young age because they only have access to inferior and adulterated liquor.

He cited various examples where people lost their lives due to the consumption of spurious liquor. Rio said that unregulated alcohol in the black market is often of poor quality and poses severe health risks, including poisoning and death. He stated that regulation would allow for strict quality measures, reducing the incidence of health complications associated with unsafe alcohol consumption.

Instead of pointing fingers at one another, Rio called upon everyone to come together and reason collectively to address the problem and make society free from the hazards of spurious and illicit liquor. He urged everyone to have an open mind and positively share views and inputs to make the community healthy and resilient.

Important issues raised during question hour

NH 702D, NH 2 delays addressed; land compensation issues stalling progress
Responding to the starred question posed by MLA Nuklutoshi regarding the status of NH 702D, Mokokchung to Mariani, its maintenance, and the delay in initiating the two-lane expansion despite the highway being accorded National Highway status, Deputy Chief Minister, in charge of PWD (National Highways), TR Zeliang, stated that short-term maintenance is ongoing on NH 702D from 0.00 km (Mokokchung) to 63.00 km (Longtho). He also mentioned that for the two-lane extension of NH 702D, Project Management Consultancy Services for preparing the DPR, pre-construction activity, and construction supervision of the two-laning with paved shoulders from Mokokchung to Watiyim (Km 0.00 to Km 70.00) has been initiated and is currently ongoing.

In response to the starred question by MLA Nuklutoshi regarding the delay in starting the two-lane expansion of NH 2 from Doyang Bridge to VK Town and the firm awarded the contract for this portion of the highway, Deputy Chief Minister Zeliang explained that the work had to be retendered due to the termination of the first contractor on 3rd July 2023. The project’s appointed date was declared as 18th June 2024. However, the Landowners’ Union NH-2 (VK Area) halted the work due to non-receipt of land compensation. Zeliang also mentioned that the work has been allotted to M/s Kaushal Sharma, Tinsukia, Assam.

MLA Nuklutoshi further raised supplementary questions regarding the steps taken by the concerned department to resolve the land compensation issue, to which the minister in charge responded that the mentioned stretch of NH 2 was eligible only for damage compensation, which has been paid, not land compensation. Advisor for IPR and Soil & Water Conservation, Imkong L. Imchen, supplemented the query by urging the Chief Minister to address the issue at his level.

Verification of beneficiaries of PMAY-G housing scheme soon
Replying to the starred question raised by NLA member Kuzholuzo Nienu on the unit cost and selection criteria for beneficiaries of the PMAY-G housing scheme, Minister in charge of Rural Development, Metsubo Jamir, stated that the unit cost is Rs 1,30,000. He mentioned that there are two categories of beneficiaries: SECC and Awaas.

Regarding fund disbursement to beneficiaries, Jamir confirmed that the scheme is being implemented at 100%, with amounts transferred to beneficiaries’ bank accounts in three installments.

In response to a supplementary question by Nienu about measures taken by the department to address concerns raised on social media regarding the PMAY-G housing scheme and the number of beneficiaries assisted to date, Jamir replied that verification of all beneficiaries will be conducted soon.

CM Rio assures incentives for Anganwadi Workers
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also responded to Nienu’s starred question concerning the amount sanctioned under CSS and the amount disbursed to Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and helpers. Rio explained that no specific amount was earmarked. He further stated that there are 398 AWWs and 3980 helpers in the state, and during the year 2022-23, Rs500 each was transferred to AWWs and Rs 250 to helpers who met the eligibility criteria according to ministry guidelines. Rio added that 27 AWWs and 46 helpers were eligible for the incentive, and payments were made to them through Direct Beneficiary Transfer.

Minister for PWD (R&B), G Kaito Aye, responding to a supplementary question regarding incentives for AWWs, helpers, and the selection of beneficiaries, assured that all deserving beneficiaries will receive incentives and that beneficiaries are selected according to government guidelines.

The Chief Minister also supplemented the response, stating that the department could not fully implement the scheme due to technical issues with the App. He added that the government sanction was revised for the year 2021-22 due to new guidelines from the Ministry. Rio assured that all qualified beneficiaries would receive their incentives in due time.

Machinery allocation to Town Councils based on need and funds availability
In response to a starred question raised by MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu on machinery allotted to town councils, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who is in charge of Urban Development, stated that machinery such as JCBs, dumpers, tractors, and Tata Mobiles have been allotted to town councils since 2018. The Chief Minister mentioned that mini trucks were given to the town councils of Phek, Zunheboto, and Longleng, while Tata Mobiles were provided to Chumukedima, Medziphema, Jalukie, Tseminyu, Tuli, Chantongya, Pfutsero, and Naginimira town councils. Rio clarified that there is no specific entitlement to machinery, but it is provided based on the needs and availability of funds for each town council.

NH-29 Lerie to Mao Gate project under review; technical findings awaited
Replying to a starred question from MLA Kevipodi Sophie about the status of National Highway 29 from Lerie to Mao Gate, Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang stated that the technical fact-finding committee has yet to submit its observations and recommendations. He further mentioned that documents related to the ongoing project from Lerie to Mao Gate have been sought from NHIDCL, and directions from the competent authority to provide the required documents to the technical fact-finding committee were received on 14th August 2024. The relevant details were requested from the appropriate agencies involved in project implementation and supervision on 16th August 2024, and these details will be forwarded to the technical fact-finding committee once they are obtained and compiled.

Supplementing the question raised by MLA Sophie, Advisor for Prisons, Printing, and Stationery, Er. Kropol Vitsu, pointed out that NH 29 is not pliable because the standard and specifications were not up to the mark, and with incessant rainfall, the road has deteriorated further. He requested that the competent authority conduct a technical survey and study the nature of the land to progress with the project.

Legislators discuss delays and solutions for NH-29
In a half-hour discussion under Rule-48, Advisor for Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation, Imkong L Imchen, highlighted the delay in the construction of the Foothill Road from Tizit to Khelma, despite the earmarked amount being presented in the last budget. The Advisor emphasized the importance of NH-29 and its current condition, describing it as the lifeline between Kohima and Dimapur. He suggested that the two-lane road from Kohima to Dimapur via Jotsoma should be properly constructed.

Given that Kohima and Dimapur are the State’s capital and commercial district, respectively, Imchen proposed constructing a tunnel from Chümoukedima Check Gate to Medziphema to avoid landslides and rockfalls in that area. He also suggested that a high-quality road between Kohima and Dimapur be constructed under special dispensation, with initiative from the leader of the house and the Minister in charge.

Supplementing Imchen’s concerns, Advisor for Printing & Stationery and Prisons, Er Kropol Vitsu, noted that landslides, rockfalls, and subsidence occur every year on NH-29 between Kohima and Dimapur, particularly in the Pakala Pahar area during the monsoon season. He strongly advocated for the construction of a tunnel from Chümoukedima to Medziphema to prevent any eventualities in this stretch. Vitsu criticized NHIDCL for inadequate road maintenance, causing hardships and inconveniences for commuters. He attributed the road’s vulnerability to landslides, rockfalls, and subsidence to deforestation, excavation, and cultivation, and suggested that the Kohima-Zhadima-Niuland-Dimapur route be permanently constructed as an all-weather road for use during the monsoon.

MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu, while discussing ongoing work on National Highway 29, criticized NHIDCL for taking two weeks to clear debris from a recent landslide at Dzudza, describing it as negligence. He accused NHIDCL of misleading the house and suggested that the government should take serious action, including filing a criminal case or referring the matter to the CBI for investigation.

In response to the discussion on landslides and rockfalls, Minister for National Highways T.R. Zeliang stated that the Government is in constant contact with the authorities to ensure the road is reopened as soon as possible. Regarding the alternative road from Kohima-Zhadima-Niuland-Dimapur, he informed that road construction under packages 2 and 3 has been completed, but work under package 1 is pending due to land compensation issues. He assured that the Government is taking necessary measures to expedite the remaining portion of the road, aiming to provide an alternative route to address commuter issues.

MLA Mhonbemo urges resumption of oil and gas exploration
During the Zero Hour, MLA Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe highlighted a matter of public urgency regarding the resumption of oil and gas exploration in the Champang and Tsori areas under Wokha district. He emphasized that this would usher in a new era of economic prosperity and development for the people of Nagaland. He also stated that harnessing the state’s rich natural resources and minerals would help address economic challenges and leverage opportunities for growth.

MT