Governor urges MLAs to keep public welfare as paramount

Addresses 1st session of 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly

Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 22

Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan today addressed the 1st session of the 14th house of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) here and called upon the 60 elected members to keep public welfare and their interest paramount while deliberating on any matter.

Welcoming all the 60 members of the 14th NLA, Ganesan said “We recently went through the process of general elections to the assembly. There was a large turnout on the polling day, and at every stage of the electoral process the active and full participation of the people was evident, which again has vindicated the deep faith and trust that our people have in our democracy and the core values of our Constitution.”

The Governor saluted the people of Nagaland who he said have once again risen to the occasion and helped in further deepening and strengthening the roots of democracy.

“The general elections to the assembly owing to its sheer extent and size required the entire civil administration, police and several other agencies of the state to come together, and work tirelessly with dedication under the superintendence and control of the Election Commission of India for delivering us free, fair and peaceful elections,” he said and conveyed his appreciation to the entire government machinery for working without fear and favour and ensuring that democracy and the will of the people triumphed.

Ganesan maintained that the coming back of the NDPP-BJP alliance government with a resounding mandate has shown the faith reposed in the ideals and the work done by the government in the last five years by the people of Nagaland.

“It has also highlighted in no small measure the seminal efforts of the Government in reaching out to all, seeking their support, and consciously working for everyone’s welfare, development and progress,” Ganesan said.

The Governor said that the various people-centric policies, programmes, initiatives “which I have endeavoured to highlight, show the deep commitment for bringing positive change in every sphere, progress, and taking all-round development to the doorsteps of the people in every nook and corner of the state.”
  
Hopes for early resolution of Naga political issue 
The Governor said that the government, as it commences its new term in the service of the people, with a clear vision to bring about positive change, progressive development and all around inclusive economic growth, is also mindful of the long- standing unresolved Naga Political Issue, which has impacted every sphere of the society, and created hurdles, especially to the economy and the progress of the state.

“Our people, the society at large, owing to the unique challenges and constraints created by the decades long unresolved political issue, has not been able to fully grow and realize their fullest potential that they would have otherwise,” said Genesan in his address.

In some way or the other, the smooth march of the state on the path of development and prosperity has been affected, he said.

“We need to hence resolve the Naga Political Issue at the earliest possible,” he said adding that “My Government will be pro-active and continue playing the role of a sincere and active facilitator for strengthening the ongoing peace process for bringing an early solution.”

We remain committed of not coming in the way of an agreement that is arrived at through the peace process, that is honourable, acceptable, and inclusive, he added.
 
‘Committed for ensuring peaceful atmosphere’
Ganesan assured that the government remains committed for ensuring the maintenance of law and order and peaceful atmosphere in the State.”

He stated that the government will continue taking steps for strengthening and improving the infrastructure and capabilities of the district administration, police and security agencies so as to make them better equipped to handle their duties and responsibilities efficiently and effectively.

The proactive management of Law and Order with better Police Public – Partnership is a way forward in our society which has strong societal bonds, he said, adding that the state police shall also endeavour to improve the forensic capabilities for scientific investigation, better presentation of evidence before court of law and to enhance conviction rate.
 
Calls for successful conduct of ULB elections
The Governor also noted that under the directions of the Supreme Court, the State Government, with a view to ensure grassroots democracy in cities and towns, has initiated the process for conduct of the long-overdue Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections.

“These elections, and constitution of the Bodies as per the provisions of the Constitution and in compliance of the directives of the Supreme Court, are critical for the equitable development, growth and progress of our cities and towns,” the Governor stressed.

He called call upon everyone concerned to come forward and assist in the successful conduct of the elections in the interest of the people and the state.
 
Medical College Kohima to start from academic year 2023-24
Ganesan also informed the Floor of the House that the State Government is making necessary efforts to fully establish the Medical College at Kohima and start it from the academic year 2023-2024.

“We are also taking up with the Government of India for converting it into a Central Institute such as the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) at Imphal, or as an AIIMS like Institute,” he said.

This, he noted, would help it to grow further, provide sustainability, as well as address the various capacity constraints.
 
Nagaland to host G20 business summit
India taking over the Presidency of G20 for the first time is a proud moment for all of us, the Governor stated, informing that under India’s Chair about 200 meetings at various levels are being held across the country.

“We are also going to get the privilege of hosting a Business 20 Meet at Kohima on 5 April, providing an immense opportunity to showcase our development status, infrastructure, rich cultural heritage and diversity to the rest of the world,” he said.

He sought everyone’s assistance and participation for the various G20 events and the meet in the state.

Discussion on Governor’s address on March 23
Meanwhile, Nagaland Water Resources Advisor Tongpang Ozukum moved the motion of thanks on the Governor’s Address which seconded by Nagaland Tribal Affairs Advisor H Tovihoto Ayemi.

NLA Speaker Sharingain Longkumer told the floor of the House that discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address will be taken up on March 23. On behalf of 14th house of NLA, Longkumer extended appreciation to the Governor for his address to the House.

Meanwhile, the assembly session stands at recess on March 22 and will resume on March 23 from 9:30 onwards.