Chümoukedima, a land of opportunities: CM Rio

Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | June 30

In a ‘historic’ precedent, which was marked by the heavy downpour of rain leading to guests and attendees clamouring for shelter and cover from nature’s fury, Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio officially inaugurated the newly created district of Chümoukedima on June 29 through the unveiling of a monolith at the Deputy Commissioner’s office complex.

Although the rain caused a minor damper on the overall programme, Rio noted how it was a blessing and showed a good omen for the district’s future. “It gives me immense pleasure to inaugurate Chümoukedima as the 16th district of Nagaland,” he said.

He went on to explain that Chümoukedima/Samaguting was made the district headquarters in the erstwhile Naga Hills District by the British colonial administration in 1866. “Therefore Chümoukedima is historically significant,” Rio remarked.

Since then owing to the growth in size of the population over the years from an influx of migrants both from within and outside the state, Rio mentioned that the district is known as the “Land of Opportunities.”

With its vast array of plain fields and suitable climate for growing different crops, including rice, the Chief Minister expressed that the district, “has a huge potential for economic activities.”

Commenting on infrastructure, he revealed that the district was fortunate to have well-established central institutions and three universities which were, the Global Open University, Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI) and St Joseph University. Besides that there are a good number of colleges, health facilities and road connectivity as well.

“So we thought that Chümoukedima will become an intellectual hub and a high economically viable district,” he affirmed.

Besides saying that it was the gateway to the Naga Hills in the past and it continues to be the gateway for providing numerous opportunities to the people, Rio maintained that Dimapur remains our major commercial hub along with distinctly being a mini-India and Chümoukedima a mini-Nagaland.

“I hope there will be unity among us and so, we should try to dream of good things for us and for our children to come,” he declared to the gathering.

An engine for economic development
Rio also observed that since the creation of Chümoukedima as a full-fledged district, it comprises of areas which can prove to be a commercial hub and an engine of economic development. The government was taking firm step in the direction towards ushering speedy and inclusive growth of the people of this area.

In addition, he urged the people to cooperate with the government in selling and giving the land for development while also assisting the government in the administration and policy making process too.

At the same, Rio pointed out the decision of the State government to retain a single Commissioner of Police for all the three districts of Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland. This was in order to control the crime rate through a systematic chain of command.

Speaking on matters pertaining to the distinction of urban and rural areas, he reminded the people “not to impose the traditions of our villages in the urban areas and towns.” With Nagaland State having numerous urban areas, he said that the 94th amendment is applicable to the state, where women reservation, taxation and electing municipal members are concerned.

Government aided loans and other projects
Asides from these points, the Chief Minister announced that more than Rs 100 crore worth of loans would be handed out to the local entrepreneurs from the banks, particularly for micro farms and micro, small & medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.

On top of that, the government was further mulling over how to hand out Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects to the tune of Rs 50 crores, free of cost, for various public amenities.

“So now Nagaland will open for business opportunities and you will have access to the banks. So it is a challenge for the youths and educated employed to come into the agri-allied sector in all kinds of businesses,” he stated.

“Interest will be borne by the state to help you to do business so as I had mentioned do not eat the seeds but utilise and eat the fruits,” he commented.

Earlier, MLA and Advisor, Zhaleo Rio noted that the wishes and aspirations of the people have been fulfilled by the government, although there were some initial hiccups along the way based on tribal sentiments and district boundaries.

He pointed out how Chümoukedima is a conglomeration of all the Naga tribes including other minorities, and as such prompted upon the people to march forward for infrastructure and economic development.

The Advisor reflected on the view that the district is like a garden for all the people due to which it is the public’s responsibility to tend to it.

Minister for PHED Jacob Zhimomi spoke on the need for the development of the youth, women and senior citizens of the district in all possible manners. Along these lines, he said the creation of the two new districts of Niuland and Chümoukedima was a way to augment the socio and economic development of the state besides Dimapur and Kohima.

MLA, Azheto Zhimomi on the other hand highlighted and clarified on the earlier misconceptions which arose due to the plan to shift the Dimapur DC’s office in 2021. He maintained that the creation of the new district was not on tribal lines as the formation was led by both the Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) and the Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO).

Various public leaders from the CPO, WSH and the Chümoukedima Village Council also spoke during the programme.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/chmoukedima-a-land-of-opportunities-cm-rio