After having heard the views during discussion held July 20 in regard to details of oil exploration in Nagaland vis-à-vis Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India, the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Monday unanimously upheld the Nagaland State Legal Framework on Petroleum and Natural Gas, Comprised in Resolution of the House under Article 371 (A) (I) of the Constitution of India adopted on July 26, 2010; Nagaland Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulation, 2012 approved by the House on September 22, 2012 and Nagaland Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, 2012 framed by the Government on November 26, 2012 and laid before the House on March 18, 2013, as “constitutionally valid.”
Nagaland minister of geology and mining T. R. Zeliang moved the resolution for consideration and adoption in the floor of the house, which was adopted by the house.
Monday’s resolution was taken by the House following the discussion in the House, where all the political parties, including Congress supported that the Nagaland Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulation, 2012 as “Constitutionally valid”.
Vehicle purchase
State chief minister Neiphui Rio Monday told the house that a technical committee of the transport department had thoroughly deliberated and recommended for purchase of Toyota Innova for the ministers taking in account the durability and low maintenance cost.
According to a DIPR report, Rio also said for the purchase of vehicles for MLAs, suggestion for purchase of Scorpios was put forward, however, the technical committee and Scorpio users observed defectiveness with high maintenance cost and recommended for purchase of Bolero because of its low maintenance cost and suitability for state road.
Responding to a supplementary question, raised by MLA C. Apok Jamir with regard to purchase of high class vehicles, parliamentary secretary transport Paiwang Konyak clarified that only Innovas and Boleros have been purchased.
Revealing that the leader of the House refused to buy a vehicle for himself, Paiwang opined that it was an example which should to be followed by one and all.
He also replied that an amount of Rs. 4,54,50,000 has been earmarked for purchase of vehicles for chief minister, speaker/deputy speaker/cabinet minister/parliamentary secretary and MLA in 2012-2013. Paiwang disclosed that a budget of Rs. 7,44,43,000 was earmarked in the previous term.
To a starred question on whether ministers/parliamentary secretary were provided vehicles from the respective department, they are in-charge of, he said information was not available with the transport special pool.
MGNREGA scheme
Parliamentary secretary for rural development C.L. John, in reply to MLA C. Apok Jamir’s starred question, said the funds received under MGNREGS during 2011-12 was Rs. 67346.57 lakh from government of India and state shared Rs. 3674.63 lakh; Rs.71021.20 lakh, 2012-13 from Gol Rs. 46012.38 Lakhs and state shared Rs. 2000 Lakhs and total Rs. 48012.32 Lakhs.
Replying to supplementary questioned raised by MLA Apok, the parliamentary secretary said decrease or increase in MGNREGS funds was as per the MIS report from the respective DRDA/VDB block.
Urging the responsible department to furnish the detail in the next assembly session, CLP leader Tokheho Yepthomi also insisted the parliamentary secretary should check the corruption and misuse of the department funds and take corrective measures.
Lok Ayukta
The leader of the house, while replying to CLP leader Tokheho on whether the government planned to introduce the Lok Ayukta said though as many as 17 states had enacted the bill, it was erratic in states like Harayana and Punjab.
Rio said the government was waiting for the passage of the Lok Pal bill in parliament after which the state government would refer it to the House Committee for studying if it was suitable for Nagaland or not.
It may be recalled that Congress member C.Apok Jamir had sought to introduce the Lok Ayukta in the house last year as a bill but it was not taken up several grounds.
Water source to Mkg
Responding to a starred question raised by MLA Imtikumzuk, state PHE minister Noke Wangnao said the department was aware of the frequent water supply disruption to Mokokchung town.
He said it was due to landslide, sinking of soil under pipelines and weakness of pipe joints. The minister said a proposal for rectification of the problems was being prepared by the department, which was expected to complete within eight months. Tokheho appealed to the minister to complete rectification within four months.
Science laboratory
Replying to a starred question raised by MLA Imtiwapang Aier, parliamentary secretary for higher education Deo Nukhu Monday said funds/projects for up gradation/ modernization of class rooms of government colleges was issued on March 2013 and completion of first phase was expected by July 2013.
Nukhu said certain funds meant for up-gradation and maintenance of science laboratory in colleges was issued on March 2013 and first phase had already been implemented at Kohima Science College.
The remaining three government science colleges would be upgraded only after receipt of 2nd and 3rd phase funds from NEC.
In reply to supplementary question raised by Tokheho on funds for science laboratory, Nukhu said the state government share was Rs 11.11 lakhs (10%) which was the first installment and the same for which required materials was already supplied to Kohima Science College.
Committee reports
Several Assembly Committee reports were also tabled on the last day of the budget session by chairman Committee on Government Assurances (2013-2014), MLA S.I. Jamir and chairman of Committee on Subordinate Legislation (2013-2014) and Estimates Committee (2013-2014), MLA, C. Aopk Jamir.