Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, said the top agenda of the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) was the resolution of the “Indo-Naga” political issue, saying the PDA government was committed to play the role of active facilitator in the ongoing peace process.
Rio said this in his address during presentation of the budget for the year 2018-2019 on the second day of the first session of the 13th Nagaland legislative Assembly on Friday.
Rio appealed to the negotiating parties of the peace process to expedite the political talks and bring lasting peace, which would pave the way for development and progress.
The chief minister also appealed to all sections of the Naga people including tribal hohos, mass-based organizations, civil society groups, NGOs, churches, political groups and the people at large to come forward and support the peace process under a spirit of understanding, brotherhood and unity.
Rio stressed the need for Naga society to pursue genuine peace and unity by combating the challenges of tribalism which was polarising the society.
He also emphasised the importance of creating an environment of mutual coexist and trust with neighbours. Towards this objective, Rio said his government would establish a Centre for Peace & Non-Violence to bring Naga society closer together and also strengthen ties with neighbours.
Further, the chief minister expressed his confidence that the current House would continue to uphold the highest traditions of parliamentary conduct and decorum and also live up to the standards set by the predecessors.
The chief minister urged the Opposition Bench to play the role of a constructive opposition, saying that their aim was the same “welfare of the people”. He appealed to all the government servants to gear up for hard work to efficiently and professionally execute programmes and projects.
On e-governance, Rio said his government would use modern information technology tools to improve governance and increase the adoption of e-governance at all levels.
He further disclosed that Public Grievances Cell would be set up to reach all citizens of the State for smooth functioning and bridging between the citizens and different Government agencies.
On road sector, Rio said it was one of the first priorities of his government to start the repair and maintenance of roads in the state capital and district headquarters within 60 days. He said Rs. 50 crore was provided for this purpose. He said the State Quality Control Board will be revamped to ensure that there was no compromise in quality and standards.
On hornbill festival, chief minister said the aim was to make one of the premier cultural tourism festivals in South East Asia and also build up the diverse facets of tourism such as eco-tourism, cultural tourism, adventure tourism, agro-tourism etc., develop more diverse and engaging activities and new tourist circuits to make a visit to State a memorable experience.
The chief minister proposed to promote tribal festivals into two to three days Mini Hornbill Festivals to be organised in various districts and would culminate with the flagship Hornbill Festival – the “Festival of Festivals”.
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