Known as the youngest minister in the UPA government, 29-year old Agatha Sangma, the only daughter among three children of NCP stalwart P.A.Sangma, on her maiden visit to Nagaland said the state was among those in the north east which had performed \u201cfairly well\u201d in the implementation of central sponsored schemes such as NREGA, total sanitation campaign etc.\n Agatha who is union minister of state for rural development however, expressed confidence that Nagaland which has much potential, would do better in the coming years ahead.
\nShe said this at an interactive session with state minister, legislators and government officials at the Police Conference Hall Chumukedima after her return from Meziphema where she inaugurated the agri-link road there. \u201cI am there in the central government willing to extend support\u201d she said. Further, Agatha confessed she has a \u201csoft corner\u201d for the north east not because she belong to the region but because it was lacking behind in development . Growth has to be inclusive she added.
\n She urged the state ministers and government officials present to approach her ministry as it was willing to extend all possible help. Agatha said she hoped her ministry would be able to utilize funds for the development of the north east region. Commenting on the successful implementation of communitization programmes in Nagaland, the minister of state said that it has set an example for other states . She said the success of communitisation should be taken as a positive sign of development in Nagaland. Further, stressing on innovative ways of programme implementation, the Minister underlined that performance was essential.
\nLater, when asked to comment on the allegation by Congresses party over mismanagement of NREGA funds in the state, Agatha said \u201cevery opposition has the right to criticize a government\u201d . She also said the complaint has been brought before the prime minister and the rural development ministry was asked to look into such complaints.
\nReplying to an appeal made by state additional chief secretary and development commissioner Alemtemshi Jamir for amending guidelines of the ministry that were not suitable at the grass root level, Agatha assured that she would take up the matter. She also clarified that Central government schemes in the region was in the funding pattern of 90:10 when asked by the Additional chief secretary.
\nEarlier, Nagaland minister for urban development and higher education Dr. Sh\u00fcrhozelie Liezietsu delivered a brief address while additional chief secretary and development commissioner Alemtemshi Jamir gave a power point presentation on the state and communitization programmes.
\nThe meet was chaired by state chief secretary Lalthara and vote of thanks was offered by parliamentary secretary (RD&SID) S Pangnyu Phom. Earlier, the union minister of state for rural development inaugurated the agri link road to to Temv\u00fc Kar\u00fc at Medziphema village.
\nAddressing the gathering at the village ground, Agatha said it was a rare opportunity for her to witness completion of a project. She also commended the Rio- led DAN government for taking up various central schemes positively and expressed hope that it will improve the condition of the people.
\nTo a request for providing drinking water to the area, the minister clarified that it was a state subject but she promised to do everything possible to help them. Asserting that she felt responsible for Northeast, Agatha assured that she will not waste time to help the region while in the ministry. She also exhorted the gathering to come under one platform as tribal people from Northeast and work with greater responsibility.
\nAmong those who were present included minister for agriculture Dr Chumben Murry, NCP general secretary NE Neiba Ndang, Azheto Zhimomi MLA , officials and a host of other dignitaries and public leaders of the area.
\nAgatha began her programme earlier in the day by gracing the 35th fresher\u2019s social at the Patkai Christian College.She will depart for New Delhi Sunday after the second night\u2019s halt at the police guest house Chumukedima.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"