Replying to the supplementary questions on Foothill Road during the Sixth Session of the 14th Assembly on 4th March 2025 at NLA hall, Kohima, the Chief Minister & Leader of the House, Dr. Neiphiu Rio said that the foothill road is an issue concerning not only to the elected members and people of that area but also to all the citizens of the State. On allotment of contract, he said there are many qualified contractors who are eligible in the State to do such a contract work in the State. Rio expressed optimism that the Department under the able leadership of the Minister for Roads & Bridges, G. Kaito Aye would be able to sort out public grievances and differences, and smoothly execute the ongoing construction to its completion in time. He also mentioned on the floor of the house that the first proposed foothill road was taken up during his time as the Minister in charge for Works & Housing way back in 1993. However, it was objected by the Assam Government when this issue was raised in the NEC. After that, the amount sanctioned by NEC for this road was dropped due to obstruction and the project has been kept in abeyance.
On allocation of funds, he said the State government did not receive even a penny from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, GOI. Whatever amounts have been received so far for this project was through SPA and SASCI, he added. Till date, Rs. 245.50 Cr has been sanctioned against this project, and he assured to give more funds during the current financial year 2025- 2026 to expedite the completion of the road. Yet, he specifically mentioned that the amount already sanctioned under SASCI has to be utilized within that Financial Year, which can also be extended for another 6 months followed by submission of UCs accordingly. In the event of failure to do so, there are a penalty and no more sanction to be made in the subsequent years, he cautioned.
He appealed to all the stakeholders, be it NFRCC, leaders, CSOs, Tribal HoHos, etc. to support the project and extend their sincere cooperation and understanding with the Department.
On the second day of the 6th session of the 14th NLA, MLA, Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhütso raised a matter of urgent public importance during the Zero Hour on the matter pertaining to employment prospect of Nagas in the Postal services.
He mentioned that a post called Gramin Dak Sevas (GDS) in postal department is recruited through Online every year based on the performance of Class X Marksheet with one recognised common language or third language as one of the mandatory subjects. However, the Nagas are not being able to compete with other North Eastern States in this competition due to absence of third language. Therefore, he urged the august house to ponder this concern and deliberate in the interest of our youths.
(Nongozo Rikha, Asst. Director)