Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated the Department of Under Developed Areas (DUDA) Guest House on 14th June 2022 at Sovima. Under his leadership, DUDA was created in 2003 to strengthen infrastructure development and improve the quality of the lives of Eastern Nagaland.
Speaking on the occasion, Rio congratulated the Department on the successful completion of the building. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and thanked each individual who has been a part of the successful project. He said the DUDA guest at Sovima will come as a relief for many in the commercial hub of Nagaland. Since the inception of the Department in 2003, ENPO has changed a lot and has made tangible achievements. And today, Eastern Nagas are doing much better than some advanced tribes, he added.
Rio said ENPO districts, with rich biodiversity, topography and culture, have high tourism scope, and for which the ENPO needs to work together to achieve the potential without just waiting for reservation or Government jobs but to be self-reliant. He also appealed to the Department to continue training people to develop skills and urged them to keep a separate budget for it. He assured them that the State Government will provide every possible assistance for the upliftment of the ENPO areas and to bring the people of those districts at par with the rest of the States.
He further urged the DUDA department to introspect and think of a way to bring a new policy and be a game-changer. He appealed to the elected members to be more responsible and collectively give their service. He also appealed to each individual to extend continuous support to DUDA.
Expressing hope that the building will cater to the needs of the people of Eastern Nagaland, he said the success would motivate officers to work with more commitment and take development activities forward.
Chairman Village council, Sovima, Sebastian Zumvu, in his brief address, said with the inauguration of DUDA Guest House, Sovima Village has become the home of all tribes of Nagaland. He said that Sovima Village does not have any negative tribalistic feelings, he welcomed the Eastern Naga brethren and urged them to make sure they feel at home.
Short speeches were delivered by Convenor, ENCU, Pangnyu Phom; President ENPO, Tsapikiu Sangtam, and President ENPU Dimapur, L. Shahoto Yimkhiung.
The programme was chaired by Director, DUDA, Lithrongla Tongi Rutsa, NCS. Dedicatory prayer by Rev. Dr. Anjo Keikung. Keynote address by Secretary, DUDA, K. S Anden Konyak, IAS. Folk song was presented by Tikhir Women Union, Dimapur. A vote of thanks was delivered by Adl. Directorate, DUDA, Dr. Anungla Imdong Phom. Benediction was pronounced by Pastor Sangtam Baptist Church Dimapur, Rev. Thridong.
On the occasion, a grand reception was presented by Khiamniungan Cultural troupe, Dimapur.
(Tovikali, IA Chumoukedima)
