The Members of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly held the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Secretariat on 15th February, 2021.
Taking part in the debate, the opposition members expressed their appreciation towards the healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, however they called for the Government to improve the overall healthcare infrastructure in the State. MLA, Y. Vikheho Swu mentioned that the State has enough qualified doctors, nurses and healthcare workers, however the health care infrastructure needs to improve so as to meet the needs of the public.
MLAs Vikheho and Yitachu said that COVID-19 has negatively impacted the agriculture sector and farmers have been adversely affected. They spoke on the need to restructure and legislate on the action plan to improve the agri and allied sectors with special focus so as to achieve self-sufficiency in food production.
While appreciating the School Education Department on conducting online classes, creating portals for students during the pandemic, Vikheho also raised issue on the need for improving the internet and communication facilities for far flung areas so that students all across the State can benefit equally.
The Leader of Opposition, T. R. Zeliang stated that the fight against COVID-19 was a common fight, and he appreciated and congratulated the health care workers, civil societies, churches and frontline workers. However, he questioned the State’s ability to face any major pandemic in future.
Advisor, Tourism, Art & Culture, Khehovi Yepthomi, participating in the debate said that the COVID-19 badly affected the tourism industry worldwide and due to which 2020 Hornbill Festival could not be held physically and was done virtually. However, he stated that, looking back at the huge success of 2019 Hornbill Festival, the footfall of tourism has increased to 3 lakhs. He highlighted that the tourism industry has achieved another milestone, where Nagaland has received the prestigious award as the 'Most Promising New Destination' 2019 at the Travel & Tourism Fair, Mumbai. He added that, tourism is one sector where everyone can come together and work in finding innovative measures to make tourism sector a standard and well operational industry in the State.
Minister, Health & Family Welfare, S. Pangnyu Phom replying to the issue raised by the opposition on the lack of infrastructure in healthcare system said that the government has taken all necessary infrastructure development, increased the number of doctors, nurses, technicians, scientists to fight COVID-19 pandemic resulting in low mortality rate in the State. He mentioned that infrastructure at District Hospitals, CHC, PHC and sub-centres have improved significantly and three BSL Lab built at Kohima, Dimapur and Tuensang for COVID-19 testing.
The Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio in his concluding remarks appreciated all the participants on the debate of motion of thanks for their healthy, positive and corrective measures pointed out, which he said will be noted. On the COVID-19 pandemic, Rio said that the world was taken over by surprise, none was prepared for it. He admitted some mishaps in handling the pandemic during the initial stage, however lauded the State’s response with the co-ordinated action of healthcare workers, NGOs, churches, frontline workers and various government agencies.
On the Leader of Opposition’s question on what measures the government has taken to prevent future fire occurrence at Dzükou Valley, the CM replied that the following measures have been taken to prevent fire in the valley- Construction of permanent Fire Control Line around the Valley and maintaining it annually; Installation of foolproof surveillance system for tourist entering and leaving the valley in co-ordination with village community, Village Council, district administration; Capacity building and environment of local community, first responders in preventing as well as taking swift response in preventing fires; Putting in place technology driven Fire Alert System. Rio also added that if all stakeholders agree, the government intends to declare the Valley as Government Reserve Forest and approach central government or international agencies to support conservation.
On the issues faced in the power sector, Rio said that the government is unable to complete hydro power projects in the State due to land owner issues, and on revenue loss due to unwillingness of consumer to pay, he said that government plans to outsource metre reading, revenue collection for improving revenue collection.
Metsubo Jamir, Dr. Neikiesalie Kire, Kashiho Sangtam, Imkong Imchen, Kezhienyi Khalo, Amenba Yaden, M. Yollow Konyak also took part in the debate.
The Chief Minister moved for the adoption of the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address after the debate which was passed by the house.
(Wepre Kronu, Akummeren, Tovikali & Nouneseno)
