Under Matters of Urgent Public Importance, MLA Achumbemo Kikon, initiated a discussion on Dengue and Conjunctivitis outbreak in Dimapur and Mon. He deliberated the Health and Family Welfare Department to take urgent steps to rectify the health workers system. He also said that the health sector should be fully prepared for any kind of outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics in the future. There is a need to increase manpower in the health system and a proper policy is required to tackle such outbreaks.
While replying to the matter put forward by Kikon, Minister, Health & Family Welfare Department, Paiwang Konyak said during such outbreaks the department considers it an emergency and fast track necessary arrangements which are carried out in observing certain protocols and mechanisms. He said that the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare has been proactive in monitoring everything and supplying with whatever was required and is ready for any action to be taken for the service of the citizens.
In Dimapur and Mon, fogging was carried out and the public demanded more. Paiwang stated that instead of fogging, the Department preferred sanitation and cleanliness drive and requested the public to keep their surroundings dry and clean. This will not allow mosquitoes to breed because even if the adult mosquitoes are killed by fogging, such methods do not kill the larvae of the mosquitoes. He also added that Fogging contains chemicals which are harmful to humans and therefore, it is necessary for everyone to take good care of their surroundings. He suggested frequent meetings of District Health Society where DC, CMO and MS of every Districts and Tribal Bodies come together and discuss health issues that arise in their respective districts.
About the present situation of surge in Dengue disease in Mon and Dimapur, he said that the Department is closely monitoring and doing everything possible to help the patients although there is no specific medicine for Dengue. The Minister strongly appealed to all the citizens to keep their surroundings clean and requested the District Administration and District Health Societies to sensitize the public and to ensure mass cleanliness drive in colonies and wards. Paiwang said that the health workers, administration and citizens needs to come together to fight such outbreaks.
REPLIES TO STARRED QUESTIONS
Replying to MLA, Achumbemo Kikon on the position of the Government of Nagaland on the Bipartite and Tripartite MoU with Government of India and Government of Assam, Chief Minister & Leader of the House said that the Government of Nagaland in pursuance of Article 371(A) has been discussing the Bipartite MoU on framework for expediting petroleum operations in the state of Nagaland as proposed by the Government of India under nomination and OALP regimes, especially in the interim period during the pendency of the disputes. Further, discussion with the Government of Assam and Government of India on Tripartite MoU on the framework on equal sharing of revenue from petroleum operations carried out in the entire DAB area, as an interim arrangement is underway, he added. Rio also said that the Champang field is outside DAB as such it can be included in the Bipartite MoU when it is finalized.
With regard to starred question put forward by MLA Nuklutoshi on the status of NH 2 from Nagaland Gandhi Ashram, Chuchuyimlang to Pangsha, Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio replied road is the primary form of connectivity in Nagaland and the tentative cost estimate for consultancy services for preparation of Feasibility Study and Detailed Project Report was accorded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) on 31st July 2017. The Tender based estimate was submitted to the Ministry on 24th April 2018 for approval and the State Government is still waiting for the reply despite seeking instruction from the MoRTH. When asked if any amount has been sanctioned for the road, Rio replied that no amount has been given and that to accord sanction for this road was outside the purview of the State Government, and the Competent Authority is MoRTH.
Advisor, Water Resources, Tongpang Ozukum appealed and requested the concerned Minister and the department to look into National Highway 701-705 Wokha District, 105-125: Doyang Bridge to Mokokchung District. He also requested for appropriate level of maintenance for the roads.
Responding to MLA, Nukultoshi on the current status of the road from Amguri NH 61(2) Tuli to Niuland via Longchem- Champang- Govenor’s Camp under SARDP- NE Phase- B, Chief Minister and Leader of the House, Neiphiu Rio replied that the final DPR was submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways amounting to Rs. 3,284.06 Cr on 12th June 2019.
Replying to MLA, Kuzholuzo Nienu On the status Of NHIDCL project package 4 the construction of two-lane road from Kohima to bypass under NH229. Chief Minister and Leader of the House, Neiphiu Rio said that the project is in ongoing stage and the percentage of physical and financial progress was 23.14 percent and 19.92 percent respectively. On safety, measures the leader of the house said that EPC contractor is on the job for preventing landslide and rockfall prone areas within Dimapur- Kohima 4 Lane road package I. So far, two lives were lost due to landslide and rockfall within Dimapur-Kohima road.
SELECT COMMITTEE FOR NAGALAND MUNICIPAL ACT
During the second session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, a select committee has been constituted in regards to Nagaland Municipal Act with the following:
1. T. R Zeliang: Convenor
2. Paiwang Konyak: Member
3. K.G Kenye: Member
4. Jacob Zhimomi: Member
5. Mhathang Yanthan: Member
6. Zhaleo Rio: Member
7. Metsubo Jamir: Member
CONSIDERATION AND PASSING OF GOVERNMENT BILLS
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio moved “The Nagaland Goods and Services Tax (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2023" while Minister, Health & Family Welfare, P. Paiwang Konyak moved the "Nagaland Anatomy Bill, 2023". Both the Bills were passed.
LAYING OF REGULATION AND PRESENTATION OF REPORT
Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio laid on the floor of the House "Amendment of Rule 50 & 51 of the Nagaland Staff Selection Board Regulations- 2020". He also presented the "Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on Social, Economic, General and Revenue Sectors for the year ended 31st March 2022".
2ND SESSION OF 14TH NLA ADJOURNED SINE DIE
Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Sharingain Longkumer thanked all the legislators, government officials, security personnel and media fraternity for extending cooperation during the session. The Speaker adjourned the second session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly sine die at the Assembly Hall on 14th September 2023.
(Nongozo, Takumpula and Sebu)
