Governor, La Ganesan held an interactive meeting with the CSOs & HoDs of Chumoukedima at Rhododendron Hall, Chumoukedima on 28th June, 2023.
In his speech, he expressed that it was a privilege to visit the Chumoukedima district with so much history starting right from the British time and a chapter of the formation of the Naga Hills district-which was a prelude to the formation of the state of Nagaland. He stated that Chümoukedima was designated as the first headquarter of the Naga Hills District of Assam Province, British India from 1866 until the administrative office moved to Wokha in 1875 and then to Kohima in 1879. The town was also called Nechu Guard and also Samaguting during World War II. It is the third-largest urban agglomeration in Nagaland after Dimapur and Kohima.
He pointed out that Chumoukedima district is more fortunate than most districts in Nagaland due to its geographical location and other factors. It is blessed with good topography, fertile soil, and a suitable climate for farming and business. It is also fortunate to have well-established central institutions and universities and several good schools and colleges in the district. It has been rightly dubbed a “Mini Nagaland” as it is home to not just one tribe but has people from all the tribes of Nagaland settled and calling Chumoukedima their home. As a district with a vibrant population and with all the right conditions for development, we wish to see Chumoukedima as a developed district, powering and inspiring other districts of Nagaland in our march toward progress and prosperity, he added. He said that it is his endeavor and wish that every district in Nagaland has the four basic infrastructures – education, adequate health care, good roads, and adequate banking facilities.
He pointed out that the focus should be on quality education. The new NEP is envisioned to be achieved through providing flexible learning opportunities and exposing the children to a healthy mix of the best of both our cultural values as well as modern educational practices. The NEP 2023 intends to make the Indian educational system more inclusive, flexible, and learner-centered. Hence, he urged all the educational centers to keep themselves abreast with the developments and conform to the national policies for the benefit of the students.
He also mentioned that healthcare service in the district is an important focus area and quality healthcare should be the ultimate goal. "Today, so many government health-related schemes are in operation including Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, and our state’s own CM Health Insurance Scheme." He urged the concerned departments to take these government schemes to the doorsteps of the citizens so that the common citizen benefits. The central Government under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan endeavors to eliminate TB by 2025; that is 5 years ahead of the global target. TB treatment is available free of cost at government health facilities. Hence, he called upon the district health authority, especially the District Tuberculosis Officer to enhance awareness about the disease and its treatment for its eradication under the PM TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
He also highlighted safe drinking water, where the Government through its Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) undertakes to provide clean drinking water to every home in India. He requested the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) to ensure that the JJM scheme benefits every citizen. He asserted that Banking is another basic service that cannot be ignored in this modern world. Every eligible citizen should have a Jan-Dhan account, especially women in order to avail of all the banking facilities. He requested the District Lead Bank Authority to conduct financial literacy camps in the villages in order to create more banking and financial awareness.
Further, lamented that various five-year plans of the country have made a very huge impact on the economy of the country and the states. Each five-year plan laid emphasis on various sectors of the economy. Many Indian states were able to capitalize on the five-year plans and develop their respective state. "However, in the case of Nagaland, because of the various issues confronted for so many years, we have missed out on many developmental fronts, unlike our counterparts from other parts of the country. We must give peace a chance and we have to make extra efforts to catch up with the rest of the country," Governor said.
He expressed that wherever he goes, he always impresses upon everyone the need to be good model citizens for the state as well as for the country. He said as good citizens, we have to be law abiding and also cooperate and work hand in hand with the government- both at the centre and in the state. We have to reaffirm our commitment to the democratic values and ideals enshrined in our constitution and work harder in our march toward a united, strong, and prosperous nation.
At the interaction meeting, the invocation was pronounced by Asst. Pastor, Town Baptist Church, Chumoukedima Kezhalelhou. Welcome note was delivered by DC Chumoukedima, Abhinav Shivam, IAS.
PowerPoint presentations were presented by the Department of Tourism, Rural Development, and Medical Department, followed by interaction with HoDs & CSOs. While the vote of thanks was delivered by ADC, Chumoukedima, Dr. Kuzonyi Wideo.
(Tovikali, IA, Chumoukedima)
