The sixth session of the Thirteenth Assembly began with obituary reference to the passing away of the members at the State Legislative Assembly, Kohima on 13th August 2020.
Obituary reference for five former NLA members – Khakheho Sukhalu, Noklem Konyak, Dr. T. Myinthungo Lotha, Rev Lhousuohie Mhasi and Er. Sualemba was made by Speaker Sharingain Longkumer. The members observed two minutes silence and paid respect to the departed leaders.
Speaker said the sixth session was called amid COVID-19 pandemic as it is mandated by the constitution. He also informed that the NLA organized a comprehensive COVID test before the session in-order to minimize the risk of exposure of members and others attending the assembly session. He further added that following all the SOP of the government seating arrangements were also re arranged following the social distancing norms.
The business session began with Commissioner & Secretary reporting the assent of Governor of Nagaland to the following bills: the Nagaland Appropriation (no 1) Bill 2020, the Nagaland Appropriation (no 2) Bill 2020, the Nagaland Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (promotion and facilitation bill) 2020, North East Christians University (first amendment) Bill 2020 and the Nagaland Goods and Services Tax (amendment) 2020.
Annual Administrative reports of Department of Justice & Law and Department of Soil & Water Conservation for 2019-2020 were laid by Neiphiu Rio and V. Kashiho Sangtam respectively. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio introduced and moved ’The Nagaland goods and service tax (amendment) bill 2020 which was considered and passed during the assembly session. Chief Minister also Minister in charge of NSDMA lay the reports /rules of State Disaster Management plan, incidents response system, state disaster management rules and minimum standards of relief.
A total of 27 Starred and unstarred questions, most of which were related to COVID -19 and Health and family Welfare related matters were laid in the house and owing to non-supplementary questions from the members, was subsequently passed and which will be communicated to all the members.
Assembly Committee reports were presented by K. Tokugha Sukhalu Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, N. Bongkhao Konyak Member of the Committee of Public Undertakings and Toshi Wungtung Member of the Estimate Committee. Committee of Subordinate Legislation and Committee on Government Assurance could not present their reports.
The sixth session of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA)was not attended by any of the opposition party as the party announced its decision to boycott the one-day session scheduled on August 13 to "protect democratic practices and to maintain the sanctity of the NLA".
Earlier Minister Health and Family Welfare S. Pangnyu Phom brief the house on the status, expenditure and activities of covid-19 in the state. After finishing all the scheduled business of the sixth session of the 13th Nagaland Assembly Session, Speaker Sharingain Longkumer adjourned the assembly session sine die.
(Esuihangle, IA)
