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tuesDAY • JAnuArY 17 • 2017
DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 15 • 12 PAGes • 5
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ESTD. 2005
P o W e R
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To understand the heart and mind of a person, look not at what [s]he has already achieved, but at what [s]he aspires to do
South Korea prosecutor seeks arrest warrant of Samsung chief for bribery PAGE 09
ReflecTIons
By Sandemo Ngullie
Petroleum awareness ‘Saksham 2017’ launched in Nagaland
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• Credit agreement signed between GoI, World Bank and Nagaland govt • Total cost of project is $60 million, closing date set at March 31, 2023 Dimapur | January 16 I withdrew my nomination because they told me that this election is different, that ‘even if I win I will not become a minister!’
Petrol price hiked by 42 paise a litre, diesel by Rs 1.03 New Delhi, JaNuary 16 (iaNS): Following the recent spurt in oil prices to well over $50 a barrel, staterun Indian Oil Corp (IOC) hiked prices of petrol by 42 paise a litre, and of diesel by Rs 1.03, effective from Monday, with corresponding increases in other states. “The current level of international product prices of petrol and diesel and the INR-USD exchange rate warrant increase in selling price of petrol and diesel, the impact of which is being passed on to the consumers with this price revision,” IOC said in a release here late Sunday.
Government appoints Election Tribunal DiMaPur, JaNuary 16 (DiPr): The Nagaland State Municipal Affairs Department today informed that the Government of Nagaland has appointed LK Achumi, Retd District and Session Judge as the Election Tribunal to hear and dispose of petitions, pertaining to the Municipal/Town Council Elections 2017, if any. This will include calling in question the election of a member of Municipal Council or Town Council subsequent to the publication of the result of election under Section 42 of the Nagaland Municipal Act of 2001 by the State Election Commission, Nagaland, 2017. The notification informed that the Election Tribunal shall hear and dispose off all election petitions placed before it in the manner prescribed under the Nagaland Municipal Act of 2001.
The Government of India, the Government of Nagaland and the World Bank have signed a massive 48 million dollars credit agreement for the ‘Nagaland Health Project,’ which aims to improve health services across the state. The agreement for the project was signed by Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, on behalf of the Government of India; L. Watikala, Principal Director, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland; and Genevieve Connors, Program Leader and Acting Country Director, World Bank India, on behalf of the World Bank. Credit for the project, which was approved on December 19, 2016, is from the International Development Association (IDA) - the World Bank’s concessionary lending arm - with a maturity of 25 years, including a 5-year grace period. The total cost of the project, according to the World Bank is 60 million dollars, with the IDA providing 48 million dollars, and the borrower i.e. the Government of India committing the remaining 12 million dollars. With the Nagaland State Government being the implementing agency, the closing date of project is set at
March 31, 2023. The multimillion dollar health project aims to empower village health committees to deliver better health service delivery across the state and strengthen existing health systems and public health facilities. This will include capacitybuilding and results-based financing for village health committees, who are responsible for local health services, to improve services as well as enhance the knowledge and awareness of their communities. The project will also invest in improving health services in 177 facilities, including through water and sanitation and off-grid electricity backup. The project aims to strengthen statewide health system components, including information, procurement and supply chain management, and human resource management systems. A release from the World Bank quoted Genevieve Connors, Program Leader and Acting Country Director for World Bank in India as stating that “strengthening health and nutrition service delivery systems both at the local and at the state level will go a long way in improving the quality of health care services in Nagaland.” “We also hope the project will benefit from the World Bank’s experience over the years in financing health system de-
Genevieve Connors, Program Leader and Acting Country Director, World Bank India; Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance; and L Watikala, Principal Director, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland after signing the 48 million credit agreement for the Nagaland Health Project. (Courtesy: World Bank)
velopment projects globally as well as across several Indian states,” she stated Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance hoped that the project would help the Government of Nagaland improve the efficiency, quality and accountability of its health services by strengthening the Health Department’s management and systems capacity, its governance and accountability mechanisms, as well as its ability to engage effectively with health committees at the village level. “This will be done by complementing existing activities of both the state and the National Health Mission,” he said. Apart from state-wide investments to improve health systems, the project will focus on building knowledge and skills of Village Health Committees, including fostering involvement of women’s groups, to manage and
— Kahlil Gibran
Andy Murray makes winning start at Australian Open
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$48 million deal signed for nagaland Health Project Morung Express News
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oversee health services for their communities. An incentive strategy, according to the World Bank, will be used whereby funding will be provided to communities on the basis of progress on defined indicators of improved health and nutrition-related services and practices. In turn, communities will use the grants for activities and investments that are important to them and which have impacts on health and nutrition. Another key initiative of the project will be to improve the conditions of health facilities for both staff and patients. The World Bank noted that frequent outages of power supply in health centers and lack of safe drinking water and inadequate sanitation “are not only undermining the quality of health services in the state but also reduce patient demand for services while affecting the working conditions and motivation of health staff.”
Recognition the potential of solar energy generation in the state, the project will invest in off-grid electrical power solutions adapted to the needs of each targeted health facility. It will also support installation of solar water pumps and water heaters in these facilities. At least 100 health facilities are expected to benefit from improved power supply. Repair of existing water supply piping and storage facilities and installation of rooftop water harvesting systems at targeted health centres also come under the project. At least 125 health facilities are expected to benefit from improved water and sanitation. Patrick Mullen, Senior Health Specialist, World Bank and World Bank’s Task Team Leader for the project, stated that the “the project will support both community-level and state-wide capacity to improve delivery of essential health services in Nagaland.”
Nagaland among states warned by Supreme Court over speed governors New Delhi, JaNuary 16 (iaNS): The Supreme Court on Monday told the Transport Secretaries of 10 states to file their response on a plea seeking installation of speed governors in vehicles, failing which they would have to appear before it. An NGO, Suraksha Foundation, has challenged the April 15, 2015 government notification exempting some categories of passenger and transport vehicles from mandatorily installing speed governors. Apparently displeased over 10 state governments not filing their response to the plea for the installation of speed governors, the bench of Chief Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud observed: “Is this Supreme Court or a joke court? This is not a panchayat and can’t be taken lightly.” Having vented its ire over non-compliance of its order by Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Tripura, Bihar, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the court adjourned the matter for four weeks. The top court had on November 20, 2015 sought response from the central government and all the state governments, including union territories, on a PIL by the NGO, seeking the installation of speed governors in transport vehicles across the country. The top court had also questioned the rationale for an exemption to these passenger and commercial vehicles from installing speed governors, which is a mandatory requirement under the Central Motor Vehicles (Sixth Amendment) Rules. According to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, the transport vehicles will be fitted with speed governors (speed controlling device) in such manner that those can be sealed with official seal in a way that the seal cannot be removed or tampered with without being broken. It also says that the speed governor of every transport vehicle shall be so set that the vehicle cannot be driven at a speed in excess of the maximum pre-set speed of the vehicle. Challenging the notification exempting the vehicles, the petitioner NGO has said that these exempted vehicles were responsible for a large number of road accidents.
RBI hikes ATM withdrawal Border fencing: MP Rio asks PM to interveve India and Myanmar have no limit to Rupees 10,000
Overall weekly withdrawal limit of Rs. 24,000 per card remains unchanged
New Delhi, JaNuary 16 (iaNS): The RBI on Monday hiked the daily ATM withdrawal limit from Rs 4,500 to Rs 10,000 and doubled the weekly Current Account withdrawal limit to Rs 1 lakh. The withdrawals from ATMs will be operative within the existing overall weekly limit of Rs 24,000, a Reserve Bank of India commu-
nique said. “On a review of limits placed on withdrawals from ATMs and current accounts, it has been decided to enhance the same with immediate effect,” the RBI said. On December 31, the RBI relaxed the daily ATM withdrawal limit to Rs 4,500 from the earlier cap of Rs 2,500. The enhanced Current Account withdrawal has been extended to overdraft and cash credit accounts, the RBI said. The caps followed the November 8 government decision to demonetise the Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, a decision which triggered widespread cash crunch in the country.
DiMaPur, JaNuary 16 (MexN): Nagaland State MP to the Lok Sabha, Neiphiu Rio today wrote to the Prime Minister of India apprising the latter of the crisis created in Nagaland due to construction of border fencing along the international boundary between India and Myanmar in the Naga inhabited areas. The fence construction, the MP stated has disturbed social harmony and has potential to create a serious social and humanitarian crisis. “The masses have already objected and public demonstrations against the construction have been carried out. Civil society organisations, apex tribal bodies and civil society groups on both sides of the border have opposed the construction,” he informed. The fencing work, he lamented is
being executed without taking into consideration the sentiments and confidence of the local population. It needs to be stopped immediately or else a serious crisis is likely to erupt in the border regions, he cautioned. As such, he urged the PM to intervene and “undo the construction of the border fencing so that we do not disturb the prevailing peace and harmony, which has held good for centuries.” The Nagaland MP added that rich social fabric of the people in the fabric and the close ties across the border has always been a source of strength for both countries, and the presence of a common population on either side of the boundary has always been a genuine factor for unity and understanding between India and Myanmar.
right to divide Nagaland: NNC
DiMaPur, JaNuary 16 (MexN): The Naga National Council (NNC) today stated that India and Myanmar have no right to divide Nagaland between themselves and termed the border fencing as “nothing but contempt.” A press note from Retd General Thinoselie M Keyho, President, NNC stated that the “Naga people will never recognize the so called international border between India and Myanmar in Naga territory.” It stated that the border fencing in Khiumungam area is illegal and therefore demanded an immediate stop to it. It further asserted that the “friendship between India and Myanmar should not be at the cost of Naga National Rights.”
UlB polls: 15 more candidates withdraw nomination Morung Express News Dimapur | January 16
didates have withdrawn till date, the DIPR report added.
Candidates who filed nominations BJP candidates for DMC to withto the Municipal and Town Council draw nomination if NPF does
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elections continue to sit in a tight spot as threat of excommunication from tribal bodies on one hand and penalization under party constitutions on the other continue to shadow them. As deadline given by the different civil organizations to the intending candidates for withdrawal of the nominations drew close, more candidates succumbed to pressure and withdrew their nominations on Monday while others took to standing on the fence stating that they would withdraw only if the NPF candidates withdrew their nominations first. According to a DIPR report, all together 15 candidates for the Nagaland Municipal Elections withdrew their candidatures on January 16, 2017 which include four each from Meluri and Chumukedima, three from Dimapur, one each from Chozuba, Tening, Zunheboto and East Dimapur withdrew. A total of 68 can-
In Dimapur, eleven BJP candidates who filed nominations to the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) announced that they being bonafide members and affiliated to own respective tribal apex bodies have decided to respect and consider the decision of the apex bodies to withdraw from the race. However, the candidates spelled out that the final decision to withdraw their nominations would solely depend on the NPF candidates withdrawing their nominations in the first place. “This decision has been taken firmly since we cannot afford to be on the losing side if we withdraw our nominations first and the NPF candidates do not follow suit,” the eleven BJP candidates from ward 19, 22, 17, 23, 11, 16, 20, 21, 1, 7 and 6 informed. The Lotha Hoho on the other hand claimed that two candidates namely Echungbeni, Independent candidate, of ward No.6, and Khamongo Humt-
papers as and when directed upon. On behalf of intending candidates Shashikala, intending Independent candidate ward No-3 said the decision was taken in the interest of the Nagas and the ENPO joint emerhe Chuchuyimlang Village Council (CVC) has refuted the re- gency consultative meeting with 6 port on the 50-hour total bandh call along National Highway-2 (six) tribal federating units and fronby the Merangkong and Chuchuyimlang village councils, which tal units on January 14, 2017 in conwas widely circulated on social media platforms on Monday. nection to the impending issues to “Some miscreants are trying to malign the names of Chuchuyimlang and the ULBs election in Nagaland. Merangkong villages by circulating a forged document without bearing However, the candidates said it any signature declaring bandh in National Highway-2. We clarify that would withdraw the nomination in there is no social unrest or disturbances of any kind within the jurisdic- serial wise as per in nomination setion of Chuchuyinlang and Merangkong villages that would warrant call- rial number to the Returning Officer. ing a bandh,” a press note from Chuchuyimlang VC chairman, Ao Sanen In Zunheboto, one Independent Pongen stated. While strongly condemning such criminal act, it assured candidate Zhehoto from Alahuto that the wrongdoers would be dealt with seriously. ward 5 withdrew his nomination papers from the Zunheboto Town The Hoho also reminded that the Council election in order to support soe, BJP party candidate, of ward No.7, BJP candidates had assured to with- the NPF candidate Kikheto. The NPF have withdrawn their nominations. It also informed that NPF work- draw their nominations if the NPF Zunheboto Division president Akavi ing president Mhonthung Patton and withdrew theirs. Sumi said 7 NPF candidates are now press secretary Mhanthungo Kikon unopposed, out of 13 wards. apologised for inability to attend the 8 from Kiphire to Naga Council Dimapur January 14 meeting and signed an un- withdraw nomination dertaking to respect the decisions of the From Kiphire, 8 candidates for the summons DMC candidates Lotha Hoho during a meeting held on Kipihre Town Council said they have The Naga Council Dimapur has reMonday with the NPF party leaders. resolved to withdraw their nomination iterated its earlier resolution and urged
No 50-hour bandh along NH-2: Chuchuyimlang VC
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the candidates to withdraw their nomination papers latest by January 17. It warned that failing to comply with the order, the NCD shall fully endorse and support whatever decision the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) comprising of Ao, Lotha, Sumi, Angami and Chakesang tribes takes in accordance with the Naga customary law. It further directed all the candidates irrespective of all political parties including Independent candidates and tribal union office bearers to report to Lotha Hoho ki, DC court junction at 9 am failing which it warned that the NCD, GBs and DUCCF of Dimapur would collectively take stringent action against the absentee (s).
KTC for Noklak town council elections
The Khiamiungan Tribal Council (KTC) in an emergency meeting on Monday resolved to hold town council elections at Noklak town, based on the January 4 resolution adopted by the ENPO to leave it to the understanding and responsibility of the respective tribes.