Ganesan sworn in as new governor

Correspondent

KOHIMA, FEB 20 (NPN): La Ganesan was sworn in as the 21st governor of Nagaland by Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench judge Justice Songkhupchung Setro at a solemn function held at Dr Imkongliba Ao Hall, Raj Bhavan here on Monday.

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Q: Has the union budget helped to bring down prices of various commodities?

NDPP-BJP will form govt; no alliance with others: Sarma

The swearing-in ceremony was held in the presence of chief minister Neiphiu Rio, deputy chief minister Y Patton, NLA speaker Sharingain Longkumer, cabinet ministers and host of senior officials.

Meanwhile, Ganesan in a statement, stressed on peace for growth and prosperity in the State. In a message after assuming charge, he called for facilitating a conducive social environment to enable the willing participation of all sections of society for inclusive development.

He emphasised on ensuring the highest standards of governance built on the principles of transparency and accountability, adding the interests of people, particularly the poor, should be supreme. He appealed to all for working together, try to reach for the stars and prove that the land was both beautiful and bountiful.

Thanking the chief minister for his warm wel- come , Ganesan said he eagerly looked forward to working with him and his Council of Ministers. He also extended his greetings and good wishes to the people of the State.

He called upon all the citizens of Nagaland to participate in the world’s largest festival of democracy by proudly exercising their franchise on February 27.

Ganesan said he was overwhelmed by the affection and regard shown to him by people across the State and that he was deeply humbled by this experience.

He mentioned that it would be his sincere endeavour to live up to the expectations of all those who had chosen him, and to serve the best interests of people of the State and country.

“I am fully aware of the great responsibility that has been placed on my humble shoulders. I assure

Nagaland health deptt in shambles: Cong

Sarkar of NDPP-BJP instead reveals the ‘I don’t care’ attitude to the people.

Sujata also spoke about Covid 19 crisis when the government couldn’t provide proper medical facilities such as enough beds, oxygen cylinder and how the health system collapsed completely.This exposed the sorry state of affairs today.

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, FEB 20

(NPN): Congress continues to hit out at the ruling NDPP-BJP coalition on various alleged failures and on Monday AICC media coordinator Sujata Paul, described health department in Nagaland as being in shambles . She said when union home minister Amit Shah visits Nagaland on Monday, he should not talk of Jal Jeevan mission, road development and health sector.

Addressing media here at Congress Bhavan Monday, Sujata noted that according to the government data from 2021 ICMR report, National center for disease informatics and research showed the causes of the collapse of health system of Nagaland. She also added that as per report details of Nagaland shared by NDPP-BJP , it showed that Nagaland has 397 SC, 56 HWC-SC’s, 126 PHCs, 5 HWC-PHCs, 21 CHCs, 11 DHs, one Tertiary cancer center and that the state is covered under Ayushman BharatPradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).

However she pointed out that there are no sub district hospital, medical colleges, regional cancer care center and no state cancer institute in a state where cancer continue to rise and in this regard the double engine you all that I shall uphold the highest traditions of this exalted position, and will work for the principles that are sacred to our democratic values,” the message stated.

She mentioned that 34% of children between the age of 12 to 23 months have not received immunization with Penta and Hepatitis B vaccine and that data for Ujjwala gas connection of 24.9 % of rural households have clean fuel for cooking, are amply lucid.

She pointed out that Dimapur, the financial capital of Nagaland has only one district hospital which caters to three districts, Chümoukedima, Niuland and Dimapur but rampant power cuts were causing hardship on doctors and nurses. Sujata shared a video clip from February 18, showing how nurses were treating patients using candle light.

Ganesan said, “In the light of the Constitution, I will discharge my duties with utmost sincerity. I also commit fairness and justice in the discharge of my functions.”

As Nagaland was set to celebrate 60th Statehood Day, he said he drew inspiration from the courage and sacrifice of all those who had led the nation to freedom. He said the democratic-cultural ideals of India and all citi zens would always be his source of energy and, as governor of the State, he assured to always extend his full cooperation to them.

He noted that Nagaland was a beautiful State and the rich cultural tradi-

NCRC flays use of sacred Christian phrases in poll campaign

DIMAPUR: Nagaland

Christian Revival Church (NCRC) has condemned the use of Christian liturgical sacred phrases like ‘Praise the Lord’ and ‘Haliluyah’ in election campaign.

In a press release, NCRC general secretary Rev. Dr. Kiyezhe Chishi said those terms were “for worship of the Almighty God Jehovah, and cannot go together with ‘Bharat Mata ki jai’.” Rev.Chishi maintained that “Bharat Mata ki jai” was expression of the worship of motherland as a goddess by Hindus. “For Christians, motherland is a gift of blessing from God but not a goddess to worship,” Rev. Chishi said, adding that worship of a goddess “cannot equate or go together with the worship of Jehovah, the God Almighty.”

Meanwhile, NCRC has appealed to all the believers to pray for clean election.

5 more years of ‘double engine’govt: Rajeev

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, FEB 20

(NPN): Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Electronics & Information Technology Rajeev Chandrashekhar has asserted that another five years of “double engine” BJP-NDPP alliance government would transform Nagaland from being an economy dependent on Delhi to one that would be surplus.

Addressing media here BJP office here on Monday, he acknowledged that it took time for a State to reach a certain critical mass in terms of economy, skilling capabilities, motivate the youth and for investments to come.

Citing the transformation of Uttar Pradesh into one of the hottest destinations for technology in the country in a span of six years, he hoped that in the next five years and with BJP’s manifesto to skill 80,000- 90,000 Naga youth yearly, investments would flow.

“It is my dream and Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s dream that the next wave of unicorns should come from Northeast,” he added.

Asked if not solving the Naga political issue was one of the reasons for stagnancy in entrepreneurship in the State, he opined that even though he did not want to link the two directly, he acknowledged that peace had direct corelation with investments, which in turn had direct corelation to economic growth.

On Kohima Smart City project, Chandrashekhar said in the last twoand-a-half years, a lot of money and resources were spent on gearing up healthcare system for procuring vaccines.

He mentioned that there was a clear focus of Urban Development Ministry to create more customised framework for hill towns like Kohima.

On Modi not being given permission to use PA Sangma Stadium in Meghalaya for campaign, he replied that BJP was used to such things. He claimed that people all over the country were experiencing the positive impact of Modi’s good governance.

“While any party that tries to create such artificial roadblocks may think that it had been successful, we think that good governance will help us endear ourselves to the masses and we will continue doing that,” he assured.

Questioned whether BJP and NDPP would together contest the election to urban local bodies (ULBs) too, he remarked that the alliance was not opportunistic.

He claimed that BJP approached alliance based on common framework and vision to improve the State and transform lives of people, and that if there was a need for the alliance to be extended, the party tions of its talented people added a distinct colour to the diversity and splendour of India. He said he felt deeply honoured and privileged to be the First Citizen of this fascinating State.

He acknowledged that it also put an onus on him to live up to people’s expectations, which was both inspiring and challenging. Hence, he said it would be his endeavour at all times to fulfil this onus to utmost public satisfaction.

Ganesan further observed that Nagaland was also a State with tremendous potential. Its green cover, water resources, mineral wealth ad bracing climate, together with the capabilities of its people, could energise the dynamics of the economy. He stressed on science, technology and innovation in propelling the State towards building a knowledge society. He said the people desired better governance, faster development and a life of peace and security and called for standing united in the fight against such divisive and destructive tendencies as communalism, casteism, extremism and terrorism. He appealed to all to rededicate themselves once again to the constitutional ideals and work united.

DIMAPUR: Assam chief minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed that the next government in Nagaland would be formed under the leadership of chief minister Neiphiu Rio in order to carry on with the development work and bring the much-needed solution to the Naga political issue.

Sarma further said that the NDPP-BJP alliance government had provided stability in the past five years, leading to an opposition-less government under the leadership of Neiphiu Rio.

Sarma arrived Nagaland on Tuesday to address rallies in Pughoboto and Bhandari for the party and alliance candidates along with NDPP secretary general Abu Metha and State BJP chief spokesperson Kuputo Shohe.

Sarma also categorically stated that the BJP has no understanding with other parties like the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP).

“BJP has no links with LJP. If somebody is are spreading rumour that is wrong,” he said. He said he was surprised to learn how LJP had entered Nagaland to fight electora l battle, adding that LJP was a party not known anywhere in the region.

Addressing the rally for NDPP candidate Y Vikheho Swu from 13 Pughoboto constituency, he said the next government too would be formed under Rio’s leadership.

He further stated that good progress had been made in the Naga political issue and that a positive climate had been created.

He also claimed that the Northeast had received focus under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had described the region as a “new engine” for growth of the country.

Addressing the rally in the Bhandari constituency for BJP candidate Mmhonlumo Kikon, Sarma assured that the Naga political issued would be resolved in the next five years based on Naga’s unique history and identity.

Sarma said reiterated that the NDPP and BJP would be forming the government in Nagaland under the leadership Neiphiu Rio.

Later in the evening, Sarma also addressed an election rally at Alongtaki constituency for BJP candidate Temjen Imna Along. “Appeal to the people of Nagaland to vote for him and help us accelerate the development witnessed by the State in past 5 years,” he said in a tweet.

Athawale kicks off campaigns for RPI (A)

Correspondent/Staff Reporter

KOHIMA/DIMAPUR, FEB 20 (NPN): Union minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment and president of Republican Party of India (A) Ramdas Athawale said the party was in alliance with BJP at the centre and similarly the two parties would also support each other even here in Nagaland.

He said this while addressing a public rally at RSA ground, Tseminyü.

Since RPI (A) is supporting NDA government at the centre and BJP and NDPP being alliance partner in the state, Athawale said if Ar Loguseng Semp is elected, he will talk with the NDPP leaders and chief minister Neiphiu Rio to secure a ministerial berth for him (Semp).

Highlighting that RPI (A) was a party founded by Dr BR Ambedkar with visions to work for the minority and weaker sections of the society, Athawale said under Modi government the party had been able to work for the minority section of the people extensively.

He added that Ambedkar was not just a leader of the minority alone but even the whole nation and had also drafted the Indian Constitution.

And that the party was committed to spreading the ideology of Dr Ambedkar politically.

Athawale said this time the party was fielding a total of eight candidates in Nagaland in its debut appearance

‘RPI (A) will win

3 to 4 seats’ would certainly explore and do it.

Ramdas Athawale expressed confidence that the party will win atleast 3 to 4 seats out of eight candidates in the upcoming Nagaland legislative assembly.

The union minister said this while addressing press conference at the residence of its party candidate for 5 Ghaspani II A/C, Z. Kasheto Yeptho.

Athawale said that the party has fielded a strong and confident candidate Kasheto, and expressed confident that he will definitely win.

“That bridge would be crossed when we come to the bridge,” he stated.

Chandrashekhar further claimed that he had been involving himself with Naga youth entrepreneurs and helped them begin start-ups even before becoming a minister.

He said the next five years would bring huge opportunities for youth of Nagaland as it would for rest of the country.

He mentioned that Modi had announced Rs 8,000 crore in the budget for skilling youth, while BJP had its manifesto promised to skill 80,000 to 90,000 youth of Nagaland every year that would provide employment opportunities as well as selfemployment.

He also spoke on setting up Digital India Startup hub in all districts of the State.

Chandrashekhar clarified that all these were not empty claims, while noting that the “double engine” government of BJP and NDPP had made tremendous progress in taking Nagaland forward.

Kharge to address public rally in Dimapur today

DIMAPUR: Indian National Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge would address a public rally at Diphupar Village Public Ground, near GHSS 4th Mile on February 21 at 11am. NPCC through its communications department has invited public to attend the programme. AICC leaders including Dr. Shashi Tharoor (MP), Dr. Ajoy Kumar AICC IC Nagaland and Dr. K. Jayakumar (MP) would also attend the rally.

Postal deptt

‘Maha Mela’

DIMAPUR: Postal Department, North East Region-II will be organising a “Maha Mela” from February 20- 24 for awareness on Post Office saving schemes in all the Post Offices. In this connection, the Department appealed to the public to open account for various schemes which will be beneficial to them, as the Government of India has recently hiked interest rates in various Post Office schemes.

and was hopeful of producing some winners who would be able support the government. He said Loguseng being an architect by profession could become the architect of the constituency.

RPI candidate, Ar Loguseng Semp, in a short speech called on the people to join hands and work together to bring development to the district.

He said he was concerned not just about the Rengmas but even other tribes residing in the district.

A brief speech was also delivered by RPI (A) state president, Nagaland, Mughato Ayemi. The rally programme was chaired by Kenyuseng Tep while invocation was pronounced by TOT Baptist Church, pastor, Ahyulo Seb.

Athawale also spoke about his party’s alliance with the BJP in the centre and said that party will support the NDPP-BJP alliance in the state.

Athawale said that his party was for minorities irrespective of faith, ethnicity, and caste, and they will work for the development of the people.

RPI (A) state president Mughato Ayemi, who also addressed the press conference said since it did not want to disturb the NDPP-BJP alliance have decided to fight independently but with the understanding that after election, they will be open to any possible alliance in the formation of government.

Over 45 cr worth items seized till Feb 19

DIMAPUR: Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland has informed that the central and state agencies have seized banned items including cash to the tune of Rs. 45.90 crore till February 19.

The seized items include-- cash Rs. 4,81,91,075; IMFL Rs. 4,65,41,810; drugs/narcotics Rs. 31,30,84,530; freebies/other items Rs. 4,37,80,090 and precious metals (Silver-0.02332 Kgs) Rs. 1,665.

All party meeting in Kiphire

DIMAPUR: An all-party meeting with the district police was held in the office chamber of SP Kiphire on February 20.

The meeting was attended by party members and office bearers from various political parties.

At the meeting, SP Kiphire, K.Swarnambika welcomed all the office bearers and members from various parties to the meeting. She congratulated

Online booth app training at Mon

and appreciated the good work done by the parties in ensuring that campaigning was done in a peaceful and democratic manner. She also asked them to extend the same kind of co-operation to the district police till the completion of the election process.

The members of the political parties also expressed their gratitude to the police department for initiating the meeting.

DIMAPUR: In view of the forthcoming General Election to the Nagaland legislative Assembly 2023, Online Booth App training for District Level Master Trainers was conducted on February 18 at Deputy Commissioner Conference Hall Mon. Desh Deepak, DIO, Echi, District Rollout Manager, and Hampong Asst. Programmer Election demonstrated the Booth App. He stated that Booth App reduced the queue, helps in fast Polling, and allows error-free recording. It facilitates faster identification of voters using encrypted QR codes from the digitally marked copy of the electors.

Meanwhile, cVIGIL training was introduced in the presence of Observers to various political parties of Mon district on February 18 at DC Conference Mon. Desh Deepak, DIO, Echi, District Rollout Manager and Hampong Asst. Programmer Election demonstrated the App.