‘Due to low agricultural hands, Nagaland imports rice from outside’

While the state of Nagaland is experiencing a decrease in the farming population ‘there is increase in productivity due to technological intervention,’ a local administrator of Dimapur said on Tuesday. The official, Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur Kesonyu Yhome, said the decrease in the farming population is one of the reason ‘for which we import paddy from other states.’

Yhome was addressing a gathering of farmers during an event recently.

An agricultural event called the ‘Farmers’ Field Day’, organized under the National Food Security Mission was conducted by the District Agriculture Office of Dimapur in Singrijan village on November 17.

The deputy commissioner of Dimapur, Kesonyu Yhome, attended the event as the guest of honor. In his speech, Yhome exhorted the farming community of Singrijan village to follow and adopt new farming techniques taught to them by the Agriculture department. That way, he said, the farmers can ‘achieve higher yield’ in agricultural production.

He reminded that the forefathers of the Naga people had ‘no luxuries of life in the past, yet survived through their hard work.’ Observing that although there had been a decrease in the farming population in every corner of the world, ‘there is increase in productivity due to technological intervention,’ the administrator told the gathering.

"In our state the farming population is decreasing so also the productivity of yield and for which we import paddy from other states", he regretted. Yhome asked the gathering of farmers to ponder on the issue.

Further, he asked the gathering to take full advantage of the many logistic supports extended to them by the Agriculture department and to work in unity as far as agriculture activity is concerned so as to raise their standard of living. "The better you perform, the more support from the government will be given", he maintained.

Delivering the keynote address, the deputy director of the Agriculture department, Sosangmar termed Farmers’ Field Day as a special occasion for the farming community where ‘experiences and difficulties could be shared.’

"Without the Field Day, the mandate of NFSN will not be successful', he remarked. When farmers show interest, it becomes an integrated approach because all the agriculture and allied departments step forward to help, he asserted. He called ‘dynamism of farmers’ as a key factor toward paving ‘many other ways for the benefit of farming community.’ "Nagaland is self sufficient in all other food grains besides paddy where there is deficit of 33%", Sosangmar said.

Further reminding that food security as the ‘vision’ of the Agriculture department, he said, "We cannot increase the land but can work towards higher yield to fulfill our vision with technological intervention."

Kesonyu Yhome addressing farmer during an agriculture event in Dimapur on Tuesday, November 17. An agricultural event called the ‘Farmers’ Field Day’, organized under the National Food Security Mission was conducted by the District Agriculture Office of Dimapur in Singrijan village on said date. 

The APP of Dimapur, L Mongsanger, who gave a brief report about the National Food Security Mission said that the program had made significant progress in Dimapur district in terms of production and productivity of rice, acceptance and adoption of new production technologies and also new implements and machineries.

He also informed that under Dimapur district, the National Food Security Mission was being implemented in 35 clusters covering four blocks. Mongsanger was of the view that the program had contributed significantly in accelerating food grains production in the district. He mentioned that Singrijan village was one of the best-performing villages and for which Farmers Field Day was being conducted in the village.

A progressive farmer from Singrijan village, Tik Bahadur, spoke during the event. While sharing his experiences with the National Food Security Mission, Bahadur said that the traditional methods of farming and farming with technological intervention had vast differences in terms of productivity. The farmer said that with the application of line transplanting techniques his yield of paddy during the previous year cultivated in one bigha was 1, 200 kilograms. However, he said, cultivating the same area ‘with traditional modes of farming,’ the yield was 720 kilograms only.

Another progressive farmer from Shozukhu village, Hotoshe Sumi, lauded the Agriculture department for training the farmers and for providing logistic support to the farming community.

During the event, agriculture officer Ronchamo Kikon gave a review of yield. He said that crop cutting experiments were a regular feature for specific crops, ‘to observe the efficacy and supremacy of line transplantation and also to assess yield per hectare.’

In the second session, agriculture officer Rokovotsole demonstrated seeds treatment for winter crops and another agriculture officer Wochamo distributed winter crop seeds, micro nutrients, and bio-fertilizers to the farmers.

National Food Security Mission

National Food Security Mission is a Central Scheme of the government of India that was launched in 2007 for 5 years to increase production and productivity of wheat, rice and pulses on a sustainable basis so as to ensure food security of the country.

The aim is to bridge the yield gap in respect of these crops through dissemination of improved technologies and farm management practices.

Current Status

The targets of 11th five year exceeded and it was extended to 12th five year plan in 2012. In the 12th Plan, NFSM aims at raising the food grain production by 25 million tones. Besides rice, wheat and pulses, NFSM proposes to cover coarse cereals and fodder crops during the 12th plan period (2012-17). 11th plan covered 15 states under NFSM-Rice, 9 states under NFSM-Wheat and 16 States under NFSM Wheat.

Hence, all states were not covered during 11th plan for NFSM. 12th plan aims to cover all the states of India with focus on low productive areas to bridge the yield gaps for additional production while stability in high production areas would be achieved through promotion of conservation agriculture practices.

Central government allocated over Rs 1,800 crore to states under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) in 2012 to raise food grains output by 25 million tones in the 12th Five Year Plan period as the mission was extended with beyond expected output during XI the five year plan. Uttar Pradesh got the maximum amount at Rs 276.9 crore, followed by Madhya Pradesh Rs 226.87 crore and Maharashtra Rs 196 crore.

(Al Ngullie)

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Police corruption: Kyong students want action against Home ministers

Students of the Kyong Naga community have expressed support to the legal action that the Chakhesang Students’ Union has broached in the ongoing fight against corrupt appointments in the state government’s tainted Home department.

However, the Kyong organization has appealed to the Chakhesang organization to demand investigations from the time of former Home Minister Thenucho. Under his tenure as a Home minister from 2005, more than 1, 700 were directly appointed by him, the KSU said on Tuesday. “…if CSU file a PIL it should be from 2005, otherwise, it will be nothing but nepotism and tribalism.”

The Kyong Naga Students (KSU) has requested the Chakhesang organization not to single out a particular Home minister but all ministers from the past tenures under whom illegal appointments have been made.

The KSU issued a statement on Tuesday, November 17, and enclosed scanned images of purportedly illegal appointments made under former Home ministers: Thenucho, Imkong Imchen, G Kaito, and current Home Minister Y Patton.

Mentioned in correspondence to the Home ministers were the director generals of police during the politicians’ tenure in said position: Changkija, Z Kire, O Alem and B Kezo.

Once thought to be a dignified and trustworthy department, the Nagaland police department of the state is now mired in allegations of illegal appointments or ‘backdoor’ appointments.  S far, the government remains silent. 

Almost all the major departments of the government of Nagaland are mired in charges of corruption ranging from financial mismanagement to illegal appointments but the state continues to remain silent. In the slow, but growing outrage against the inaction, various students’ unions in the state, notably the Chakhesang and the Kyong students–have begun to exert pressure.

“The Kyong Students’ Union stands behind the CSU in their fight against backdoor appointment. However, the stand of CSU pointing out only 1 (one) department appears to be driven by vested interest and tribalism attitude,” the Kyong students said.

The KSU stated: “If this is a social cause and not driven by nepotism and tribalism CSU will not given the cut off year as 2010 investigation. We all know that Thenucho, a Chakesang, was Home Minister from 2005 during whose tenure more than 1, 700 were directly appointed by him basing on felt, if CSU file a PIL it should be from 2005, otherwise, it will be nothing but nepotism and tribalism.”

“As per information collected from PHQ the figures shown below (see image) are the appointments made since 2005 through backdoor,” the KSU said, referring to the information, in the press release.

A scanned document the KSU issued on Tuesday, November 17, purports to show illegal appointments in the police department, corresponding to the police chiefs, DGPs, of the state and Home ministers ('HM') during whose tenure the appointments were allegedly made.

Days ago, the Chakhesang Students’ Union said it had decided to file a Public Interest Litigation after a 10-day ultimatum served on the state government to revoke all the illegal appointments in Home department expired.

The CSU said that the state government’s silence on the issue was enough to show that they were not interested to pay heed to such serious matter. An irate CSU had said that it had affirmed that the union would “in no-way entertain any discussion” on the matter and let the court to decide on the course of action.

The press release from the KSU was appended by KSU president Amos Odyuo, and general secretary T Phyopemo Kikon. 

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From Wokha to Longleng, to Peren, winged visitors return to new home

It’s been barely three years since the slaughter of this visitor stopped. The migrating bird aerial predator Amur Falcon has finally come to roost in Nagaland, from the forested areas of Doyang in Wokha district to Longleng district, and now in Intanki national park in Peren district.  

The forest and wildlife authorities of Peren district have informed on Tuesday that Amur Falcons have also reached the reserved forest. The first flock of the birds was said to have been sighted on October 19, eventually increasing to thousands.

The wildlife authorities are expecting numbers by the lakh and wildlife protection forces are said to be in place.   

“With the arrival of Amur falcons at Intanki National Park, armed forest protection force has intensified its duty in and around the park area for the safe roosting and passage of the migratory birds to its destination,” the Wildlife Warden of Dimapur, K Caroline, stated in the press release.

“The first flock of Amur Falcon in the National Park was sighted on the 19th of October 2015. The number has increased by the thousands since then and is expected to reach lakhs in a few days time,” the press release said.

The Dimapur division remarked that the numbers of falcons in the area this year “far exceeds that of last year’s.” The roosting area being undisturbed, has become an ideal location for bird watchers and a safe haven for the bird, Caroline stated.

Amur Falcons flock by the thousands on a tree at Intangki National park in Peren district. This year too, at least a million of the small aerial predator have already arrived in Wokha district, Longleng and now Peren. 

“Awareness (sic) has been created in the fringe villages of the National Park as well as other districts of the state in collaboration with the Territorial Division. This has received a positive response for collective protection and conservation of the Amur falcon during its stay in the Park area,” she added.

The Amur falcon (Falco amurensis) is a small raptor of the falcon family. It breeds in south-eastern Siberia and Northern China before migrating in large flocks across India and over the Arabian Sea to winter in Southern Africa.

It was earlier treated as a subspecies of the red-footed falcon (Falco vespertinus) and known as the eastern red-footed falcon. Males are dark grey with reddish brown thighs and under-tail coverts; reddish orange eye-ring, cere, and feet. Females are duller above with dark scaly markings on white underparts, an orange eye ring, cere, and legs. Only a pale wash of rufous is visible on their thighs and undertail coverts.

Their diet consists mainly of insects such as termites and during migration over the sea. They are thought to feed on migrating dragonflies. The route that they take from Africa back to their breeding grounds is as yet unclear.

The wide breeding range and large population size of the Amur falcon have led to the species being assessed as being of least concern.

The flocking behavior during migration and the density at which they occur however expose them to hunting and other threats. During their migration from their breeding area to the winter quarters they are plump and are hunted for food in parts of northeastern India as well as in eastern Africa.

In 2012, mass trapping and capture of migrating Amur falcons in Nagaland (India) was reported in the media and a successful campaign was begun to prevent their killing. As part of this campaign, three birds were fitted with 5 gm satellite transmitters that allowed them to be tracked during their migration.

Besides, Doyang hydro and now Peren, a population of the birds have been roosting in as far as Longleng district. Far from the media attention that the Doyang’s forested areas received since the migratory birds flew into spotlight two years ago, there is another village community in Nagaland that has been working for wildlife and forest conservation without assistance, help, or media attention.

Amur Falcons teem a tree  in Intakngki National Park. 

A small community in Longleng district has been doing its bit in ensuring that visiting Amur Falcons do not become food or an economic tool. The area in question is in Longleng district where the aerial predators have flown into the welcoming arms of wildlife lovers and local communities who know what their value is.

A batch of Amur Falcons has arrived in Longleng district, in Yaongyimchen Community Bio-Diversity Conservation Area on October 12. The district’s administration informed this in a press release on Wednesday. The administration said that the information is based on reports received from the convener of a local committee working for conservation of wildlife and forest in Yaongyimchen village and adjoining areas.

Yaongyimchen Community Bio-Diversity Conservation Area was initiated in the year 2010 by the villagers of Yaongyimchen, Alayong and Sanglu, of the district. “It is reported that Amur Falcon has been roosting in this conservation area and nearby areas since 2010. With the active initiatives of Shri. Y. Nuklu Phom, Executive Secretary, Phom Baptist Church Association and Convenor, LENSACHENLOK, the committee have been working tirelessly without sponsors from any source for protection of Amur falcon in this area,” the administration has said.

(Al Ngullie)

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Nagaland’s Aaadhar coverage makes it to 63%

Al Ngullie

The reach of the Aadhaar in Nagaland has reached 63%, the ministry of information technology has said. Till date about 93 percent of adult residents in India have the unique identity facility, the Aadhaar, on ‘their own volition,’ according to the Ministry of Communications & Information Technology.

Delhi leads the states in the country with the highest coverage, with 128%, followed by Himachal Pradesh at 111%. The ministry issued a statement on October 30 offering updates about the unique identity program.

Till now, it is found that 93 per cent of the adult residents in India voluntarily acquired and possess Unique Identity Aadhaar. To achieve universal Aadhaar coverage, the UIDAI is now focusing on ‘child enrolment, besides mopping up remaining persons,’ the government said.

UIDAI having issued first Aadhaar number on 29th September 2010, has till date generated more than 92.68 crore Aadhaar in just five years time.

This success has been possible due to people’s voluntary quest to empower themselves with the unique identity that is portable and authenticable online anywhere, anytime on a digital platform. It has been established in no uncertain terms that nobody can fake anybody’s Aadhaar established identity on authentication.

Hence, the targeted delivery of direct benefits under various welfare schemes and programmes became a dream come true with Aadhaar proving itself as a strategic policy tool for social and financial inclusion, increasing convenience and promoting hassle-free people-centric governance.

Aadhaar coverage in India: States

Out of the 24 states and union territories where UIDAI has been mandated to enroll and issue Aadhaar numbers, it is found that 16 states/UTs have more than 100 per cent adult population saturation with Delhi on the top with 128% followed by Himachal Pradesh (111%), Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (111%), Punjab (110%), Kerala and Haryana (109 % each), Chandigarh and Sikkim (107% each), Jharkhand, Goa and Puducherry (106% each),Tripura (105 %), Rajasthan (103%), Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra (101%); 5 states/UTs have above 90 per cent adult saturation with Andaman and Nicobar Islands (97%), Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh (96% each), Uttarakhand (93%) and Uttar Pradesh (91%); and 3 states have above 80 per cent adult population saturation with Gujarat (89%), Daman and Diu (82%) and Bihar (80%). In all in States/UTs assigned for the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Aadhaar saturation among adult population is 98 per cent.

In other 12 Delhi on the top with 128% followed by Himachal Pradesh (111%), which are being covered by RGI for enrolment has an overall 76 per cent saturation with Lakshadweep (109%), Dadra and Nagar Haveli (103%), West Bengal (89%), Odisha and Tamil Nadu (88% each), Manipur (65%), Nagaland and Jammu & Kashmir (63% each), Arunachal Pradesh (50%) and Mizoram (46%). In two of the RGI States namely Assam and Meghalaya, there are some local issues which have resulted in low saturation.

It may be pertinent to mention here that there are 18 Delhi on the top with 128% followed by Himachal Pradesh (111%), in total having more than 100 per cent Aadhaar adult population saturation. One may wonder as to how more than 100 per cent Aadhaar can be generated in a state or union territory.

That is due to the fact that the population figures are based on the Census of 2011, while Aadhaar are generated to the real population which has increased by 2015. That is, the base (divider) is taken as the population based on 2011 census.

Migratory population from other states could also enroll in these States/UTs with more than 100 per cent Aadhaar adult population saturation. Actually, Aadhaar is a unique lifelong identity, which is available free of cost and any individual irrespective of age and gender and who is a resident in India and satisfies the verification process laid down by the UIDAI, can enroll for Aadhaar on a voluntary basis anywhere in the country.

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Corruption: CM told to act, not preach sermons

‘Walk against Corruption’ reflective of growing restless 

The chief minister of Nagaland TR Zeliang, who recently had tongues wagging with a clichéd anti-corruption speech during the current vigilance commemoration month, has been told by a consumers’ group to stop ‘preaching’ and start acting.  

The Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ organization (NVCO) issued a statement on Saturday, October 31, coming during a time the question corruption, corrupt officials, and perceived corrupt practices in development works have begun to influence public restlessness over years now. The NCVO implied in its Saturday statement that anti-corruption stances were not in preaching but in actual ground work.

President of the NVCO, Kezhokhoto Savi, a local advocate, referred to Saturday’s ‘Walk Against Corruption’ organized by citizens under the people’s movement, the Against Corruption & Unabated Taxation (ACAUT). He was speaking in Kohima on Saturday during a local event.

“Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang in his message asserted that his government was committed to fight corruption in the state with an appeal to all concerned citizens to contribute their best in the fight against corruption and re-dedicate themselves to work with honesty, integrity and sincerity to eradicate corruption from our society,” the NVCO leader said.

“He has also said that once the Lokayukta Bill 2015 is passed, the vigilance commission would be strengthened and the fight against corruption would be intensified in order to provide good governance.”

All the good things said, Savi reminded nonetheless that they should “not just preach but put into practice and implement it so that the primary objective of the Central Vigilance Commission…”

Also, he referred to the speech of the President of India, who said that corruption ‘needs to be treated like a disease and focus should be on prevention as corruption affects the growth of a nation.’ Likewise, the governor of Nagaland PB Acharya had called citizens to ‘combat corruption.’

Referring to the Vigilance Awareness Week, the NVCO leader also said that the students’ participation in this anti-corruption themed vigilance event was of immense importance as “they are to be educated on the urgency to fight against unethical practices by way of conducting speech competition amongst them and also to provide appropriate mindset amongst the students to fight corruption.”

They are to be taught about effective preventive measures by way of using information technology and to promote transparency by using facilities such as the Right to Information Act, 2005, he said.

“Always keep in mind that corruption starts in a small way. Good governance is about the processes for making good decisions and their effective implementation. The main characteristics of good governance are transparency, accountability, following rule of law, being inclusive, effective and efficient. Good governance and preventive vigilance share several characteristics and therefore, preventive vigilance needs to be implemented as a tool of good governance,” the NVCO president said.

“Application of preventive vigilance as tool of good governance would not only result in removing the negative connotations attached with vigilance work but would also contribute positively towards the overall functioning of the organization.”

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Smelly Kohima among Center’s list for sanitation rating

The capital of Nagaland, Kohima town, is infamous for bringing the gift of rain always invariably accompanied by thick waves of nose-shriveling stench from septic tanks and latrines.

Now, the capital town has been named among 75 major cities and state capitals in the country to be rated for sanitation and solid waste management by the Ministry of Urban Development as a part of the Swachh Bharat Mission.

The selected 75 cities, including those from the northeast region states, will be rated by the Swachh Bharat Sanitation Survey, information made available by the ministry on Friday, October 30, said.

The Ministry of Urban Development has commissioned a survey of “sanitation scenario” in 75 major cities including 53 areas that have populations of more than 10 lakh each. This is the first such survey since the launch of the nationwide sanitation campaign, Swachh Bharat Mission, in October 2014.

The parameters of the survey have been aligned with the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission with more focus on solid waste management–waste being an adverse factor to cleanliness in the urban areas,

The proposed survey and subsequent ratings to be completed in January next year is aimed at fostering a spirit of competition among the major cities and state capitals in 29 states and Chandigarh to ensure sanitation in urban areas.

In the proposed survey for rating of 75 major cities accounting for over 50% of country’s total urban population, solid waste management is being given 60% “weightage” followed by 15% each for availability and use of household individual toilets and public and community toilets besides 5% each for city level sanitation plans and Information, Education and Behavior Change Communication (IEBC) activities. Under Swachh Bharat Mission, about Rs.37, 000 crore of the project cost of Rs.62, 009 crore is to be incurred for solid waste management.

In the last survey ranking 476 cities, each with a population of above one lakh, which was commissioned before the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission across the country, solid waste management showed only 13% ‘weightage.’

Swachh Bharat Mission aims at ensuring door-to-door collection, transportation and “scientific disposal” of municipal solid waste in all the 83,000 wards in urban areas by 2019. Besides, it envisages construction of one crore household individual toilets and over five lakh public and community toilet seats.

Municipal commissioners and other officials of the 75 selected cities were briefed in detail yesterday, Thursday, by Pravin Prakash, Joint Secretary and Mission Director of Swachh Bharat Mission, in Delhi.

Survey agencies will collect necessary data from urban local bodies besides through direct observation and citizen feedback through questionnaires. A minimum of 15 respondents have to be reached out in each ward for feedback. Under contractual obligation, survey agencies will have to furnish detailed documentation including photographs and video-clips of various places surveyed.

An illustrative account of evaluation-parameters include formulation and making public the city-level sanitation plans and technology-based systems.

In respect of solid waste management, the parameters include: percentage of solid waste collected every day, its transportation, processing, recycling and re-use including conversion to compost and energy, scientific land filling, segregation of solid waste, availability of dustbins for general waste,  collection and disposal of  Construction and Destruction Waste, availability of Debris on Call service for C&D waste, levy of user charges, visibility of solid waste in open and public spaces etc.

In respect of individual and public and community toilets, the parameters include gaps in demand and supply, gaps in mission targets and actual physical progress, extent of release of funds under Swachh Bharat Mission and utilization, waiting time for use of public toilets, availability of drainage system, notification of spot fines for open defecation / urination / littering etc.

Among the 75 cities, the northeast region states to be rated by the Swachh Bharat Sanitation Survey are:

Arunachal Pradesh: Itanagar
Assam: Guwahati
Manipur: Imphal
Meghalaya: Shillong
Mizoram: Aizawl
Nagaland: Kohima
Sikkim: Gangtok

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Picnickers get AR hand after joyride takes a plunge

More than a dozen picnickers are said to have been rescued by Assam Rifles personnel after the vehicle the victims were travelling in plunged veered of the road and into a ravine near Heningkunglwa in Dimapur on October 19.

The army authorities said in a press release on Friday, October 30, that the persons numbered twenty. They were said to have been trapped in a Mahindra Max after it went down about 50 feet, according to the press release.

Troopers of the 18^th Assam Rifles said to have mounted rescue efforts.

“In continuation to the commitment of caring for the common populace and living up to their motto of ‘Friends of the Hill People,’ troops of 18 Assam Rifles under the aegis of headquarters 6-sector Assam Rifles, rescued 20 civilians (both male and female) near Heningkunglwa, Dimapur District, Nagaland,” the army said.

“The civilians were trapped inside a Mahindra Max vehicle bearing registration no NL-7A-2160 which fell down around 50 feet from the road, while it was traveling from Bungsang village (near Ghaspani) to Athibung, who were on a picnic trip to Athibung.”

According to the press release a team of 18th Assam Rifles personnel which was in the vicinity sprung into action immediately on receiving information about the mishap and reached the accident spot.

“They pulled out and rescued all the 20 passengers and assisted them to recover damaged the vehicle to police outpost Heningkunglwa. The timely life saving action by Assam Rifles team was highly appreciated and applauded by the locals as well as the civil administration,” the Assam Rifles stated.               

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Rio urges youths to work for unity

The 52nd “nite cum fresher's meet” of the Naga Students’ Union of Delhi was held on October 27 in the Weightlifting Auditorium of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi.

Themed "One people, One spirit & One Grand Nite," the event saw in attendance Neiphiu Rio, Lok Sabha Member as the chief guest. Hukato Naga of HN Company was the guest of honor while Robin Hibu, the Joint Commissioner of Delhi police was special guest of the event.

In his speech, Neiphiu Rio called for unity among the Nagas. He also challenged the youths to ‘embrace new changes that will benefit the Nagas,’ a note from the organizers on Wednesday stated.

Also, Hukato Naga acknowledged the contribution of the NSUD but cautioned the Naga people in Delhi ‘not to slumber but to persevere and actively work in pursuit of one’s goal.’

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Hallelujah into the World Records, anyone?

There is something brewing in Wokha town: an attempt to make the world records for the largest single assembly performance of George Frideric Handel’s choir masterpiece ‘Messiah.’

The organizers said, competition also aims to prepare for a World Record attempt for the largest assembled group performing the Hallelujah chorus ‘at one time with full traditional attires for which the organizers are in communication with the World Record Office.’

Team Metamorphosis, Music Task Force of the Government of Nagaland and the NBCC are “also working to inviting well wishers/ choirs/groups from different local churches, districts and from even other states to join in the attempt.”

On a successful attempt, it will be the largest assembled group to have performed the “hallelujah chorus” which till date no official record of this attempt is recorded.

“So don’t ever miss the hallelujah chorus world record breaking attempt with conductor, Shri Chonben Odyuo. For details information, you can contact 9863342080, 9206108727, and 9436810210,” the press release added.

But before that, music enthusiasts in Wokha town will be facing-off each other in a competition on Handel’s choir masterpiece ‘Messiah.’

The competition will be conducted during the second edition of the Wokha Festival of Music and indigenous games / arts to be conducted from November 4. The event will culminate on November 6, ushering in the Lotha Naga’s premier festival, Tokhu Emong.

The musical event is being organized by local youth group Team Metamorphosis. The team issued a press release on Wednesday.

Messiah (HWV 56) is an English-language oratorio composed in 1741 by George Frideric Handel, with a scriptural text compiled by Charles Jennens from the King James Bible, and from the version of the Psalms included with the Book of Common Prayer.

“Handel’s Messiah is regarded as Handel’s Masterpiece, and the most famous Choral Work ever composed. Today Naga youths are fond of music and closely associated with Handel’s music and therefore the Team Metamorphosis is creating a platform by organizing a competition for the glorious Hallelujah chorus…” the press release from the organizers stated.

The organizers have informed participants that the competition has been rescheduled to be conducted on November 5, instead of the 6^th, due to ‘adjustments’ in the Tokhu Emong program. The first, second and third prizes for the competition are Rs.15000, Rs. 7000, and Rs. 5000 respectively.

Dr. Chumben Murry, member of the Political Affairs Committee of the government of Nagaland will be the chief quest of the event. Mhathung Odyuo and the Patkai Christian College male group will be performing a special set during the competition as well, the organizers said. 

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UG group exempts Tuensang biz chamber from “taxes”

An underground group, a faction of the NSCN, has said that it would exempt a local business organization in Tuensang from what the group called “taxes” and “donations.”

The functionaries of the Chang region of the NSCN (reformation) issued a press release recently stating the ‘exemption.’ The group said that the decision to exempt the Chamber of Commerce of Tuensang was taken during a meeting on October 24. 
The faction stated in the press release: “The Chang Region NSCN (reformation) workers including Dy, Kilonsers, CCM's and Naga army officers held meeting on  24th October 2015 deliberated at length and decided not to impose any kind of ‘taxes’ or seek ‘donations’ from Chamber of Commerce(CoC) Tuensang w.e.f. 25th October 2015 in good faith.”

“Therefore, CoC is requested to inform all business establishment/firms under them within the jurisdiction of Chang Region NSCN (reformation) not to entertain any kind of Taxes/Donations if approached by any members, but at the same time request all business establishments/firms to execute business properly abstaining from illegal business which may indirectly hamper the economy of poor general publics (sic).”

The note was appended by Imlongnukshi Chang, “Dy,Kilonser (Tuensang in charge) Cum Chairman, Chang Region” of NSCN (reformation). 

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Community-run conservation areas showing promise in Nagaland

Peren, Mon, and Phek districts lead the list of areas in Nagaland that enjoy the care of community conservation efforts in the form of community conserved areas to help push forward the agenda of ecological balance, and preservation and protection of natural forest resources. 

A recent study by a non-governmental organization and the Forest department of the state show some interesting findings about the state of conservation in Nagaland.

The Forest department of Nagaland and the Energy and Resources Institute (ERI) of New Delhi organized a workshop about community conservation areas in Nagaland on October 29 in Kohima town, during which the findings were the focus of discussion.

Officials from ERI and the Forest department, and members of village councils and officials from the NEPED, participated in the work shop, the organizers informed in a note issued to the media on Wednesday. The press was issued by the office of the PCCF.

In partnership with the department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, the Energy and Resources Institute carried out a study titled “Inventory and Documentation of Community Conserved Areas in Nagaland.”

The objectives of study were:

·     

•      To assist the Nagaland Forest department in preparing an inventory of community conserved areas in the state covering the entire 11 districts. The study was undertaken with the help of the department’s staff.
• ·     To identify new undocumented community conserved areas through questionnaires and surveys
• ·     To prepare a ‘peoples biodiversity register for sample community conserved areas to document indigenous ecological knowledge.

“After completing the study, TERI is submitting report containing an inventory of community conserved areas in Nagaland. The study will help to get the international funding to the communities forests are conserving and for their carbon stock,” the organizers said in the press release. 

The chief guest of the event, Minister of Forests, Environment and Wildlife, Dr Nicky Kire released the ‘People Biodiversity Register of Sukhai,’ a documentary and another called titled  ‘Roam Free,’ focusing on man-animal conflict.

Speaking during the occasion, Minister Dr Nicky Kire said that the documentation of community conservation reserves of Nagaland will ‘help to get the baseline data and also help in management of said areas.’

‘This documentation perhaps forms the basis for increasing awareness of Nagaland’s conservation initiatives, both in India and abroad. The documentation can also form the basis of future ecotourism initiatives and awareness program and campaigns, many of which are already happening (e.g. efforts against the mass slaughter of Amur Falcons),’ the politician said. ‘There is a need to conserve these areas by involving local communities.’

During the event, M. Lokeswara Rao, the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests called Nagaland a state with ‘rich community conservation reserves’ and where people protect the conservation areas “since time immemorial to mitigate climate change they became carbon sink and rich with carbon stock.”

The organizers said that the study, titled “Inventory and Documentation of Community Conserved Areas in Nagaland” of the institute, has “3 deliverables; an exhaustive list of community conservation initiatives in all the 11 districts of Nagaland, a People’s Biodiversity Register for village Sukhai, Zunheboto district and a documentary depicting the efforts of Nagas in declaring and managing community conserved areas.”

Also, Siddarth Edake, an associate fellow of the ERI, presented findings about community conservation areas in Nagaland. Also, Dr Pia Sethi, fellow of ERI, presented case study on the Peoples Biodiversity Register of Sukhai.

Also addressing the program was JV Sharma, a senior fellow of ERI. He said that although many villages had community conservation reserves there were 407 community conserved areas that account for almost a third of the total number of villages (1428 as per 2011 census data) in the state of Nagaland. They have been identified based on international criteria for declaring areas as community conserved areas, he said.

Peren district has the maximum number of community conserved areas viz., 74 community conserved areas accounting for 18% of the total, followed by Mon district with 69 community conserved areas accounting for 17%, and Phek district with 66 community conserved areas accounting for 16% of the total.

‘There is large scope of these community conserved areas getting help from the international organizations since they are conserving forests since time immemorial,’ Sharma said.

According to the organizers, the ‘international criteria for declaring areas as community conserved areas are:

• ·     Community conserved area is managed by the local community
• ·     Community conserved areas have been declared by resolutions passed by village councils
• ·     Regulations / ban on hunting, log-felling, fishing, ‘jhum’ cultivation by the village in the community conserved area that are being followed earnestly
  
• ·     Existence of traditional knowledge and practices for conservation of biological resources and ecosystem services
• ·     Community conserved area has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Forest department for conservation

Some of the findings

Out of the documented 407 community conserved areas, a total of 311 areas (77%) were declared by resolutions passed by the village councils and tribal organizations, while 91 community conserved areas (22%) had an ‘informal understanding,’ according to the report makers.

‘Land ownership patterns of community conserved areas in Nagaland are variable with ownership largely belonging to various clans (72% of the areas) followed by individuals (56% of the areas).  Only 31% of the community conserved areas have land holdings that belong to village councils and can be termed as community land.’

Also, as many as 84% of the community conserved areas include those with primary forest that have never been ‘jhummed.’ Also, of the community conserved areas some have secondary forests that have not been ‘jhummed’ for more than 25 years, the report stated.

“This suggests that a significant number of community conserved areas include either primary forest or old-growth forests within their community conserved areas, although the area under each is not known, or whether they cover significant areas of each community conserved areas.

A significant percentage of CCAs (33%) also include abandoned jhums and/or plantations (20%) within their territories.”

Further, much of the land under community conserved areas is private lands and private owners ‘want to cut trees for generating financial resources,’ the report makers said.

“We cannot have ecology at the cost of poor people. The efforts made by community should be compensated. The Government of Nagaland must identify such areas and send a proposal to the Government of India for the compensation on the basis of carbon stock maintained by community, and also their efforts for biodiversity conservation.”

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At least donations: youth org bans charity calls

Extortion, particularly by underground groups, are a sensitive and tricky affair but not for charity calls–donations, fund-raising drives, or “lottery/raffle-buffet-concert tickets, calendars etc by hundreds of organizations/unions/clubs/societies.”

The Dimapur district administration has also banned such initiatives. A youth organization in Kohima has also banned ‘donations’ and charity pitches. The Angami Youth Organization (AYO) issued a press release on Wednesday, October 28, stating that said activities are banned “in response to the pleas of the general public is hereby imposing a ban on sale and marketing of all such items.”

The youth group explained that said activities are “nuisance and harassments,” and “unsolicited forceful marketing.”

The press release stated: “In view of the nuisance and harassments the citizens of Kohima are subjected to experience through the unsolicited forceful marketing and sale of (the never ending ever increasing) Lottery/ Raffle-Buffet- Concert Tickets, Calendars etc by hundreds of organizations/unions/clubs/societies etc, the Angami Youth Organization in response to the pleas of the general public is hereby imposing a ban on sale and marketing of all such items under its jurisdiction.”

The statement explained further: “Kohima been the capital and being inhabited by people from all walks of life and profession, its dwellers are being obliged to unscrupulously subscribe to the gratuitous financial schemes and programmes of the countless societies/unions in the state and even of elsewhere throughout the year.”

The Angami youth said that the restriction and ban has been “deemed warranted to salvage the society from sinking into a social and financial disorder; to uphold social decency and dignity; and to bring to check and identify the numerous bogus and nonexistent/non-functional societies/organizations from imposing their schemes openly and forcefully into public domains.”

“All such schemes already in the market without the legal endorsement /approval of the district administration or the organization are directed to do so at the earliest failing which befitting penalties will be sanctioned against all defying parties.”

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UG group exempts Tuensang biz chamber from “taxes”

An underground group, a faction of the NSCN, has said that it would exempt a local business organization in Tuensang from what the group called “taxes” and “donations.”

The functionaries of the Chang region of the NSCN (reformation) issued a press release recently stating the ‘exemption.’

The group said that the decision to exempt the Chamber of Commerce of Tuensang was taken during a meeting on October 24.

The faction stated in the press release: “The Chang Region NSCN (reformation) workers including Dy, Kilonsers, CCM's and Naga army officers held meeting on  24th October 2015 deliberated at length and decided not to impose any kind of ‘taxes’ or seek ‘donations’ from Chamber of Commerce(CoC) Tuensang w.e.f. 25th October 2015 in good faith.”

“Therefore, CoC is requested to inform all business establishment/firms under them within the jurisdiction of Chang Region NSCN (reformation) not to entertain any kind of Taxes/Donations if approached by any members, but at the same time request all business establishments/firms to execute business properly abstaining from illegal business which may indirectly hamper the economy of poor general publics.” 
The note was appended by Imlongnukshi Chang, “Dy,Kilonser (Tuensang in charge) Cum Chairman, Chang Region” of NSCN (reformation). 

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Features: What is the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act?

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, has been passed by the Lok Sabha today, 22nd May, 2012. The Bill was earlier passed by the Rajya Sabha on 10th May, 2012.

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 has been drafted to strengthen the legal provisions for the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For the first time, a special law has been passed to address the issue of sexual offences against children. Sexual offences are currently covered under different sections of IPC. The IPC does not provide for all types of sexual offences against children and, more importantly, does not distinguish between adult and child victims.

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 defines a child as any person below the age of 18 years and provides protection to all children under the age of 18 years from the offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography. These offences have been clearly defined for the first time in law.

The Act provides for stringent punishments, which have been graded as per the gravity of the offence. The punishments range from simple to rigorous imprisonment of varying periods. There is also provision for fine, which is to be decided by the Court.

An offence is treated as "aggravated" when committed by a person in a position of trust or authority of child such as a member of security forces, police officer, public servant, etc.

Punishments for Offences covered in the Act are:

·       * Penetrative Sexual Assault (Section 3) - Not less than seven years which may extend to imprisonment for life, and fine (Section 4)

·       * Aggravated Penetrative Sexual Assault (Section 5) - Not less than ten years which may extend to imprisonment for life, and fine (Section 6)

·       * Sexual Assault (Section 7) - Not less than three years which may extend to five years, and fine (Section 8)

·       * Aggravated Sexual Assault (Section 9) - Not less than five years which may extend to seven years, and fine (Section 10)

·       * Sexual Harassment of the Child (Section 11) - Three years and fine (Section 12)

·       * Use of Child for Pornographic Purposes (Section 13) - Five years and fine and in the event of subsequent conviction, seven years and fine (Section 14 (1))

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After Smart City, housing plan nod, ministry to discuss states’ project policy

Amid the current push to create ‘smart cities,’ the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation will discuss with the states the policy measures being taken by them to promote affordable housing projects for the benefit of Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Low Income Groups (LIG).

The ministry has organized a National Workshop on ‘Model State Urban Housing and Habitat Policy: Decisive Roadmap for Achieving Housing for All’, which would be conducted on October 27 in New Delhi.

A few days ago, the Ministry of Urban Development had approved the first batch of state level Action Plans under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) aimed at enabling water supply as per the norm and providing water supply and sewerage connections to all urban households.

Two towns in Nagaland are included among the 89.

An inter-ministerial Apex Committee of AMRUT chaired by Madhusudhan Prasad, Secretary(Urban Development) had on October 23 cleared plans worth Rs.2,786.28 crore in this regard for 89 cities in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan yesterday.

This is for the first time that the Urban Development Ministry approved state level plans unlike the past practice of appraising and approving individual projects.

The ministry has asked the states to created affordable housing policies to comprehensively address issues affecting creation of affordable housing stock by laying out an enabling environment for various stakeholders to participate in housing projects for EWS and LIG. Action taken in this regard and experiences of ten states in promoting affordable housing stock will be discussed at the proposed workshop.

The Governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, who will give an account of the initiatives being taken them by them at the workshop have proposed total waiver of Stamp Duty for affordable housing projects in respective states.

In the Draft Affordable Housing Policy of Andhra Pradesh, presented to the Ministry of HUPA, the state government has also proposed waiver of land conversion fee, infrastructure development charges, building plan approval fee, registration fee and betterment charges to promote affordable housing for EWS and LIG besides relaxation in Floor Area Ratio (FAR).

Telangana Government has also proposed similar measures. To encourage private investments in affordable housing, it has proposed twice the normal FAR besides 0.50% additional FAR for timely completion of such projects.

Both the states have proposed earmarking of 25% of government land available with urban local bodies for housing for EWS and LIG. The two states also envisaged single window clearance for approving housing projects in 60 days.

Telangana Government has also proposed in its policy, construction by state agencies of houses/flats on rental-cum-ownership basis on the lines of Singapore Model by adopting new initiatives like ‘Equity Building’ and ‘Rent Cum Ownership’ basis, especially for low income segments. Under this model, house/flat allotted to EWS/LIG household will be transferred in the name of the individual after ensuring 100% equity over a period of 10-15 years.

Such individuals will have the option to sell house/flat but only to the state government agency who will then offer the same to EWS/LIG households in waiting list. Private sector also will be encouraged to build rental housing stock with appropriate government support for the benefit of migrants.

Such initiatives and experiences of other states will be discussed for the benefit of all other states and stakeholders besides the expectations of industry from affordable housing policies of States.

Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) launched in June this year, about 2 crore houses are to be built in urban areas by the year 2022 to ensure housing for all. Out of this, 96% is meant for EWS and LIG households. Central government has proposed to extend assistance in the range of Rs.1.00 lakh to Rs.2.30 lakhs per each dwelling unit to be built under PMAY.
(Al Ngullie, Eastern Mirror) 

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Nagaland University to discuss Rani Gaidinliu

The Women Studies Center of Nagaland University in collaboration with the Human Rights Law Network is organizing a regional seminar on the life and times of Gaidinliu: Historical and Gender Perspectives, on Wednesday, October 28. The vent is to be conducted at the National Institute of Electronics and IT Auditorium, in Meriema from 10 a.m.0

“The seminar will deliberate over the life of legendary Gaidinliu, through various perspectives of history, culture, religion, politics, identify, gender and feminism through rational, academic presentations,” a note from the organizers said on Monday.

“The seminar will also bring personal reminiscence and perspectives from those who have personally known her or have connections to her life. The participants being invited will consist of university professors, students, research scholars, gender studies scholars, women leaders, media, social workers, theologians and peace activists.”

Taking cognizance of the debate surrounding the life of Rani Gaidinliu in the centennial celebration, the organizers stated, the seminar will “bring together a serious deliberation on her life and her times in the context of various perspectives in a peaceful academic environment."

Gaidinliu (1915–1993) was a Naga “spiritual and political” leader who led a revolt against British rule in India. At the age of 13, she joined the Heraka religious movement of her cousin Haipou Jadonang. The movement later turned into a political movement seeking to drive out the British from Manipur and the surrounding Naga areas.

Within the Heraka cult, she came to be considered an incarnation of the goddess Cherachamdinliu. Gaidinliu was arrested in 1932 at the age of 16, and was sentenced to life imprisonment by the British rulers. Jawaharlal Nehru met her at Shillong Jail in 1937, and promised to pursue her release. Nehru gave her the title of "Rani" ("Queen").

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Industry members advise CM to review Nagaland’s economic policy

The chief minister of Nagaland has been given some handy inputs about what development in the industrial and commercial sector of Nagaland could do for the state. During a meeting of businesspersons and the chief minister, the politicians was told to review the economic policy of the state which been rotting without a review for more than 10 years.

Members of the Nagaland chapter of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) met the chief minister of Nagaland on September 12 to ‘impress upon him over the economic development in the state of Nagaland and other related issues for the uplift of entrepreneurs in Nagaland.’ The CII issued a press release on Wednesday, September 16, informing about the interaction they had with the chief minister. 

“The CII delegation proposed for organizing ‘north east enterprise summit’ in association with state government. It may be mentioned here that the CII would like to organize a holistic multi-level entrepreneurship program called enterprising north east which would be dedicated to the entrepreneurs of North East Region,” the press release from the organization stated.

“The program will be designed to enable a platform to bring forth the challenges and issues faced by the entrepreneurs like market knowledge gaps, skills gaps, availability of financial avenues etc.”

Another “relevant issue” that the organization said was deliberated during the meeting was in regard to “review of state Industrial policy which was formulated in 2004, basing on the fact that the Industrial policy of Nagaland have never been reviewed for the past more than ten years in spite of certain loopholes.”

Over and above, the issues relating to revival of Paper Mill, power problem and revamping of infrastructure and adequate planning of Super Market of Dimapur was deliberated during the meeting with the chief minister, the group said. 

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Highway criminals: NSCN (IM) “captain” among two arrested

Another case of felons with criminal history running free

People with criminal backgrounds, particularly Naga underground activists with a history of crime, continue to be found. 

In yet such case, police authorities of Kohima have arrested two highway robbers, one of whom has been identified as a self-styled “captain” of the underground group NSCN (IM), the police stated in a press release issued to the media on Tuesday, September 15.

One Vituozolie Solo, a 36 year old man from ‘T’ Khel of Kohima village who the police said to be an active member of NSCN (IM) as self-styled “captain” and presently assigned as “regional guard commander, Angami region,” is one of the two highway robbers, the Kohima police have satted in the press release.

The authorities said to have received information on September 15 at around 12:30 AM about the abduction of two Tata mobile drivers by unknown persons from the Old KMC dumping area along national highway-29 in Kohima.

Personnel of south police station personnel and personnel of the E/10 NAP (IR) rushed to the disclosed location. During search operations, the enforcement personnel located two non-local persons from a construction building and two local youths. While one of the youths was arrested the other escaped under the cover of darkness, the police said.

During preliminary enquiry, the press release said, the police found that the drivers of the vehicles were proceeding to Kohima on September 14 with tomatoes from Guwahati. The vehicles bore the registrations NL-01L-8050 and NL-01L-8510, in that order.

On reaching the Old KMC dumping area, a white Mahindra Bolero overtook their vehicles and instructed the drivers to stop and come out of their vehicles. The two criminals then reportedly enquired as to what was loaded in the vehicle to which they were told that the load was tomatoes.

“But the two persons insisted that the vehicles were loaded with Indian-made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and took them to the under-construction building and blindfolded their eyes and disclosed their identity a cadres of NSCN (IM) and told them that they would check their vehicles since they have credible information that their vehicles were loaded with IMFLs,’ the police said.

The two criminals then robbed the drivers of their belongings such as cash, ATM cards, vehicle documents and driving license and a mobile phone. The press release said that the apprehended person was thoroughly examined: he disclosed his identity as one Vituozolie Solo, a 36 year old man from ‘T’ Khel of Kohima village. “…it also came to light that he is an active member of NSCN (IM) as SS captain and presently assigned as regional guard commander, Angami region,” the police said.

The apprehended underground activist also disclosed the name of his accomplice, who managed to evade arrest, as one Rokodozo Rutsa, a chowkidar of Kohima local ground.

Accordingly, the police made undertook another massive search for the absconding accused Rokodozo Rutsa. He was identified by the police as a 24 year old man from 'P' Khel of Kohima. He was arrested on September 15 from Kohima town.

The police have confiscated the Mahindra Bolero, an RC book, keys, a wallet containing Rs. 10, ATM cards and a driving license, a knife and two mobile phones, cash totaling Rs. 820, and vehicle documents.

Old faces, new crimes

According to the police, the follow-up investigation taken up by the investigating agency found that the duo was found involved in another similar case: on the midnight of September 13, a truck bearing the registration NL01L-3285 that was proceeding to Kohima loaded with mineral water belonging to a prominent businessman of PWD Colony in Kohima, was robbed by the two criminals.

They used the same modus operandi, the police said.

The press release stated:

“The cause of action started while the driver and handyman were having rest at Bye-Pass road near Town Committee check gate, Kohima, the driver was initially approached by the two accused in a white colour Bolero and was accused of carrying IMFL.

After this the driver was ordered to drive the vehicle and it was taken towards Naga Bazaar road. The driver was thoroughly searched by the duo and his wallet was taken away. The cabin of the vehicle was also completely searched. They torn off his wallet and his mobile SIM was taken away and looted off the cash amounting to around Rs. 12,000.

While on the way the driver was ordered to stop near Kohima’s hospital at the Naga-Bazaar and was taken to the ATM located in the hospital vicinity and was threatened with the consequences that he will be killed if he does not disclose the PIN number of the card,” the police said.

“At knife point he was threatened and cash amounting to Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 7,500 was drawn out of the ATM,” the press release added. 

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Phek’s education woes: headmasters, edu. officials ‘bunking offices’

It appears that Phek has yet to recover fully from the education crisis that swept the district early this year: now students have complained that the headmaster of the government higher secondary school and officials under the establishment of the sub-divisional education office are shirking from work.

The Phek Town Chakhesang Students’ Union (PTCSU) issued press release on Tuesday, September 15, demanding action against the erring officials. The PTCSU warned that if the authorities do not take disciplinary action against the officials, the union would take its own.

“The Phek Town Chakhesang Students’ Union (PTCSU) while conducting a surprise checking had detected habitual irregularities and negligence of head master in performing his official duties,” the union stated. ‘While interacting with the school’s authorities, the union has learnt that he had attended the school once since February 7 till date i.e., 14th Sept 1015.’

The union expressed anguish at the irregularity of the “head master (GHSS) Phek.” His irregularity and negligence, the students’ organization stated, “Clearly manifests that he don’t spare a thought for students quality education as well as career while at present the students are facing lots of hardships due to shortage of teachers at GHSS.”

Likewise, the PTCSU has alleged that the sub-divisional education officer continues to stay away from stay and neglecting duties.

The organization stated in the press release: “The union too had detected SDEO education office for several irregularities, negligence and out of station in most of the occasion and failing in performing his official duties which creates hardships and inconveniences to the people of Phek town and especially people coming from far flung villages just to seek, avail necessary signature, forwarding and other official works.”

Stating the details as “facts and circumstances,” the students have demanded from the higher authorities disciplinary actions against the “defaulters” as per the Government Service Rules Act.

“The union will never hesitate to pursue its course of action and shall not be held responsible for any untoward incidents, if the concern department fails to redress the grievances of students and public at large,” the PTCSU stated. 

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Smart Cities workshop to be conducted in New Town Kolkata

As a part of the ongoing stakeholder consultations for effective implementation of the Smart City Mission in the country, Minister for Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu will be interacting with mayors, municipal chairpersons and commissioners of 20 cities included in the developmental mission from the 13 eastern and north-eastern states, and Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand on September 12.

The government is organizing a workshop in New Town Kolkata, scheduled to be conducted on Saturday. This regional workshop on Smart Cities will also see in attendance the principal secretaries of Urban Development and other senior officials from the selected states.

Minister of State for Urban Development Babul Supriyo will also be participating in the discussions of the workshop.

Venkiah Naidu will broadly outline the challenges to be addressed for building smart cities including the need for a forward looking and visionary leadership by both the elected and executive heads of these cities, need for urban governance reforms and an enabling environment for mobilization of resources required for Smart City Mission including through Public-Private-Partnership model.

20 Cities included in the Smart City Mission from these 13 states include : New Town Kolkata, Bidhanpur, Durgapur and Haldia from West Bengal, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur and Biharshariff from Bihar, Bhubaneswar and Rourkela from Odisha, Raipur and Bilaspur from Chattisgarh, Ranchi from Jharkhand, Namchi in Sikkim and the North-Eastern cities of Guwahaty, Pasighat(Arunachal Pradesh), Imphal, Shillong, Aizawl, Kohima and Agartala.

Each of these cities has been given Rs.2.00 crore each for preparation of city level Smart City Plans in the next three months. All the 100 city level plans will be evaluated based on a set of elaborate criteria in the second stage of City Challenge competition for identifying the top scoring 20 cities for financing during the current financial year.

The 20 cities have been nominated by the respective state governments after the first round of competition, further to evaluation of all urban local bodies in each state as per a set of criteria including the existing service levels, institutional and financial capacities and past track record in implementation of JNNURM projects and reforms undertaken.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the Smart City Mission on June 25 this year. The central government has made a provision of Rs.48, 000 crore for five years to support the Smart City Mission through central assistance of Rs.100 crore per city per year.

States and urban local bodies have to make a matching contribution and have to mobilize additional required resources through various sources including PPP model, loans from bilateral and multi-lateral agencies, municipal bonds, among others.

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