Will remove VIP culture from Nagaland, Rio says in first public speech after taking over as Chief Minister

March 8, 2018 418 Views No Comment

Naga Republic News

Aware of growing public resentment against the VIP culture widely prevalent in Nagaland, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio used the first public occasion after taking office to state that the new government under him will remove the VIP culture from Nagaland. “We have committed in our manifesto that we will remove VIP culture from Nagaland and we will ensure that the citizens of the State are the real VIPs”, the newly appointed Chief Minister said while speaking right after the swearing in ceremony.

Later during the first Cabinet meeting it was decided to issue notification to ban the use of name/designation plates by any government officials, Ministers and elected members. The house further discussed that except for Governor, Chief Minister, Deputy CM, Speaker and Deputy speaker no other functionary of the government will use escorts and pilots within `Kohima `and Dimapur. The first Cabinet meeting of People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) was held at Chief Minister’s Office Secretariat Kohima on 8th March 2018.

Meanwhile, Rio, who along with 11 others took oath of office today, explained the rationale of conducting the swearing in ceremony at the Kohima Local Ground instead of Raj Bhavan, where such formalities are usually carried out. The reason according to the CM was to honour the people whom the government is meant to serve and also as a reminder to publicly acknowledge the responsibilities that the new government was taking up.

Neiphiu Rio sworn in as the Chief Minister of Nagaland at the public swearing in ceremony at the local ground, Kohima on 8th March, 2018. (DIPR)

“We have also chosen to conduct the function at this historic place in honour of the people we are to serve and to also remind ourselves publicly of the responsibilities that lie upon our shoulders”, Rio said while also adding that it is important that the first time a government has been sworn in at a public place (Kohima Local Ground) because it was also the venue of the historic declaration of the Statehood of Nagaland on 1st December 1963.

It may be mentioned that the swearing in ceremony for the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and all the Cabinet Ministers was held at Kohima Local Ground on 8th March, 2018. Governor, P.B. Acharya administered the Oaths amidst the presence of dignitaries from New Delhi and the neighboring states, and a huge crowd of well-wishers. The outgoing Chief Minister T R Zeliang was also present at the function.

Reaffirming the campaign message of the NDPP-BJP Alliance that change is coming, Rio, in his speech assured good governance, rule of transparency and commitment to bring about a culture of meritocracy. “We will redraw a new roadmap of progressive development in a manner that is all inclusive and involves all stakeholders”, he said.

Given that the just concluded election was held against the backdrop of demand for early solution, the Chief Minister expressed the new government’s commitment to fulfill what he termed as “promise of facilitating the peace process”. “We will make every effort to contribute towards achievement of an honourable solution that is inclusive and acceptable to the people as early as possible”.

Later the Cabinet meeting also assured the people that the new government will play the role of facilitators in the on-going peace process so that a solution that is honourable, inclusive and acceptable to the people is achieved at the earliest.

On peace and development, Rio said that the NDPP led People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) will extend fullest cooperation to the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in their collective endeavour to bring lasting peace and all round development in Nagaland.

In an important message to Nagaland’s neighbors, Rio assured the fullest cooperation of his government to work together under a spirit of unity and understanding with all the other states of the north eastern region in the greater interest of the people. Further he expressed hope that both the treasury and opposition can work together in a constructive manner in order to bring about economic growth and all round development.

Newly appointed Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio is flanked by Manipur CM Biren Singh, Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu and Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma

While congratulating all rank and file of the NDPP and the BJP, he said “our campaign has remained dignified, responsible and mature and we can say with pride that we have strengthened the foundations of democracy with our conduct.”

“We are humbled by our victory and the People’s Democratic Alliance, which includes the JDU, the NPP and the Independent, promise that we will not allow any vote cast in our favour to go in vain. We will bring change, we will work for all sections and we will leave no one behind,” the Chief Minister stated.

Outgoing CM TR Zeliang, Minister of State Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and BJP party President Amit Shah

While extending his appreciation to the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister also thanked the dignitaries present during the swearing in function- National President BJP, Amit Shah; Union MoS Home, Kiren Rijiju; BJP National General Secretary (North East in-charge), Ram Madhav and his team. He also expressed gratitude to his counterparts from the neighboring States, the Chief Ministers of Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya for their presence.

Governor, P.B. Acharya administered oath to Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio and Deputy Chief Minister, Yanthungo Patton. Other Cabinet Ministers who were administered oath are as follows- C.M. Chang (NDPP), G. Kaito Aye (JD-U), Neiba Kronu (NDPP), S. Pangnyu Phom (BJP), P. Paiwang Konyak (BJP), Jacob Zhimomi (BJP), Metsubo Jamir (NDPP), Tongpang Ozukum (Independent), V. Kashiho Sangtam (BJP) and Temjen Imna Along (BJP).