The Fifth Session of the Fourteenth Nagaland Legislative Assembly concluded with a flurry of questions and answers, shedding light on several critical matters affecting the state. Members of the Assembly raised a total of four Unstarred Questions and seven Starred Questions, which were diligently addressed by various departments.
Murder Case of GB, New Market, Dimapur
One of the most pressing issues discussed was the status of the murder case involving GB, New Market, Dimapur, Abdul Gayum. MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu sought clarification on this matter. Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Home and Border Affairs, Yanthungo Patton, provided a detailed written reply. According to Patton, a criminal case under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 27(3) of the Arms Act was registered on June 7, 2024. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted to handle the case. So far, three individuals have been arrested and are currently in judicial custody as the investigation continues.
Additionally, the Home Minister addressed another significant case involving alleged drug kingpin Bahar Uddin. Bahar Uddin was arrested on March 21, 2024, under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) Case No. 022/2023. A SIT was formed to investigate this case, and Bahar Uddin remains detained under PIT NDPS Act 1988.
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Status of MGNREGA in Nagaland
MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu also inquired about the status of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in Nagaland. Metsubo Jamir, Minister for Rural Development & Social Integration, provided a written response stating that the daily wage under MGNREGA is Rs. 234. As of now, there are 471818 registered Job Card holders in the state. During 2023-24, a total of 17,873127 man-days were generated based on the Labour Budget formulated by the Central Government for Nagaland. The guideline guarantee of 100 man-days is not mandatory but rather a maximum permissible ceiling.
Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) for Doctors
Paiwang Konyak, Minister of Health & Family Welfare Department, addressed concerns regarding Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) for doctors. In response to MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu’s question, Konyak explained that NPA provisions were implemented as per Finance Department notifications dated March 17, 2010, and September 19, 2011. Following reports from Upa-Lokayukta dated March 30, 2023, the Department issued an Office Memorandum on July 31, 2023 reiterating these provisions. The memorandum cautioned doctors to either stop practicing privately or forego their NPA benefits and warned private hospitals against employing government doctors.
As per data available up until then, out of 413 doctors on position at various health units across Nagaland, 36 were not availing NPA benefits. This measure has resulted in saving approximately Rs. 53.76 lakh annually from state exchequer funds.
The NPA matter has been referred to court by Dr. Sendimeren Aonok & 50 others; however, they withdrew their petition after being granted liberty by the Hon’ble Court to challenge Nagaland Healthcare Establishment Act 1997.
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Road Construction Status to Sungkha Village
Achumbemo Kikon raised a starred question regarding road construction status from L/025 to Sungkha Village under Bhandari sub-division under PMGSY scheme. G Kaito Aye, Minister PWD (Roads & Bridges), provided details stating that 66.93% of work has been completed so far. However, delays occurred due to a major landslide at 19th km which hindered machinery transportation beyond that point necessary for FDR (Final Dressing Road) and blacktopping works.
Despite these challenges, efforts are being made by the Department along with contractors to complete works during this financial year. A total payment of Rs. 1314.40 lakh has been made till date towards contractor’s expenses.
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Setting Up CDPO Offices
Chief Minister and Minister-in-charge of Social Welfare Department addressed another important query regarding setting up sixteen Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) offices under CSS for year 2022-2023. It was revealed that Rs. 72 lakh was sanctioned for setting up (renovation/furnishing) existing sixteen nos CDPO offices at Rs four point five lakh per CDPO office respectively.
However details regarding names of contract firms allotted works whether NIT floated table tender whether works completed not provided by CM during session proceedings thus leaving some aspects unclear regarding completion status these offices yet.
