Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has reiterated that it is high time that Nagas learn to stand on their own feet and not always depend on the Centre or others for their economic subsistence.
Addressing the ‘Distribution of tractors and implements’ programme under ‘GIA/SFA to local rural bodies, areas not included in Part IX & Part IX A of the Constitution’ held at Agri Expo at Fimapur on Monday.
Rio said the most common question asked by outsiders is the state of Naga economy and every time the question is raised, Nagas are at a loss to give a convincing response. “What is our economy? It is salary economy as we solely depend on the Government. It is now 55 years since statehood and we are matured. It is high time we are self-sufficient and not depend on the Government of India all the time,” Rio said.
”Though Nagas talk much about the Inner Line Permit and threats posed by illegal migrants, the problem would remain as long as Nagas continue to import labour from outside as it boils down to “demand and supply” issue,added Rio.
He also said he was of the view that some locals are encouraging the illegal migrants to come to Nagaland for cheap labour.
Rio said the main objective of distributing the tractors and implements is to ease the agricultural activities of the farmers and aid in transportation of their produce from the fields to the markets, thereby enhancing their income generation activities. Under the scheme, all 60 Assembly Constituencies have been allotted a tractor each along with implements and trailer. On the occasion, Rio also distributed a tractor each to the best performing Village Development Boards of 11 districts. (UNI)
