High-level meeting in Nagaland led by TR Zeliang discusses the adoption of the National Highways Act, 1956, crucial for unlocking central funding and accelerating highway development in the state.
A critical high-level meeting was convened in Nagaland to address the potential adoption of the National Highways Act, 1956, a move deemed essential for the progress of vital infrastructure projects in the state. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in-charge of National Highways, T.R. Zeliang, brought together key officials to deliberate on the implications and benefits of aligning with the national legislation for highway construction and development.
The session, held at the Civil Secretariat Conference Hall, saw the participation of prominent figures including Sentiyanger Imchen, Additional Chief Secretary & Finance Commissioner; Kikheto Sema, Principal Secretary, Law & Justice; Kesonyu Yhome, Commissioner & Secretary Works & Housing; Dr. Zase Chusi, Commissioner & Secretary, Land Revenue; the Chief Engineer of PWD (National Highways); three Additional Advocate Generals of Nagaland; and representatives from district administration and various other concerned departments.
In his opening address, T.R. Zeliang emphasized the clear stance of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) that the National Highways Act, 1956, is uniformly applicable across all national highways in India, including those traversing Nagaland. He emphasises the importance of adhering to the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act, 2013, for land acquisition processes.
Zeliang strongly advocated for the adoption of the NH Act, highlighting its potential to significantly benefit landowners and affected individuals through enhanced compensation packages. He pointed out that the Act includes crucial provisions such as solatium and enhanced land rates, which are currently absent in the state’s existing legal framework for land acquisition related to national highways.
He issued a warning that continued delay in adopting the national legislation could lead to the stalling of critical highway projects, resulting in the loss of crucial central funding and impeding essential infrastructure growth in Nagaland. Zeliang drew a parallel to the prolonged resistance faced by the Women’s Reservation Act in the state, cautioning against similar setbacks in this vital area.
The meeting also involved in-depth discussions on the necessity of safeguarding Nagaland’s unique constitutional provisions under Article 371(A), which protects the land and customary rights of its people. The officials explored how to align with national infrastructure policies while ensuring the preservation of these special provisions.
Following comprehensive deliberations, a consensus was reached among the officials. The Works & Housing Department, in collaboration with the Law & Justice and Land Revenue Departments, will be responsible for drafting a Cabinet Memo outlining the proposal for the adoption of the NH Act. This memo will then be presented to the State Cabinet for a final decision. Depending on the Cabinet’s resolution, subsequent legislative procedures may be initiated in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
Commissioner & Secretary Kesonyu Yhome urged all stakeholders to expedite the process to avoid further delays in crucial infrastructure projects. The state government reaffirmed its commitment to achieving sustainable development while diligently protecting the rights and interests of its citizens.
The high-level meeting spearheaded by Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang emphasis the critical juncture at which Nagaland stands regarding its infrastructure development. The deliberation on the adoption of the National Highways Act, 1956, reflects a practical approach to unlocking essential central funding and accelerating much-needed highway projects within the state. While the necessity of safeguarding Nagaland’s unique constitutional provisions remains paramount, the potential benefits of aligning with national legislation, particularly in terms of enhanced compensation for landowners and streamlined project execution, cannot be understated. The next steps, involving the drafting of the Cabinet Memo and potential legislative action in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of connectivity and progress across the state. The imperative now rests on swift and decisive action to ensure that Nagaland can fully capitalize on national frameworks while protecting its distinct identity and the rights of its people, ultimately paving the way for sustainable and inclusive development.