Rio re-jigs portfolios; more appointments likely

Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio, heading the third consecutive coalition, the DAN-III, continues to grapple with dissatisfaction among some NPF legislators over demands for plump portfolios or appointments, a day after the swearing-in ceremony at Raj Bhavan and allocation of portfolios to 12 ministers and 21 parliamentary secretaries.

The DAN-III has a total of 40 members that includes-38 NPF and one each of the DAN alliance partners the BJP and JD(U).

Portfolio switch was effected between former Speaker of the 10th and 11th NLA, Kiyanilie Peseyie who won the 8 Western Angami (for the third consecutive term in 2003,2008 and 2013) and No.2 in the cabinet Noke Konyak, who won the 43 Tapi seat (in 1974,1977,1982,1987,1989, 2003 and 2013). Social Welfare held by Noke was re-allotted to Kiyanilie and PHED held by  Kiyanilie was re-allotted to Noke Konyak.

 In another development, Dr Nicky Kire who retained the 9 Kohima Town seat which he had won in 2008, was also re-allotted Labour & Employment in addition to Justice & Law and Land Revenue.
Both supporters of Kiyanilie and Dr.Nicky were dismayed by the distribution of portfolios on Tuesday and had been demanding “better portfolios”.

Meanwhile,  Khriehu Liezietsu, son of former minister and NPF president Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsü who won the 10 Northern Angami-I assembly seat on his maiden election,was appointed chairman, Kohima District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) and Advisor, New and Renewable Energy (NRE) and Music Task Force (MTF).

Dr. Longrinuken who won the 29 Jangpetkong assembly constituency in his second attempt and N. Thongwang who won the 46 Mon Town assembly constituency in his third attempt, were reportedly in the process of being given appointments.

With a total of 36 elected members of DAN inducted as ministers, parliamentary secretaries, chairmen and advisors, the four remaining could be given appointments to head various state government undertakings.

The government undertakings yet to be allotted include: chairman, Nagaland Khadi and Village Industries Board (NKVIB); chairman Nagaland Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation (NHHDC); chairman Nagaland State Mineral Development Corporation (NSMDC); Advisor Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA), chairman MARCOFED, chairman NIDC & NHL and chairman Development Authority of Nagaland (DAN).

It is also speculated that after DAN legislators were accommodated, the seven independent MLAs  giving outside support to DAN-III could possibly be appointed to head the seven undertakings.

Nchang takes oath as pro-tem speaker
Namri Nchang, a member of the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) representing 6 Tening, Peren district was administered oath as the pro-tem speaker of the assembly by governor Nikhil Kumar Wednesday.

According to a DIPR report, he would hold office with effect from the date and time of vacation of the office by the speaker of the 11th NLA and until a new speaker was elected by the assembly.

Namri Nchang was appointed under clause (1) of Article 180 of the Constitution of India. Others who were present during the oath taking function include NPF MLA Khriehu Liezietsu representing 10 Northern Angami-I A/C, NPF MLA Dr. Longrinuken from 29 Jangpetkong, Congress MLA Khekaho from 31 Akuluto A/C, NLA secretary, commissioner and secretary to the governor were present during the oath taking function.