People have freedom to peacefully follow any faith in India:

Nagaland Governor PB Acharya today said that people should uphold their culture, tradition and language in order to preserve their identity.

"India is a secular, pluralistic and democratic country and, therefore, everyone has the freedom to peacefully follow and practise any religion," the governor told a gathering of Nepalese community for celebrating the silver jubilee of the North East Region Service Nepali Association (NERSNA) here.

He said that every tribe has the freedom to speak its own language and the respective tribal organisations should work towards protecting and preserving their language, culture and tradition.

Acknowledging the services of the Nepalese community as part of the army and para-military forces, Acharya, who is also the governor of Assam, said "The Nepalese are known for their brave deeds and I salute their bravery."
 

State Minister for Social Welfare and Parliamentary Affairs, Kiyanilie Peseyie, appealed to the Nepalese community to extend support to the government for maintaining peace and unity for the development and progress of Nagaland.
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On the power sector, Vala said the government is actively taking steps to augment power generation capacity in the state through conventional and renewable sources.

"This year, the 800 MW Yeramarus Thermal PowerPlant-1st unit and 700 MW Bellary Thermal Power plant-3rd unitare expected to be commissioned", he said.

Noting the "success" of the recently held 'Invest Karnataka 2016', a global investors meet, he also stated that under the modified industrial infrastructure scheme the central government has accorded approval for two projects of the state with total cost of about Rs 216 crore.

They include development and upgradation of Kolhar Industrial Area, Bidar, with a project cost of Rs 126 crore and establishment of Aerospace Common Fishing Facility at Aerospace Park, Devanahalli with project cost of Rs 90.50 cr.

Appreciating the reforms brought by the state government in mining and mineral sector, he said "around 17.45 million MT iron ore valued at Rs 2580 crore has been sold through e-auction till November."

Emphasising on the government's commitment on infrastructure development, he said promoting social justice and equity has been one of its foundational objectives.

Detailing about the works undertaken in providingclean drinking water and promoting sanitation in villages, healso threw light on Karnataka preparing district humandevelopment report for all 30 districts.

"Rapid assessment of the flagship schemes - Anna Bhagya, Ksheera Bhagya, Interest Subvention scheme and Krishi Bhagya have been conducted. These rapid assessments indicate that these programmes are effective and needed," Vala said.

"To encourage entrepreneurship, nine incubation centers have been sanctioned for engineering colleges across the state. The IT Skills Development Society is providing training to unemployed youth in basic ICT skills", he said.

Calling upon the legislators to "adopt" constructive approach in shaping the legislative framework for a broad and deeper development agenda, the Governor said Karnataka has always been in the forefront of development and it has potential to march forward further.

Stating the government is committed to safeguard and develop Kannada language, culture and region and to maintain good harmony with neighboring states, Vala said "49 years after the Mahajan Commission Report, some elements are trying to keep the border issue alive."

He said implement the Mahajan Commission Report or maintain status quo has been the stand of our state."My government is taking all legal steps to safeguard the borders of Karnataka state," he said.