NEW DELHI: The Central Agricultural University (Amendment) Bill, 2016 that provides for bringing the northeastern state of Nagaland under the jurisdiction of Imphal-based Central Agriculture University in neighbouring Manipur was passed by the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
Piloting the legislation, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said the bill only shows the commitment of the Modi government towards northeastern states.
"The Modi government is fully committed to the development of the northeastern region. At the instructions of Prime Minister every month now you find one central minister or the other visiting northeastern region. This only reflects the commitment for those states," he said.
The bill in effect seeks to amend the Central Agricultural University Act, 1992, that was enacted for the establishment and incorporation of a university for the northeastern region.
The 1992 Act provides for the establishment of a University in the northeastern region for the development of agriculture, and advancement of research in agriculture and allied sciences.
It also states that the university will be responsible for teaching and research in the field of agriculture for the northeastern states.
The premier institute in Manipur capital Imphal has been working towards promoting agro economic development and research in agriculture and allied sectors.
"The 1992 Act defines the north eastern region as comprising the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura.A The new bill now amends this definition to include the state of Nagaland," sources said.
The amendment bill ultimately becoming a law in due course would help Nagaland get all the facilities that other north-eastern states get under this Act.
After inclusion of Nagaland under jurisdiction of the Central Agricultural University, the College of Veterinary Sciences in Nagaland would produce the much-needed professional manpower in the fields of animal husbandry.
The new college would help familiarise the farmers with new techniques, thereby contributing to the production and productivity of domestic animals in the State of Nagaland.
Replying to a debate on the bill, Agriculture Minister Singh said Nagaland has been devoid of the advantages of agriculture and allied education for the last 20-21 years.
The law will now change the scenario, he said adding agro economy of the state will get a major boost.