Nagaland's Extortion disease: Passengers allege 'new form of taxation'

Our Kohima correspondent

Passengers of a Tata Sumo en route to Dimapur from Philimi village have alleged of a ‘new form of illegal tax collection’ at the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) tax collection counter located at the High Court Junction at Meriema, in Kohima district, on August 29.

Terming the "tax" a "passengers luggage tax", a passenger of the taxi, in a complaint made in the social media, said that the vehicle stopped at the KMC tax booth for the usual toll tax.

However, the passenger claimed he was surprised when for the 'first time in his life', the tax collector asked him to pay Rs 60 for three luggage. Initially, he refused but on persuasion by other passengers and driver, he reluctantly paid Rs 50 as tax for his luggage and a receipt was issued against the same.

Stating that none of the passengers were businesspeople but students, church workers, and an old lady carrying rations such as rice, tuber, chili, potatoes and some other vegetables for consumption, the passenger said ‘the tax of Rs 50 in this case was illegal, forceful and extortion’.

|
He questioned why mere passengers travelling by taxi should be taxed.

While appreciating KMC for their effort in making Kohima a citizen-friendly capital, the aggrieved passenger requested the authority in concern not to be silent but to address the matter.

When contacted, KMC's administrator, Kovi Meyase, said an inquiry has been ordered in this regard. Also, on interrogation with the collector, it was found out that the taxi was stopped to pay for the normal ‘tax / octroi tax’ of Rs 10.

However, he said on seeing the hood of the vehicle fully loaded with vegetables and other goods, the collector inquired of the passengers if they possessed import permits from the KMC ‘for entry of goods into a local area for consumption' and 'use of sale’.

When the passenger replied in the negative, it was informed that the collector asked the driver to tell the passenger to pay Rs 50. The existing KMC rate is 20 per bag and the actual amount to be levied from passengers would be Rs 180-200 in total.

In this regard, Meyase clarified that the tax levied on the passenger was not for his luggage but against the goods that was on the vehicle. He also stated that there was no such thing as ‘luggage tax.’ He, however, pointed out that octroi tax was being collected from every commercial vehicle and taxi as per the directives of the government.

‘Entry tax/octroi is the tax imposed by local civic bodies of India for entry of goods into a local area 'for consumption' or 'use of sale.'

(Al Ngullie, August 31, 2016; Eastern Mirror) 

Tweet

Kiphire’s dilapidated school and its 5-6 months absent teacher

A community forum in Kiphire district has complained about tottering infrastructure, and lack of teachers—including a science teacher who has allegedly been absent for 5-6 months—in a government higher secondary school in said district.

A platform by the name Citizen Welfare Society of Kiphire issued a press release on Wednesday appealing for intervention of the authorities. 

The government high school of Kiphire was upgraded to higher secondary in 2014, the group stated. ‘It is one of the oldest educational institutes in the district. For the past many years, this school has produced many leaders, officers from the district. But off late when the educational system was changed with an aim to give quality education to the students by appointing professional teachers the school became the poorest HSLC pass percentage in the state since then,’ the press release stated.

Civil society have in own capacity tried their best to “reform this school administration,” the organization stated, ‘But all goes not too well and the academic result of the school goes from bad to worse.’ 

With the joining of Arvind Kumar, as the new principal of the school, the forum said that the citizens of the area were witnessing ‘drastic change in the school administration and the students. There was a total reform in the functioning of the School system.’

Members of the Citizen Welfare Society said to have visited the school on Monday. “During the visit the members appreciated the principal and his staff for taking up the bold step in transforming the overall administration of the school and further urge to keep up the same spirit even in the days to come.”

The forum has expressed concerns at what they called the pathetic condition of the school’s building which they said was constructed in the early ‘80s.

“Most of the roofs have holes and it become (sic) very difficult to sit inside the class during rainy season. It has also been observed that the toilets and urine shit are directly attached to class-ix and x class room which is very unhygienic for the Students as well as Teachers in the process of Teaching and learning,’ the press release stated.

The group has also taken serious note of “non-appointment/reliever” against a teacher who retired voluntarily in March this year. “When the concern subject teacher is not available how can anyone expect a good result? In this connection, the CWS appeals the concern department to immediately send/appoint a reliever against retirement post.”

The organization also expressed surprise that a science teacher was ‘found to be absent for the past 5-6 months.’

“The academic year is coming to an end without science teacher. The CWS dismay (sic) over the irregularity of some teachers who are enjoying salary without performing the duties and further urge the concern authority to take necessary action against the erring Govt servant for the interest of the student community,” the forum added.

(Al Ngullie, August 31, 2016; Eastern Mirror)

Tweet

CNTC disassociates from Naga Hoho

The Central Nagaland Tribes’ Council (CNTC) has broken association with the Naga Hoho after the latter failed to withdraw its endorsement to the recognition of the Rongmei as a tribe of Nagaland.

The leadership of the CNTC—comprising the Ao, the Lotha, and the Sumi tribal apexes—issued a brief statement on Wednesday directing their respective ‘hoho’ representative to ‘gracefully exit’ from the Naga Hoho.   

“The Central Nagaland Tribes Council, after the expiry of its deadline served to the Naga Hoho to withdraw its endorsement on the recognition of the Rongmei tribe in the state of Nagaland within 30 days has totally resolved to disassociate from the Naga Hoho,” the statement said.

“This was resolved on the 22nd of July 2016 and re-affirmed its course of action on the 24th August 2016 jointly by the three apex bodies, the Ao Senden, Lotha Hoho, and the Sumi Hoho that in case of failure to comply with the demand, will go ahead with the decision.”

From now on, said three tribal organizations withdraw their support and “participation” from the Naga Hoho, it stated.

“Henceforth, the three apex bodies withdraws (sic) its support and participation in the Naga Hoho with immediate effect from this day, i.e. the 1st Sept.2016 and has informed all its representatives to gracefully exit with immediate effect respecting the moral authority of the apex bodies which sent them to the Naga Hoho.”

Background:

The festering issue of recognition given to the Rongmei community in Nagaland as a ‘tribe’ by the Nagaland government took a new turn in July earlier this year when the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) placed before the state government a 30-day ultimatum to revoke the indigenous tribe status granted to the Rongmei.

The organization issued a formal statement warning of an own course of action should the government fail to comply with the demand. The statement, expected to come sooner or later, was perceived as a manifestation of resentment from communities in the state who see the recognition as an open threat to local community stakes and social capital.

Besides the demand for revocation, the organization had demanded that the “endorsement” given by the Naga Hoho on November 22, 2008, be withdrawn.

The organization, which comprises the Ao, the Lotha and the Sumi tribal apexes, informed to have met on July 22 to take the decision of serving the ultimatum.

“The Central Nagaland Tribes Council has demanded that the indigenous tribe status granted to the Rongmeis be revoked within 30 days from the date of this publication,” the statement said.

“This decision was taken at a joint meeting comprising of the three apex tribal bodies of the Aos, Lothas and the Sumis on 22nd July 2016 at Khehokhu village.”

“Failure to comply with the demand, the three apex tribal bodies would resort to its own course of action. The CNTC questioned the ulterior motive of this move and reiterated that if a small state like Nagaland keep on giving the indigenous tribe status to every inhabitant, tomorrow anyone from anywhere will start demanding it where the original inhabitant tribes of the present state of Nagaland will be endangered by the ramifications of such thoughtless move.”

The CNTC made clear that the Rongmei community did not have a specific geographical territory within Nagaland, for which granting them the status of ‘tribe’ in the state was unjustified.

“The Rongmeis do not have any specific geographical territory within the state of Nagaland and granting of the tribe status is not justified and uncalled for though the indigenous inhabitant status may be granted to those who settled in Nagaland prior to 1963 qualifying the required criteria,” the CNTC stated.

“Nagaland today cannot afford to jeopardize its own self and its future generations by granting of indigenous tribe status to anyone demanding it, as such unwarranted action will surely provide as a springboard for any outsider tomorrow for demanding the same which will result in utter chaos and spell doom for the future generations.”

(Al Ngullie, August 31, 2016; Eastern Mirror)

Tweet

NPF youth claims check on illegal appointments

The youth wing of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) has claimed that it has “taken up measures in various departments also, to check unauthorized appointments without government approvals.”

The group also claimed to uphold its election manifesto of ensuring “good governance and corruption free” and was “keeping strict vigilance over the various activities of the government.”

The youth wing of the NPF issued a rejoinder to a statement stated to have been made by a unit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of Pughoboto, and published in the local media.

The media cell of the NPF central youth wing issued the statement on Tuesday.

The NPF’s statement claimed: “While appreciating the BJP Mandal Pughoboto division for their seriousness on the issue against illegal appointments without government approval, the central youth wing would like to state that, it has taken up measures in various departments also, to check unauthorized appointments without government approvals where it seeks support and co-operation from its coalition partner and not to be taken away by some vested interested individual.”

The NPF also claimed to uphold its election manifesto of ensuring “good governance and corruption free”, the wing has been “keeping strict vigilance over the various activities of the government” and “therefore, it acts on its own and not under the pressure of any individual/organization(s).”

On the matter of illegal appointments in the Health & Family Welfare department, the central youth wing claimed that it had “received various complaints from numerous applicants.” The complainants had stated that appointments were being made in the directorate of Health & Family Welfare department without the approval from the competent authorities, the NPF youth asserted.

This “compelled” the central youth wing to take initiative to specifically interfere into this department, it asserted.

“It is crystal clear that the appointments were done illegally without any government approval. It is also confirmed that there was no vacancy against those appointments made by few corrupted officers. Hence the illegal appointments made in the Health & Family Welfare department by those corrupted officers concern who were in the verge of retirement are all fictitious and bogus,” the NPF stated.

“Many of those illegal appointees have been victimized by the corrupted officers concern for appointing them instead of helping them. This illegal appointments were made without the approval of the concern minister and commissioner and secretary (for short government), who has the only authority to appoint against resultant vacant / sanction post which are outside the purview of the NPSC and in tune with the government standing order.”

The NPF remarked that “our BJP Mandal friends could not distinguish between directorate and government. It cannot be denied that the concern corrupt officer has done all this illegal appointments with an ulterior motive and vested interest which in fact, has jeopardized the career of those innocent people.”

(Al Ngullie, August 30, 2016; Eastern Mirror)

Tweet

Dimapur’s migrant population snags Nagaland’s leprosy-free tag

A recent meeting of officials engaged in anti-leprosy campaigns have thrown up a startling revelation that while Nagaland was one of the first states in India to have eliminated leprosy, the existence of a ‘migrant population’ in Dimapur has placed the disease ‘above the elimination status.’

The district coordination committee for Leprosy Case Detection Campaign (LCDC) for Dimapur district was conducted on August 30 in the conference hall of the deputy commissioner of Dimapur. The meeting was presided over by the deputy commissioner of Dimapur Kesonyu Yhome.

During the meeting, the chief medical officer of Dimapur, Dr. Vikato, informed that there were about 64 leprosy cases in Dimapur district. He informed that health workers in the medical blocks have been ‘sensitized’ about how to diagnose leprosy cases, the medical officer said.

Leprosy officer Dr. Ahu Sekhose also said during the meeting that 163 districts covering 20 states in the country have been selected for the LCDC. For the state of Nagaland, Dimapur district has been shortlisted.

Also, Dr. Sekhose informed that although Nagaland happens to be the first state in the country to have achieved the ‘leprosy eliminated state’ tag, owing to a migrant population, the prevalence rate of leprosy in Dimapur district ‘is above the elimination status.’ For this reason, Dimapur district has been selected for conducting LCDC, he said.

The LCDC is basically an intensive survey to detect hidden cases of leprosy, he said. He was of the view that people do not come forward for voluntary check up for leprosy due to the stigma involved. Dr. Sekhose also said that leprosy was completely curable if detected within 6 to 12 months. He informed the public about the availability of leprosy treatment, for free, in all the government health centres in Nagaland.

The deputy commissioner of Dimapur, Kesonyu, has assured to extend all possible help from the district administration for the successful conduct of the LCDC. He urged the departments to consider the work as “a social issue” and to give their best efforts for the benefit of the public.

(Al Ngullie, August 30, 2016; Eastern Mirror)

Tweet

Sangsangyu’s people demand work on Tuensang’s poor roads

A community organization in Tuensang district has appealed to the government to work on a number of roads in their region that they said were in deplorable conditions. Another grievance that the community, the Sangsangyu Range Union, raised was what the lack of bridge at the Namshu River straddling the Tuensang-Longleng road.

The Sangsangyu Range Union issued a press release on Tuesday. It said to represent 12 villages under the 51^st assembly constituency of Noksen, in Tuensang district.

The organization stated the deliberations were conducted recently.

“It is to be noted that the only two roads which councils (sic) the entire 12 villages with Tuensang headquarter, namely the Khudei-Noksen road and the Tuensang-Longleng road<” the press release stated.

The union highlighted the plight of the Tuensang–Longleng road which the group stated remains cut off for almost three months.

Due to said circumstances, the public of the region are faced with “intolerable hardships during the period where shortages of essential commodities and daily basic necessities occurred.”

The Sangsangyu Range Union stated that it had ‘repeatedly appealed’ to the authorities to ‘look into the matter and renovate maintain the said roads but it all went into the deaf ears.’

“Moreover, there is no bridge at Namshu River at Tuensang-Longleng road which also connects the two districts i.e., Tuensang and Longleng. Thus, the SRU would like to know that whether the department / officials concern has appointed any labourers / official to look after these two roads,” the press release stated.

“Having observed the step motherly attitude of the department concern and the prolonging grievances of the area people, the general public of the Sangsangyu Range so decided to voluntarily repair the damaged roads,” it added.

The organization also stated to have repaired the Khudei-Noksen road earlier during the month from Khudei village to Bhumbak village. The road covered a distance of 35 kilometres approximately, the organization stated.

Again, the community repaired the Tuensang-Longleng road from the Namshu River covering approximately 20 kilometres during August 23-25.

The organization has expressed gratified to all individuals and communities that generously contributed and co-operated during the civic initiatives. The union has also thanked Kejong Chang, parliamentary secretary, and CM Chang, Member of Legislative Assembly, for their ‘valuable contribution.’

(Al Ngullie, August 30, 2016; Eastern Mirror) 

Tweet

NSEE: Tribal orgs demand review to reservation quota

Angami, Ao and Lotha students break silence after years

Three major tribal student apexes, the Angami Students’ Union, the Ao Students’ Union, and the Lotha Students’ Union have demanded from the Nagaland chief minister a review of the reservation quota for the backward tribes. 

The students’ organizations finally broke silence on Monday after years with a joint statement on the controversial quota. The three organizations have assured to ‘come out with various accumulated grievances.’

The chief minister is reminded by the groups that the reservation quota holds ‘no meaning’ as it is ‘higher’ than the general category, besides not forgetting that fact that the subject fields—medicine and the medical profession—are not simple matters.

The statement was addressed to the chief minister of Nagaland.

The organizations said to have noted the ‘imbroglio with regard to the NSEE-II’ selection for MBBS and BDS candidates for the 2016-2017 session.

“...ith best intentions and bearing in mind the welfare of our students whose career and future are placed at stake, we would like to register our dissent on the recent MBBS & BDS issue which has been delayed so far affecting the selected students,” the statement read.

“...we also hold the serious view that reservation policy ought to be reviewed and re-examined, as it holds no meaning when BT reservation share is actually higher than that of the general category, as in this case has amply displayed.”

The organization also expressed that the “latest declared result must stand and necessary proceedings be initiated at the earliest so that the students’ careers are not hampered.”

“...we hold the opinion that to provide reservation superseding merit would itself defy logic and the very purpose of medical profession itself. It is our expressed desire that reservation within reservation in professional and technical examinations requires urgent redressal (sic),” the statement said.

This reservation and quota policy if not reviewed, the organizations stated, “Will murder professionalism and it is of a dangerous trend especially in the field of medical science and many other technical subject matter as there are irrefutable factors which can’t be dealt as a mere clerical responsibility.”     

The three organizations assured that they “intend to openly come out with various accumulated grievances over the years by our unions in the near future.”

They hoped that “good sense and wisdom shall prevail, so that the issue is not blown out of proportion.”

The joint statement was appended by the respective president of the Angami Students’ Union, Ao Students’ Conference and the Lotha Students’ Union.

(Al Ngullie, August 29, 2016; Eastern Mirror)

Tweet

Nagaland's Youth Resources & Sports deptt.’s spending under scanner

The spending and ‘projects’ of the Youth Resources & Sports department amounting to more than Rs.500 crore in about seven years has come under the scanner of a Right to Information (RTI) disclosure.

Some aspects of it include “unaccounted or nonexistent or fictitious” projects worth more than 10 crore, updates from citizen RTI activists stated on Monday.

The citizens, all former Sumi Students’ Union (SKK) leaders, have observed a need for “thorough analysis and probes” in the ‘random selection and allocation of projects based on the personal whims and fancies of the authorities.’

Details of funds from 2009 till 2015 for said department were contained in a press release issued by former SKK leaders Aheto V Yeputhomi, Hukavi T Yeputhomi, Kitoho S Rotokha, and L Khevishe Achumi and S. Zhevihe Sumi. The information was stated to have been combed by an RTI application. 

According to the Youth Resources & Sports department, a staggering amount of Rs. 522,93,37,000 was spent during the financial year 2009-2010 to 2014-15 for 72 different projects or schemes in the entire state of Nagaland.

“This was disclosed to the undersigned former SKK leaders in the RTI application. Out of the total projects / schemes implemented, 5 projects are either unaccounted or nonexistent or fictitious for the total amount of Rs. 13,38,00,000/-(Rupees thirteen crore, thirty eight lakh) all released,” the citizens stated.

“Dimapur district availed 24 different projects out of which 17 projects / schemes were allotted to Sovima village alone for an estimated amount of Rs. 91,08,37,000 (ninety one crore, eight lakh, thirty seven thousand); whereas, for district headquarters Tuensang and Longleng got 2 projects each for Rs. 2.50 crore each,  Zunheboto 2 projects for Rs. 2.35 crore, Wokha 2 projects  for an estimated amount of Rs. 1.50 crore and Kiphire got 1 project for Rs. 2.00 Crore,” the press release stated. (See table).

Project / scheme allocation under the Youth Resources & Sports: Districts, Nagaland (2009-2010 to 2014-15 financial year)

SL. NO	DISTRICT	NOs. PROJECT	SANCTIONED AMOUNT	AMOUNT RELEASED	BALANCE
1	DIMAPUR	24	Rs. 416,72,37,000	Rs. 218,98,59,000	Rs. 197,73,78,000
2	MOKOKCHUNG	12	Rs. 8,30,00,000	Rs. 7,80,00,000	Rs. 50,00,000
3	KOHIMA	10	Rs. 58,84,00,000	Rs. 51,06,00,000	Rs. 7,78,00,000
4	PHEK	5	Rs. 9,74,00,000	Rs. 9,45,00,000	Rs. 29,00,000
5	PEREN	4	Rs. 3,40,00,000	Rs. 3,40,00,000	NIL
6	MON	3	Rs. 3,50,00,000	Rs. 3,50,00,000	NIL
7	TUENSANG	2	Rs. 2,50,00,000	Rs. 2,50,00,000	NIL
8	LONGLENG	2	Rs. 2,50,00,000	Rs. 2,50,00,000	NIL
9	ZUNHEBOTO	2	Rs. 2,35,00,000	Rs. 2,35,00,000	NIL
10	WOKHA	2	Rs. 1,50,00,000	Rs. 1,50,00,000	NIL
11	KIPHIRE	1	Rs. 2,00,00,000	Rs. 2,00,00,000	NIL
12	NON EXISTING PROJECTS	5	Rs. 13,38,00,000	Rs. 13,38,00,000	NIL
		72	Rs. 522,93,37,000	Rs. 316,62,59,000	Rs. 206,30,78,000

*** Total nos. of project / scheme: 72

*** Total sanctioned amount: Rs. 522,93,37,000 (Rupees five hundred twenty two Crore, ninety three lakh, thirty seven thousand)

*** Total amount released: Rs. 316,62,59,000 (Rupees three hundred sixteen Crore, sixty two lakh, fifty nine thousand)

*** Total balance amount: Rs. 206,30,78,000/- (Rupees two hundred six Crore, thirty lakhs, seventy eight thousand)

*** 5 projects / schemes unaccounted for an amount of Rs. 13,38,00,000 (Rupees thirteen Crore, thirty eight lakh)

These facts, the citizens stated, are the “hard realities of the (un)judicious implementation of developmental projects implemented by the successive government for the overall round development of the Sports infrastructure in particular in the state.”

“Until and unless thorough analysis and probes are initiated in the random selection and allocation of projects based on the personal whims and fancies of the authorities concerned and the policy implementations are completely overhauled in the department, Nagaland state can never ever produce eminent sports man and women even for centuries to come,” the press release stated.

The citizens reminded that “such policy implementation, purely for self aggrandizement in the name of development” had marginalized the Naga society ‘beyond repair and that equal distribution of developmental projects, wealth, opportunities and the failure to adhere the professed policy of overall round development in the state without any discrimination has completely dejected the upcoming generations on their future and on any government of the state.’

(Al Ngullie, August 29, 2016; Eastern Mirror)

Tweet

Nagaland minister clarifies: Any legislator can ask questions

The minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Kiyanilie Peseyie, has responded to a news report in the local media stating to have carried statements of an “undisclosed NPF legislator” that “legislators are not allowed to ask questions in the (Nagaland Legislative) assembly.

The minister issued a press release as clarification.  

The minister called the alleged statement “highly reprehensible” and “devoid of any truth or basis, and appears to be a mischievous statement with the intention of tarnishing the image, reputation and integrity of the present government” and to “projecting it as an autocratic/ despotic government.”

The press release stated as a democratic tradition by heads of governments to convene “coordination meeting” of legislators prior to the legislative sessions. In the case of Nagaland, he, Peseyie, being the minister in-charge of Parliamentary Affairs, convenes a “coordination meeting” for NPF legislators before assembly sessions; or the chief minister convenes one for the DAN legislators “just like the one convened yesterday at 4 pm at Kohima.”

During such meetings, “far from restricting legislators to ask questions,” the chief minister and senior ministers “encourage the members to ask questions and give constructive criticisms on the functioning of the various departments so that they can acquaint themselves with the activities of the government departments, check irregularities if any, and also keep the government officials on their toes to deliver goods to the people,” the press release claimed.

Further, in the absence of an opposition in the 12th assembly, “it is unimaginable that good governance can be provided if ruling legislators themselves do not give constructive suggestions, opinions and even criticisms as and when required,” the clarification asserted.

“Therefore, rather than muffling the voices of dissent and criticism from the ruling Legislators themselves, it is left to the wisdom of the legislators to raise any issue or question pertaining to their constituencies or elsewhere.”

Regarding the quoted legislator’s reported comments on the cabinet’s decision on the 33% reservation for women in the Urban Local Bodies, and also the ratification of the GST Bill, “I can only say that the legislator has a poor and limited knowledge about the legal realities as well as the positive implications of the Goods & Services Tax Bill, 2016,” the rejoinder claimed.

Regarding the “issuance of whips” to all party Legislators, the minister said that the “said legislator who had gone to the media would do well to familiarise himself with democratic practices and norms.”

“Whip, he should know, is an official appointed by the party to maintain discipline among, secure attendance of, and give necessary information to, members of his party. It is a practice as old as democracy and there is nothing extraordinary to ensure members abide by the party rules, Principles and stand on various issues,” Peseyie stated.   

He has appealed to the legislators to “feel free and ask whatever questions they want to ask whether in the assembly or outside the assembly.”

(Al Ngullie, August 26, 2016; Eastern Mirror)

Tweet

Hindi teachers in Nagaland still waiting for salary—but armed with boycott

Hindi teachers in Nagaland have decided on boycotting classes in response of the government failing to pay their salary for about seven months. However, they are holding it back for now with the hope that the matter would be resolved soon.

The All Nagaland Aggrieved Hindi Teachers’ Association (ANAHTA) issued a press release on Friday stating financial hardships that the government’s failure to pay their salary has brought about.

The ANAHTA leadership met in Kohima town on August 11 during which the members deliberated on their grievances and hardships. Also, they petitioned the directorate of School Education to look into the case. 

“The meeting initially resolved to boycott classes on account of ‘no pay, no work’ but it was kept in abeyance for the time being keeping in view the interest of the students,” the association stated.

The teachers have demanded that the School Education department ‘pursue the release of pending salary with immediate effect’ as the teachers have had to perform their duties regularly even their being paid for six-seven months at a stretch.

‘The members also resolved to pursue the department to submit the audit report on time to the central government, so long as we are paid under centrally-sponsored scheme,’ the press release stated.

The ANAHTA also requested its members to ‘bear with the untold suffering each day.’ They have urged the department in concern “to do the best possible means to pay the teachers on time so as to maintain a congenial relationship between the teachers and the department.”

The organization assured to “stand together” in case any member was “individually targeted by any authority while working for the cause of ANATHA.”

Another statement that the association made during the meeting was that there were state employees, accordingly with their appointment letters.

“...As per our appointment order, we are state employees regularly appointed and not appointed under any scheme; hence we should be accommodated under the state plan henceforth,” the association stated.  

The association has also asked the School Education department to ‘afford an opportunity to teachers to pursue training through correspondence course.’ The reason is that they cannot afford to keep “proxy” or substitute teachers “when our own survival is at stake for non-receipt of timely salary.”

The press release stated: ‘It may be noted that the department has already made the teachers to sign an undertaking on 26th July 2016, where the teachers on training would not be substituted at the expense of department / authority during the training period, instead the teacher on training would have to pay his / her substitute / proxy from his / her own salary to the tune of Rs. 6, 700 per month.’

Another reason that the group cited was that Nagaland had only one training institute for Hindi, and it could not accommodate the teachers ‘within limited time.’

The ANAHTA has also decided to “pursue as to why the New Pension Scheme deducted / contributed amount is not properly accredited to the accounts of members.”

(Al Ngullie, August 26, 2016; Eastern Mirror) 

Tweet

Old over-bridge: Ancient landmark in need of attention

How safe is it?

The present generation, or even the past, can be excused for not knowing or being curious at the historical label of one of Dimapur city’s most ancient—if often ignored—landmarks.

Simply called the ‘old over-bridge’ or ‘Dimapur over-bridge’ links Burman Camp to Golaghat Road. It is assumed that the bridge is one of the first completed bridges in northeast India region. The structure is now in its 44th year since inauguration and perhaps even qualifies as a heritage of modern Dimapur.

Sadly, the bridge is now picture of complete neglect and dilapidation—and almost on the verge of encroachment at its either end. There are already mud ramps being made to connect to the bridge with its side ramparts broken either by accident or intention.

The old over-bridge has been standing strong as a lifeline since its inauguration in January 1973 by then-minister Koramoa Jamir (according to a defaced plaque at the site). Today, the bridge is having its share of the negligence and infrastructural breakdown being seen throughout Nagaland. 

The bridge has lost its glory to dilapidation–crumbling railings, broken ground slabs and sand on its surface.

The old, seen-but-never-noticed ‘overbridge’ linking north of Dimapur to Golaghat road has been virtually forgotten with little or no upkeep for it over the decades. 

Even though it offers vital interstate connectivity especially for heavy passenger vehicles and cargo carriers, the bridge remains neglected and gets inferior treatment compared to its newer younger addition, the “new flyover”, which is located a few metres down south.

The old over-bridge also serves as a vital link not only within the town but forms part of the main highway exchange for Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur. It was originally part of the earlier National Highway 39 that connected Numaligarh in Assam to Moreh in Manipur passing through Nagaland.

Today, with new infrastructure coming up, the old over-bridge is in utter neglect and its history forgotten let alone even to receive a touch-up. According to citizens the bridge was built somewhere during the ‘60s. It is a huge marker for the commercial city’s history.

A trader residing close to the over-bridge said that since the time he can remember, the bridged, ‘the oldest and the first bridge of the state,’ had not received any kind of development but was now suffering.      

Strangely, the bridge remains without an overseeing as Eastern Mirror tried to reach the state PWD department and the Border Road Organisation (BRO) for its initial construction data. Both washed their hands off the matter and pointed fingers at each other’s department.

Also, the current safety grade and worthiness of the bridge could not be ascertained because no data could be found from the departments and the probable agencies.

The bridge presents a picture of disregard due to lack of repairs and manifold increase in the volume of traffic. Although road infrastructure development works are underway in the state, the old bridge remains untouched. 

(Al Ngullie, August 25, 2016; Eastern Mirror)

Tweet

Nagaland’s eastern civil society unite for 33% women quota

The Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) has “out-rightly” expressed support to the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) and the Eastern Naga Women’s Organisation (ENWO) to the implementation of the 33% women reservation bill in Nagaland.

While “considering the emancipation of women from the clutch of inferiority to men,” the students group stated, the municipal election in the state should be “processed as declared by the state government,” it stated. 

The ENSF issued a press release on Thursday stating that the state “replicate the system” adopted by the state of Kerala where women’s reservation is about 50% and for which the south Indian state has governance that is ‘just and efficient.’

“Nagaland should replicate the system adopted by the state of Kerala where women’s’ share/reservation is about 50% where its governance is just and efficient,” the organization stated. “Today, women already enjoy 33% reservation in Gram Panchayat and Municipal election in India. However, in regard to special provision under Art 371 (a) where it states that no act of parliament unless passed by the state legislatures shall be enforceable in the state of Nagaland, it may be noted that the Nagaland State Legislative Assembly had already declared for municipal and town council election in accordance to the central municipal act where 33% of women reservation had been duly inculcated or should be strictly adhered.”

The organization has also appealed to Naga civil society and politicians “to unite the minds for progress and development rather than dragging us back to the primitive state and thoughts.”

The ENSF stated that it had aspiration that the government of Nagaland “immediately and seriously strive for accommodating our Naga women folk in the governing system.”

The organization stated: “It should also be seriously noted that the issues pertaining to the 33% women reservation should not hamper the municipal and town council election in any manner.   Any element that restrains the moves should be discouraged in the interest of development and progress.”

The Naga civil society should understand that in the absence of good governing ‘systems’ in the state, centrally-sponsored schemes and funds meant for development “are being deprived upon us.”

“It is also disheartening to know that about 30-35% of the state shares are being diverted for this purpose,” the press release stated.

The organization also opined that establishment of towns and declaring them town councils alone do “suffice the theory of its existence and survival.”

Such initiatives alone, the organization stated, should not be “confined to the politics of gaining vote alone but should foster on for development and growth by empowering the urban local bodies    to decide its growth within the constitutional provision and rights.”

The “sceptre falling into the wrong hand is the cause why Nagaland is still stagnant,” the ENSF stated. “It is also disheartening to known that a village gets more funds than any urban town in Nagaland. This is one factor why urbanisation is being stagnant in the state.”

The organization has also demanded that the urban local bodies (ULBs) should be immediately empowered with constitution “rights for self-governance.” 

(Al Ngullie, August 25, 2016; Eastern Mirror)

Tweet

Nagaland Congress urges students to fight ‘bribery’

The president of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) K Therie on Wednesday appealed to the students and youth of the Nagaland be ‘ambassadors of clean and God-fearing government.” They must choose to “say no to bribe and corruption,” he told Nagaland University students during the Nagaland University Students’ Union’s 19th Varsity Campus Fresher’s Day on August 24 in Lumami.

Speaking as the chief guest, Therie also requested the students to perform their constitutional duties being honest subjects of the state, citizens of the nation, and more so, as a Christian.

Also, he expressed concern at the ‘exodus’ of youths from Nagaland in search of employment “some of whom bring laurels to the state but many of whom have brought sad stories.”

‘There are over 70,000 registered as unemployed while perhaps many more have not registered. Despite many opportunities available in the state particularly in Kohima and Dimapur, we have lost the market where there are ample opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship,’ he said. ‘Students need to plan for the future and that planning is linking action with thinking.’

Speaking about the “reasons of paralysis of Nagaland,” the Congress leader said ‘bribery and corruption’ play a major role in stifling development and progress. ‘Bribes lead to high interest loans and this in turn leads to corruption which ultimately leads to stagnancy in the all round development of the state,’ the former Finance minister explained.

‘This vicious cycle has deformed our society as many of the failed candidates have to forfeit their homes and properties and have to live on rent. Some societies have acquired huge assets in Dimapur and Kohima from failed candidates while on the other hand, successful candidates siphon off funds meant for development, to make up their past and future expenditures.’

(Al Ngullie, August 25, 2016; Eastern Mirror)

Tweet

Unpaid for 7 months, Hindi teachers’ cry resounds

The plight of more than 1,000 Hindi teachers in Nagaland continues from not having paid for seven months. The All Nagaland Hindi Teachers’ Union (Union) issued another press release, one of several over the past many months, appealing to the government of Nagaland and the department of School Education to release their due salaries at the earliest.

‘The 1, 379 Hindi teachers appointed under a centrally-sponsored scheme haven’t been paid their salaries for seven months from February 2016,’ the union stated in the press release.

“The union, therefore, appeals strongly to the state government to look into the matter and take a serious note on it. As, the aggrieved teachers are facing many hardships in maintaining their daily expenses and also the school fees of their children, some of the teachers are even posted in some outskirts for which they have to incur the travel expenses,” the organization stated.

“And they have been incurring all these expenses like payment of the school fees of their children, maintaining household expenses and many other expenses from their own pockets despite their salaries being kept pending for 7 months.”

Considering the suffering and ‘unbearable hardships’ faced by these 1379 Hindi teachers, the union has appealed to the department of School Education and the Nagaland government to release the salaries at the earliest. 

(Al Ngullie, August 25, 2015; eastern Mirror)

Tweet