[Previous entry: "NSCN/GPRN Khaplang warns defaulting firms morungexpress"] [Next entry: "Press Release 7th November 2011 Naga Women Union condemns Manipur Force Violence Against Peaceful Protectors"]

11/05/2011: "Rhetoric on Corruption morungexpress"

Rhetoric on Corruption morungexpress

In a rare official action against graft, the Government of Nagaland recently penalized a village council chairman for corruption, misuse of village funds and has ‘disqualified’ him from selection as village council chairman for five years. For Nagaland, this is indeed a breakthrough in the fight against the menace of corruption. Rarely do we see the rule of law being followed. However in this case the government acted as per Section 16 (4) of the Nagaland Village and Area council Act, 1978. The said provision states that a member of the village council found guilty of corruption, disloyalty or breach of council laws would be disqualified from being selected as, and from being, a member of the village council. And as provided by Section 17, the State government took the final decision to disqualify the culprits i.e. the then chairman of the Phiro Village Council in Wokha district and the secretary of Village Development Board (VDB). Hopefully this will set a precedent for everyone and act as deterrence against corruption and misuse of public funds. The government should also ensure consistency by applying the same yardstick in bringing to book those who indulge in corrupt practices at the expense of public welfare.
Even as we welcome such action against the corrupt, the issue of justice and fair play also come into focus here. Here a former village council chairman has been punished for misusing Rs. 30, 000. One can very well imagine what will happen to the more serious cases of the high and mighty if the same yardstick is to be applied. Maybe the village chairman was not so lucky not to have the support of the powerful people in society. He paid the price for being corrupt no doubt but the magnitude of his crime pales into insignificance if we compare it to what our powerful people are indulging in under protection of their so called rights and privileges. There is no room for justice in our hierarchical system. Even in other places around the world we have those who are neck deep in rampant corruption but get away with it because of their proximity to the system. This needs correction and will require a thorough cleansing of the ills within the present system, which itself is highly corrupt and actually aids and abets corruption and legitimizing it as a way of life.
We need to visit success stories such as the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). Hong Kong has been transformed from a graft-ridden city into one of the cleanest places in the world, as recognised by international institutions such as the World Bank and the Transparency International. Some countries have looked up to the ICAC as an effective model of combating graft holistically through detection, prevention and education. The Hong Kong ICAC is popularly regarded as a successful model in fighting corruption, turning an old, very corrupt colony into one of the relatively corruption free places in the world. One of the success factors is its three-pronged strategy - fighting corruption through deterrence, prevention and education. Every year during the first week of November we in Nagaland also make pledges against corruption during the so called vigilance awareness week. We need to go beyond this. At a time when there is a people’s movement against corruption taking place in India under the leadership of Anna Hazare, our Christian State of Nagaland should be at the forefront contributing our own vision and ideas for a corrupt free society.
Corruption your NO counts morungexpress
The Morung
Express asked young Nagas how we can eliminate Corruption from
Nagaland. The following responses were garnered from the members of The Naga Blog (Facebook) and also readers
of The Morung Express:

How can we eliminate Corruption from Nagaland?

Imojen Jamir: Corruption is immoral and against the law. However, it seems to have become a norm in Nagaland. Bribery, nepotism, abusing the system by high officials, electoral fraud, organized crime etc have become a way of life whether we like it or not. They seem to be so well based and blended with our sociability that it only seems natural and expected. Our gregariousness, laziness, openhandedness and personal insecurities have given way to corruption. In my opinion, corruption can never be completely eliminated. However, to check and to bring corruption to a minimum level, a strong law enforcing agency is what we need. But we don't trust our law enforcing agencies much, do we? Then we need civil societies and individual social workers who could utilise the RTI efficiently. We need whistleblowers and a law protecting them.

Achah BratSy Tangshu: We cannot completely uproot corruption in our generation but we can start to try uprooting right from this moment. We need to bring change in ourselves and our family to change our society and hence our Government. A specific bill cannot change anything!

Olena Arkz: The fight for justice against corruption is never easy. It never has been and never will be. It exacts a toll on our self, our families, our friends, and especially our children. In the end, I believe, as in my case, the price we pay is well worth holding on to our dignity. Frank Serpico

Asenla Walling: Corruption begins at home. Do the right thing the right way. Corruption exists when people indulge in shortcuts and cut corners to get their work done. People need to know their rights and what they are entitled to. The law needs to be made more stringent against corruption. Meritocracy in all fields should be encouraged and felicitated. A strong youth movement with uncompromising principles, “I FIGHT”

Chingshong P Noklang: Today corruption got the charms, stronger than that of 'sexy lady'. Any Movements, NGOs, group are easily lure by the tag corruption. At this juncture to fight/eliminate corruption is a question, who will bell the cat? My suggest is therefore not how to eliminate but to study the areas/factor that lead to corruption, how do we approach the corrupted man/women? How to treat them in society? Take the example of NSF/ENSF conference/meets. Obviously the chief guest is CM if not minister/MLA or if it’s higher government official then the one who can say less on education but more on money as donation. We hardly see in any naga social gathering where chief guest with low profile in money matter but highly qualified professor/influential in academic field. We respect people who have own latest car, palatial like home etc people judge, regard according to status and position. By nature human being is selfish. Every one need his/her attention and in search of such instinct 90% people made shortcut road to success and the results corruption in society. 'If anyone dares to fight corruption please keep in mind, to end up having more enemies than friends.

Chaba Chang: Supporting those on fast for corruption and joining them will not solve anything. We need leaders with vision, politicians influences corruption....they need to change the way they think and act.

Zuchi Humtsoe: Our scale of corruption is in another higher category/level, just by seeing the condition of the roads one can tell, it is not just corruption but 'Maha-corrupted or Hyper-corruption' (as in the case of hyperinflation/super inflation which can be categorize as in a state of alertness or emergency).

Kavi Assumi Naga: Corruption has become such a vital part of our culture, I have a hunch that maybe our government Officials are even planning to showcase it in our Hornbill Festival. Jokes apart I believe corruption can only be reduced when we ourselves change the way we do things i.e. the easy illegal way should be discarded for the legal way. Corruption to most of us mean some ministers embezzling crores of rupees but it’s just one part of the whole, the other part is to do with us the common public. The queue we break, the way we overtake other vehicles, illegal and wrong parking, money we pay under the table to an office clerk, asking for unethical favors from an 'uncle' who is a highly placed government official etc make up the major part of what we called corruption which in turn leads to more greater corruption. So in short, like a great man once said if every common man become the change that he wants to see in others then I believe it won’t be long before corruption becomes a distant memory of a time gone by.

Vikeduo Linyü: The most educated and the people who can change corruption have stop voicing against corruption. To fight corruption we need the church to take a lead, stop receiving or asking donation from ministers and bureaucrats, start questioning their source of income. Praying out loud after receiving black money doesn't change the money at all; it’s still dirty in front of men and God. The pulpit is where the change can start; the need to preach against corruption and unseen sins is the need of the hour.

Andy Vee: Educating the people that Public (People's tax) Money comes from the People for the People to benefit the People. This would help a lot I guess. The thought that it’s Government Money seems to lend credence to the act of stealing from such funds. Besides there are a whole lot of other types of corruption ... of status, position, etc etc .... it’s a whole level of Art in India especially.

Along Changkija: Realization of our mistakes and changing the way how things work by those in power is the only way. For we are all educated and knowledgeable but the way things work makes the upcoming leaders discouraged or weakened at heart and thereby follow on the same path which is laid down by our predecessors. What we need are leaders who are capable to inspire and not rely on money and help from gunslingers. What we need I think is a society free of fear from our own folks.

Kevi Viswentso Angami: If we start voicing our rights only then will the corruption go down. We Nagas take everything for granted....when we see something illegal going on also, we never tend to report or voice against it. Externally we roar like lions but inside we are too timid and fearful....the reason maybe the disunity among the Nagas. For example when we see someone getting beaten up right infornt of our eyes also we will not intervene even if he/she is right, our inner self says this, 'he/she is not from my tribe or he/she is not know to me'.....this complexity in us must change in order to bring down corruption in our state, this is what I feel.

Bonathung Ngullie: There should be a lokayuta in the state to check corruption, implement effectively the flagship programmes of the centre, like the MPs, politicians and civil servants should declare their assets as mentioned in the amended Representation of People's Act 2002, the leader’s should tackle traffic jams, check high handedness of officers, check unnecessary workings n functions of the numerous unions of the state, effective working of state departments etc.

Lanu Jamir : Society must play its role to fight corruption. The first step is for society to accept that the practice is existent, for it is only with self-realization that this scourge be minimized; Only then can society play any role in fighting corruption, by demonstrating strong abhorrence towards it. Making honesty a basis of life is the biggest challenge that we're facing in this modern world. Efforts should be made to instill integrity because a person with high integrity would not commit corrupt practices under any circumstance. We should get back to our schools and instill honesty and integrity at formative stage, we should get back to our local leaders and village heads, our leaders of tomorrow and instill a sense of integrity, honesty and fellowship in them, for it is only when we guide our future leaders today that our tomorrow could be corruption free and future forward.

Nitoka V Swu: Not only do we need good, honest and god fearing leaders as some of you have mentioned but we also need good & brave citizens who without any fear and hesitation will raise and stand for our rights against injustice. The world is corrupted or let me say our society is corrupted not only because of the dishonest leaders but also due to the silence of the innocent/honest citizen thereby indirectly encouraging them.

Nagaland is ‘Most Improved State’ morungexpress
Dimapur, (MExN): India Today Group has awarded Nagaland a “Most Improved” award in the category of “infrastructure development.” Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio today attended the Chief Ministers’ conclave and the State of the States Awards ceremony organized and hosted by the India Today Group at New Delhi’s Hyatt Regency. The event was graced by Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
“In the awards ceremony, the Nagaland chief minister received the award for ‘Most Improved State’ amongst the small states in the category of ‘Infrastructure Development’” stated the Press Secretary to Chief Minister today. The Chief Minister was accompanied by members of Parliament CM Chang and Khekiho Zhimomi, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism and Law & Justice, Yitachu, and senior officers of the state government.
The State of the States also ranked Nagaland in the fourth position in most improved in governance and third in most improved in consumer market. According to the press note from the CMO, “the India Today State of the States awards is considered one of the highest and most independent surveys in the performance of the state governments all over the country”.

Eastern Nagaland students asked not to pay membership to ANCSU Nagaland post
On the ongoing membership drive by All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU), the Eastern Naga Students’ Union Dimapur (ENSUD) has notified all colleges within Dimapur not to collect ANCSU membership from the students belonging to Eastern Nagaland.

In a press release ENSUD president P. Honko Luklem stated that six tribes from Eastern Nagaland such as Konyak, Phom, Chang, Yimchunger, Sangtam and Khiamniungan have already de-affiliated itself from ANCSU as per the directive of Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) and that collection of membership fees from them was not justified.

ENSUD also requested colleges in Dimapur to pay membership fees of ANCSU only after deducting the amount of the Eastern students from their respective colleges and informed that the union would take its own course of action if the colleges pay membership fees of the Eastern students to ANCSU.

ENSUD further stated that the membership amount collected from Eastern Naga students must be submitted to office of ENSUD for which the union would entrust a student from all colleges in Dimapur.

North Ireland delegation keen to visit Nagaland DIPR
Kohima, (DIPR): The Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio who has recently returned from abroad said that his invitation to the business community of Ireland to study the scope of business in Nagaland was acknowledged in a positive manner.
Interacting with media persons on the sidelines of the inaugural function of the new building of Directorate of Treasuries and Accounts, Neiphiu Rio said that the delegation from Ireland were keen to visit Nagaland to venture into business and also to study the political situation of the State. Rio also informed that they visited diary farms and piggeries and said that it was a very educative tour.
The Chief Minister of Nagaland also visited the Queens University where he gave a lecture and said that the students put up many educative questions to him during his personal interaction with the students. He observed that the Law & Justice Minister and the students were surprised to learn about the liberty Nagaland enjoyed, although being part of the Indian Union.
Rio commented that Queens University has one of the best Libraries in the world with all well equipped infrastructures. Rio also informed about the invitation extended to the students of Nagaland by the Queens University, particularly in the field of music, which he said imparts master courses. Rio also said that their team also met Madam Adino Phizo and explained about the present peace process of Nagaland.

Deo Nukhu calls for revival of traditional art Nagaland Post





Inauguration program for demonstration art workshop cum exhibition 2011 organized by the department of art and culture, Nagaland in collaboration with NEZCC, Dimapur was held on Tuesday at Town Hall, Dimapur with advisor for art and culture, Nagaland Deo Nukhu as the chief guest.

Speaking at the inaugural program, the chief guest said Nagas were gifted with immense potential particularly in the field of art by taking example of Nagas spread all over the region i.e Myanmar Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, with the “traditional gift” of wood and stone craving.

Nukhu however regretted that the “traditional gift” of the forefathers, who were gifted in stone and wood art, was not preserved in this modern world.

He lamented that insurgency period in Nagaland particularly between 1956-57 had destroyed most of the “ancient articles” were destroyed along with the houses set ablaze by the Indian Army.

Nukhu said that the expertise work of art of the forefathers without the help any advanced technology could not be inherited by the present generation and this has resulted in inadequate knowledge of the art form.

He then hoped that the present generation artists would be able to reconstruct some fine arts of the ancestors so that in “someway” the art could be retrieved.

“Today we have less professionals in the field of art”, said Nukhu and added that students have the potential but lack professional teachers.

Nukhu was also of the view that the education system in the state needed to recruit art teachers with a minimum qualification of Bachelor in Fine Arts (BFA) who would train students with potentials in the field of art and make it as their profession.

He further, encouraged the students and teachers to participate in the workshop and learn from the professionals who would be demonstrating their work in the workshop cum demonstration.

The beautiful efforts of the artists are on display for sale. People wanting to see the exquisite work can visit Town Hall Dimapur as the workshop cum exhibition would be held till November 5.

Zeliangrong Baudi committed to protect ancestral lands Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Imphal, Zeliangrong Baudi (ZB) of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland (ZB-AMN) has affirmed to protect the Zeliangrong ancestral lands in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.

This was adopted during the 'Dimki Session' of the ZB-AMN held on October 28 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church community hall, Tamenglong headquarters.

The programme was participated by Zeliangrong Baudi leaders from Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, including president of the three states Raitu Chawang, general secretary Elu Ndang, Nagaland ZB president Akhang Kamei, All Zeliangrong Students' Union (AZSU), Zeliangrong Students' Union, Manipur (ZSUM), Zeliangrong social workers, intellectuals, etc.

The meeting also took serious note over the prevailing situation in Zeliangrong area, particularly in Khoupum area where the recent encounters took place between NSCN (IM) and Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), killing five cadres of the former group, including a civilian driver and seriously injuring another five of the group.

The participants of the 'Dimki Session' appealed to all concerned to shun all forms of violence and bloodshed in the area.

The programme also took firm decision to maintain and uphold the unity and integrity of the Zeliangrong people.

It also adopted the decision that the Zeliangrong region to remain intact under the proposed Naga National Government.

Moreover, the session also decided to organize peace rallies in Zeliangrong areas at the earliest.
NSCN (K) cautions erring firms/contractors Nagaland Post




Drawing attention to the “deplorable condition of infrastructure developments in Nagaland” a “subject of ridicule and consternation”, NSCN(K) has decided to intervene. According to the MIP, on enquiry, the “lethargic pace of progress” of Central Sponsored Schemes, state plans was mostly attributed to a “lackadaisical attitude of the firms/contractors and not due to paucity of funds.”

MIP said it was “glaringly obvious that several multi-million firms” working in Nagaland failed to deliver quality output and timely execution of projects. It said numerous companies engaged in centrally funded road projects (PMGY, NLCPR) had “already elapsed” allotted time frame.

Delays and low quality workmanship not only caused “unnecessary blockage of phase wise funding” but also cast doubts on the “credibility and potential of local entrepreneurs” it said. Further, MIP/NSCN (K) revealed that several firms/contractors had already drawn final bills even before starting works on many road projects in Nagaland.

It said such derelictions had to a “greater extent” hampered the overall socio-economic growth of the state that could only be bridged “through drastic measures”.

In public interest, NSCN (K) warned it would take stern action against any such firm defaulting responsibility and commitment to work, for uplift of public. Further, NSCN (K) it would intervene by restricting such defaulting firms from participating in future bids. It said their liabilities that scuttled growth and development of Naga society should be “avoided at any cost”.

Such firms should be blacklisted and appropriate measures imposed, it said. NSCN (K)also asked NCSU to exercise judicious supervision on members to ensure quality work and performance and disqualify and disown “irresponsible members”.