11th November 2013

Page 1

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

The Morung Express

Dimapur VOL. VIII ISSUE 307

www.morungexpress.com

Philippine typhoon deaths climb into thousands

[ PAGE 08]

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

Monday, november 11, 2013 12 pages Rs. 4

‘MISSION POSSIBLE’ [ PAGE 02]

‘Lead yourself to lead others’

Rs 937,82,67,500 was spent during the February 2013 Nagaland Assembly Elections. Was money power the deciding factor? Yes

no

Others

Do you support the demand for: One Government, One Taxation? Yes

83% 04%

no Others

13%

Details on page 7

TET for eastern dists to be conducted Kohima, November 10 (mexN): Woken up by the Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF), the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has decided to conduct the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) 2013 in the eastern district headquarters. “As directed by the Government vide letter NO.DSE/ENSF-01/2013 dated Kohima the 2nd November, 2013 on the issue of the ENSF ultimatum letter submitted to the Chief Minister, Nagaland pertaining to conduct of the TET, 2013 in all district headquarters, it is hereby informed that as per the ENSF demand, the SCERT will conduct the TET examination in the 4 (four) districts of Tuensang, Mon, Longleng and Kiphire,” stated a press release from the director of SCERT Nagaland, Vipralhou Kesiezie. While the release does not give specific dates, it noted that “all candidates from these four districts will compulsorily be required to appear from these assigned districts only.”

Soft drinks may cause kidney dysfunction

C M Y K

WashiNgtoN, November 10 (Pti): A diet including soft drinks and sugar could negatively affect your kidneys, new research has found. In one study, researchers found that consuming at least two soft drinks per day is linked with proteinuria or increased excretion of protein in the urine, a hallmark of kidney dysfunction. Another study found that moderate fructose intake increases the kidney’s sensitivity to angiotensin II, a protein that regulates salt balance. This leads to increased salt re-absorption by cells in the kidneys, a finding that might help explain why consumption of high-fructose corn syrup as a sweetener may contribute to the epidemic of diabetes, obesity, kidney failure, and hypertension.

earns Rs. 450.60 cr’ Our Correspondent

Dimapur | November 10

Vote on www.morungexpress.com SMS your answer to 9862574165

Marquez becomes youngest world title winner

‘Dimapur has 80% surfaced roads’ ‘Non-local workforce Morung Express news

The Morung Express POLL QUESTIOn

–Mattie Stepanek

[ PAGE 12 ]

[ PAGE 09]

[ PAGE 11]

People confounded by State’s statistical projection of Dimapur

You wanna get married this week? not possible, the church is fully booked. Please come back next winter.

Even though the future seems far away, it is actually beginning right now

Cong goes into election warm-up on the backfoot

C M Y K

If a comparative poll is conducted to assess the districtwise level of connectivity in Nagaland, Dimapur will top. For a state marked by rugged mountain terrain, the distinction of having a railhead, an airport and two national highways passing through Dimapur certainly makes it the winner. Sector-wise development reports (Dimapur District Human Development Report), recently made public in October, shed some light on the existing level of connectivity, specifically roads and means of transport. In the report, Dimapur is dubbed the “best connected district” in Nagaland. In addition to six flights a week (before October 2013; now well reduced), the district has chopper services available five days a week, 21 passenger trains passing through, and freight movement of 4035 kilograms per month, the report stated. On road connectivity, startling revelation was made. According to the report, 87.09 percent of the existing roads in the district are “surfaced.” The assessment, based on data maintained by the Government of Nagaland, did not specify the factors that deem a road as “surfaced.” It further stated that the district has a road density of 82.33 kilometres per 100 square kilometres.

Kohima | November 10

Most of Dimapur’s roads look like this. Here the Circular Road signifies Dimapur’s “surfaced” roads. (Morung Photo)

With an area covering 927 square kilometres in total, the district has a network of 1612.36 km of road maintained by the PWD (Roads & Bridges). “Unsurfaced” roads stand at 158.48 km. This is according to data entered in the Statistical Handbook of Nagaland (2010). The total length of “surfaced and unsurfaced” roads in Nagaland stands at 21079.68 km. Going by statistics, one can conjure an image of an elaborate network of inter-connecting metalled roads touching every nook and corner of the district. On the ground, however, the condition of the existing roads leaves much to be desired. The statistics, notwithstanding, “maintenance is where the state government

has failed,” remarked one citizen, who wished to remain anonymous. Following the revelation of the Dimapur District Human Development Report on roads, a random number of people were asked to comment on the condition of roads. “The roads are there to tell, and I think no elaboration is required to highlight the existing condition of the roads here,” said Oren Lotha, an autorickshaw driver by profession. His reaction was one of surprise when he was told that according to a statistical report, more than 80 percent of roads in Dimapur are surfaced. Seeing the ongoing road repair effort in Dimapur, he further commented, “I wish Nagaland would remain in festive mood all the year round.” Changing of construction

methodology, taking into consideration all local factors affecting roads, such as level of vehicular traffic, topography, soil condition and strict adherence to quality norms was what one proposed for longlasting, all-weather roads. “We can’t deny that the state runs short on development funds but sanctioning whatever that is available more often than not gets delayed,” said the person, who apparently appeared well-informed on how development fund flows. The person said that obtaining fund endorsement for maintenance projects is just as hard (if not harder) as getting approval to kick-start fresh projects. Further, the fund that eventually trickles down is not used to the optimum, eventually affecting durability, it was added.

The State’s evaluation department carried out an evaluation study in 2007 on employment opportunities forgone by Nagas and employment of non-locals in the unorganized sector in Nagaland. The study was conducted in Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung as sample towns where the concentration of non-locals is more. The study covered 13, 380 establishments/shops/units. In these three towns, the total non-local workforce earning their livelihood is estimated at 45, 815 with an annual income of Rs. 450.60 crore. This was conveyed by NPF president Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu during the workshop of Naga People’s Front (NPF) farmers’ wing policies and programmes for central office bearers here Friday. “Assuming that they spent 50% of their earnings in Nagaland for their ration, clothing etc., the revenue outflow from the State was Rs. 225.30 crore during the year in question,” he said. It is presumed that the non-local workforce increases every year and the revenue outflow from the State will also keep increasing proportionately, he said, adding “This is one of the reasons that greatly affect money circulation in the State.” According to the report, he said, in the construction sector alone, there are 4099 non-local workers engaged in construction activities, earning up to Rs.

22 crore in a year. More than 80% of this workforce is untrained, but they are learning “jugali” and many of them have become contractors in the course of time. This sector is followed by loading and unloading sector with a workforce of 4012 earning Rs. 33 crore annually. “This workforce does not require any training except strength and good health. Very few locals are in this workforce,” he said. These two sectors account for revenue income of Rs. 55 crore a year. Running of pan/gumti shops and its ancillary activities provides employment to 2780 persons with a total earning of Rs. 24 crore annually followed by running of grocery/ration shops with 2659 persons with total earning of Rs. 79 crore, he quoted the survey report, adding “This is how the State economy is drained because of revenue outflow.” “The question is why this much money was earned by outsiders which normally goes out of the State. Does it mean that Nagas do not know how to work?” he asked. He said that while many of “our young people” have been doing extremely well in their respective professions/fields, many others have become brokers. As of now, many survive on subsidy money without doing any work. Many people are aiming to become millionaires with easy money. “If we are to go for economic independence, we have to work and survive with our own earnings, the earning of our own sweat,” he said.

‘B’wood still averse to casting faces from NE’ ‘Vulgar and gross’ spending

NeW DeLhi, November 10 (tNN): Boxing icon MC Mary Kom considers the northeast “one region.” She now aims to bring home a bigger accolade than her Olympic medal, but also wishes to mentor young talent from the region. At the North East Festival 2013 on Saturday, she said she misses watching Bollywood movies in Manipur because of the ban on screening of Hindi films, and fears that people back home may not be able to watch her biopic which is set to release. Kom and three other sporting and cultural icons from the northeast shared their journeys of making it big and their hopes

and concerns for the region at the festival. “As a child I had no one to guide me. I used to go to Imphal from my village where I was introduced to women’s boxing. I did not tell my family what I was up to because if they had stopped me from boxing, my morale would have really gone down,” she says. Her friends discouraged her because boxing is “not a woman’s game”. “If a man can fight, why can’t a woman? I have proved myself,” she said. Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barma, the maharaja of erstwhile kingdom of Tripura and member of Tripura Congress Committee, spoke about his jour-

ney as an entrepreneur. He also said that despite being a member of Congress, his personal thoughts on AFSPA are separate from his party’s.“I am against AFSPA. We need some moderate voices from the northeast to come to the fore. Our story is not only about failures and pain but about so many other positive things,” he added. Larsing Ming Sawyan, vice president of All-India Football Federation shared his experience. “Through the 60s, 70s and 80s we did not see much of northeast in national football. We began scouting for young talent in different parts of

the eight states and formed a team that qualified for I League. We realized we didn’t know much about each other in northeast. There is a need to create an identity that is pan-northeastern,” he said. Actor Adil Hussain, who belongs to Goalpara in Assam, impressed everyone off-screen too. Reacting to a question on why there have been fewer faces from northeast in Bollywood after Danny Denzongpa, he said, “It (Bollywood) is an industry. They don’t cast faces from the northeast because it will not sell. I am probably here because I have some Aryan features.”

‘As long as i have Music’

TNCC marks 10th anniversary concert in Dimapur Morung Express news Dimapur | November 10

The Nagaland Chamber Choir (TNCC) presented ‘As Long as I have Music,’ a celebration of its 10 years’ journey towards the promotion of indigenous and sacred music. Kicking off the Anniversary celebration concert, the chorus performed a special arrangement of “O Magnum Mysterium” by one of America’s most performed composer Morten Lauridson. The line-up featured works by several more renowned composers, like Moses Hogan, Mark Hayes. Trio performances by Khrowutso, Jethro, Limawati and Azi, Renthunglo, Sorin, and duet by Nohonu and David were big favorites of the audience. So were moving solo pieces by Azo, Meripeni, Azeena and Alhile. Also accompanying

The nagaland Chamber Choir (TnCC) performing at IMC Hall, Dimapur today in celebration of their 10th Anniversary. (Morung Photo)

the choir on stage were piano prodigies Kevin Savino and Ruguoser Liegise. The singers brought their special sound to the people, who might never have been exposed to this music. It was a unique blend of sacred music with tinges of indigenous tones. And, the choir’s performances were extremely well-received. The event was performed to a packed audience at IMC

Hall, Dimapur on Sunday and was a great success. Many young listeners at the concert said that the Choir’s performance was powerful and expressed delight at the chance to watch TNCC perform. “I’ve always wanted to witness TNCC perform. Professional choral music is rare these days,” statedayoungmusicstudent. To mark this momentous occasion, TNCC will

sponsor the school fees of a few orphans and underprivileged students this year. The Choir is also working towards organizing a mega choral festival in the coming years to pursue its goal to reach out to different tribes and churches and develop music as a whole “for the glory of God.” Next, TNCC will perform at State Academy Hall Kohima on November 16, 2013.

in 12th nlA election: Yn

Morung Express news Dimapur | November 10

Big money has been playing an increasingly dominant role in Nagaland’s elections. This point has been struck home by the recent YouthNet report, which revealed that a jaw dropping Rs. 937,82,67,500 was spent during the February 2013 Nagaland Assembly Elections. This is almost double the amount spent during the 2008 elections. The report provides a comparative analysis of expenditure during the 11th and 12th Nagaland Assembly Elections held in 2008 and 2013 respectively. In 2008, 216 candidates had contested, whereas in 2013 the number of contesting candidates came down to 184. The 2008 election expenditure assessment was carried out of all 216 candidates and the total amount spent on “buying votes” was Rs. 569,96,00000. According to the report, in 2013, “out of 184 candidates, one candidate refused to divulge any information either in anonymity or even through his agents.” Despite this, the figure stands at more than Rs. 937 crore. This is almost double the expenditure in 2008, if the ratio of the number of the contesting candidates is also taken into consideration. In 2008, the highest spending candidate spent an approximate amount of Rs.15,00,00,000, whereas in 2013 the highest spending candidate spent a staggering Rs.40,00,00,000. The two lowest spending

DIStRICt WISE ExPENDItuRE No. of Amount Spent candidates Dimapur Rs.154,80,00,000/17 Peren Rs.34,50,00,000/6 Kohima Rs.61,61,00,000/18 Tuensang Rs.43,37,00,000/20 Longleng Rs.51,10,00,000/8 Kiphire Rs.14,52,50,000/6 Mon Rs.68,06,85,000/27 Zunheboto Rs.166,60,15,000/17 Mokokchung Rs.230,60,00,000/29 Phek Rs.80,89,17,500/17 Wokha Rs.31,76,00,000/19 184 District

No. of A/C 5 2 7 7 2 2 9 7 10 5 4 60

District wise average expenditure for one seat in each constituency District no. of A/C Average expenditure per seat Dimapur 5 Rs 30 crores Longleng 2 Rs 25 crores Zunheboto 7 Rs 23 crores Mokokchung 10 Rs 23 crores Peren 2 Rs 17 crores Phek 5 Rs 16 crores Kohima 7 Rs 8 crores Wokha 4 Rs 7.94 crores Mon 9 Rs 7 crores Kiphire 2 Rs 7 crores Tuensang 7 Rs 6 crores

candidates in 2008 spent Rs. 2 lakh each, while in 2013, the lowest spending candidate shelled out only Rs. 15,000, according to the report. As reported earlier in the party-wise expenditure, the study stated that NPF had spent the highest (more than Rs 486 crore), while in 2008 its expenditure stood at approximately Rs 195 crore. The INC spent around Rs 217 crore while in 2008, it had spent around Rs 183 crore. NCP spent Rs. 40 crore; RJD Rs. 3 core; JD (U) Rs. 8 crore and nearly Rs. 180 crore by 37 Independent candidates. An interesting statistic provided by the report reveals that both in 2008 and 2013, the highest and the lowest spending candidates failed to

win their seats. The report also states that in both the elections, most of the candidates who spent more than their opponents in the same constituencies won the election, except for the few extremes. YouthNet, in its report, also provided a detailed district wise analysis of money used during the 2013 polls. The report reveals the staggering amount of money spent in each of the districts and the average expenditure for one seat in each district. (See table) The YouthNet report concluded that “every political party has failed miserably to uphold the elections code of conduct” and that “the public are equal party to this vulgar and gross expenditure.”

C M Y K


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.