C M Y K
DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 81 • 12 PAGes • 5
www.morungexpress.com
SaturDaY • March 25 • 2017
T H e
ESTD. 2005
P o W e R
o F
T R u T H
Attack the evil that is within yourself, rather than attacking the evil that is in others — Confucius With increasing urbanisation, new nutrition challenges
World Tuberculosis Day 2017 observed in Nagaland
PAGE 08
Brazil on brink, Messi revives Argentina in World Cup qualifiers
PAGE 02
PaGE 12
nlA introduces resolution on border fencing 50% of govt schools without Math teachers in nagaland
We will continue to make efforts to see that the work is not only stopped but completely abandoned: Nagaland CM Our Correspondent Kohima | March 24
Morung Express News
The 15th session of the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) today introduced a government resolution regarding construction of fencing on the Indo-Myanmar Border in the State of Nagaland. The House introduced this resolution after it was moved by Minister for Health & Family Welfare, P Longon on the floor of the House. The resolution requested the Government of India to impress upon the Government of Myanmar to permanently drop the project of construction of fencing on the Indo-Myanmar border in the state of Nagaland with a view to continuing the cordial and fraternal relations amongst the Nagas living on both sides of the border. NLA Speaker, Dr. Imtiwapang Aier told the House that the consideration and adoption of this resolution will take place on March 28. Many members of NLA raised this issue during the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s Address. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu in his reply to the debate today said the Government of Nagaland and the Naga people are in one accord on the issue of IndoMyanmar fencing in Nagaland sector. He said the Indo-Myanmar boundary cuts right across the eastern Naga homeland. “So, even if we may not be able to do much at this moment to change the international boundary, we will do everything possible to see that the traditional right of the Naga people to move about freely within their own ancestral land
As high as 50 percent of government schools are without Math teachers, informed Nagaland School Education Minister, Yitachu today. Speaking at the NLA today, he said that although the department has taken up even national advertisements for Math teachers, the dearth remains. “We could get just two teachers and many schools are without Math and Science teachers. Inspite of the rationalization of teachers being carried out there is no way where these math and science teachers substitution will be made,” he said. The Minister added that even in the state created middle schools the “huge missing out” of Math and Science teachers compounded the problem. In Nagaland, 24 Government High Schools secured nil results in the 2014. The next year, nil results of schools increased to 38 and in 2016, 30 schools produced nil results. This was indicated as an improved figure according to the Minister while answering the queries of MLA Mhonlumo Kikon. While citing out the various causes on the nil results such as lack of Maths and Science teachers, failure to depute teachers in RMSA upgraded schools, proxy teachers etc, Yitachu stated, “Although the nil result increased to 38 in 2015, I was expecting at least
reflections
By Sandemo Ngullie
Stop showing off your signature wrong moves and sit down? He said ‘the question is for the Chief minister” not ex Chief Minister.
Kohima | March 24
Nagaland State Chief Minister, Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu addressing the NLA in Kohima on March 24. (DIPR Photo)
is not taken away, or unduly restricted. Such attempts to divide the Nagas will have adverse effect on the peace and security in the border areas,” he said. Dr. Liezietsu expressed happiness that through collective efforts, and with the support of the Government of India, it had been possible to influence the Government of Myanmar to stop the fencing work. “We will continue to make efforts to see that the work is not only stopped, but completely abandoned,” he assured the House. R&B, Home, H& FW Ministers on appointments made from 2014-17 Minister for Roads & Bridges, Y Vikheho Swu today replied that a total of 328 appointments were made under Roads & Bridges Department from 2014 to 2017. Replying to MLA, Mmhonlumo Kikon on unstarred questions on the floor of the House, the Minister furnished the year wise appointments made as follows: 2014- 114, 2015- 99, 2016105 and 2017- 10. The Minister also furnished names of the appointees as well
as work orders and status reports of all the works done under Roads & Bridges in all divisions in Nagaland for both state and central projects from the year 2014-17. Minister for Health & Family Welfare, P Longon also furnished the total number of appointments made under the department for the year 201415- 16-17 as follows: OfficersAdhoc- 4 (2014-15), Regular -16, Adhoc- 4 (2015-16), Regular- 17, Adhoc -3 (2016-17). Grade III & IV: Regular- 248, Adhoc- 139 (2014-15), Regular116, Adhoc- 196 (2015-16), and Regular- 116, Adhoc- 153 (201617). As asked, the Minister also furnished names of all the appointees and also furnished work order and status reports of all the construction and building works done under the department in all the districts for both state and central project from the year 2014-17. Longon further revealed details of all the funds received under CSS projects for the year 2014-17 as: 2014-15- Rs. 11176.27, 2015-16- 10130.81 and 2016-17- Rs. 7619.78.
He stated that there are 511 sub centres in the state and PHCs at 135 including 21 CHCs. Also replying to MLA Mmhonlumo Kikon on unstarred questions, Home Minister, Y Patton furnished the list of appointments made thus far in police and home department in all districts for the year 2013-2017 as follows; UBSI- 36, ABSI- 19, SI (NPTO)21, MTSI-2, ASI-32, Havildars-35, THC- 22, Const-2178, clerical-49, and PEP- 53. The minister also furnished the names of the appointees. Patton informed that there were 100 projects amounting to Rs. 50, 57, 90,000 and 34 projects amounting to Rs. 25, 00, 00,000 allotted under police modernization and the thirteenth Finance Commission respectively from 2014-17. The Minister also furnished names of contractors of allotted works under Police Modernization and Thirteenth Finance Commission. Names of supplier firm for the clothing and store items under Police Department for the year 2014-17 was also furnished on the floor of the House.
ing classes in the government run schools, strengthening, monitoring and inspection of schools and remedial teaching in English, Math and Science under RMSA and SSA were undertaken. On the number of primary school teacher and graduate teacher posts vacant after the retirement or demise of teachers from 2013 to 2014, there were 660 posts, including 128 graduate teachers and 532 primary teachers. The vacant posts are proposed to be filled up after the freezing is lifted by the State Government. Kikon also questioned the department on the purchase of pick-up trucks for Mid day meals and whether it was necessary to buy vehicles when regular mid day meals cannot be provided. The Minister replied that after deliberating measures on how to deliver mid day meals, the department came up with the idea of MDM trucks. The idea was put forward by the Minister himself after inspecting the schools in villages, where the school authorities had complained about the transportation fares costing higher than the MDM food grains. “If we can come up with mobile pick up that will help in transporting the mid day meal items and also help the officials to inspect the schools so that transport costs was used to purchase the vehicles,” the Minister said. If it is successful, it can be a national success story, he hoped.
GPRN budget session held at Hebron Nagas are fastest growing tribal community in India DIMAPUR, MARCH 24 (MExN): The two day budget session of the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN) was held on March 23 and 24 at Council Headquarters, Hebron with Speaker, Ashiho Asoumai in the Chair. A press note from the MIP, GPRN informed that the house discussed thoroughly on the Vote on Account of the proposed budget for the year 2017-2018. The first day of the session started with an obituary report by the Keya Ministry and a one minute silent prayer was observed in remembrance of the martyrs. In his Presidential address the Vice President of the GPRN, Gen. (Retd) Kholi stressed on national economy in terms of sustainable income generation and its judicious management. He reiterated that “national economy has become imperative to harness the human potentiality in the service of the nation and organization.
Healthy economy means regular flow of required money to the entire Government system. Therefore, it is our responsibility to prepare and adopt reliable and viable budget and also formulate right system so that generated income are judiciously spent”. He appealed to the members of the house to adopt right and effective decision to “save the nation from all kinds of dangers and difficulties within and outside.” The session continued with a motion on the Presidential address. The second day of the session began with the Vote on Account and passed the Budget Proposal for the fiscal year 2017-2018, presented by Medo Angami, Kilonser, Chaplee Affairs, which was unanimously approved by the house after thorough deliberation. The house also discussed on various agendas pertaining to “national interest.” Finally, the Speaker adjourned the session sine die.
‘indo-naga issue requires a political & human approach’ Our Correspondent Kohima | March 24
C M Y K
some 100 schools will be nil. Then in 2016 also, honestly speaking I was expecting more schools to be nil. Rather it has improved to 30 schools only nil, so I think there has been improvement.” Justifying the reasons for the poor results of government schools, Yitachu informed that in 2014, out of 293 high schools, 132 schools were not provided teachers. In 2016, 21 schools were still to be provided with teachers. Most of these schools were RMSA upgraded schools. The first batch of 35 RMSA schools, though upgraded were not deputed nor appointed any teachers. Another reason, according the School Education Minister was that headmasters were not provided in at least 168 schools. So in the absence of administrative control, the teaching process in schools was affected. In 2011, the government underwent upgrading of certain posts to JEOs and in the process many of Science and Math teachers were upgraded and replacements were not given, said Yitachu. When asked about the remedial measures taken by the Department to improve HSLC results in the government high schools, the Minister mentioned that measures such rationalisation of schools and teachers, posting of headmasters and assistants headmaster to the schools without such officials, appointment of Math and Science Teachers even during freezing period, coach-
Chief Minister Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu today said that the IndoNaga issue requires a political and human approach, and informed that he has conveyed this to the Prime Minister of India, the Home minister, Interlocutor and others. The CM, while speaking at the NLA today, stated that the state government is playing the role of facilitator but that alone is not sufficient. “We must be more aggressive and tell the truth. We must have hard talk with all the factions,” he said. Thanking the PM for his step to solve the Naga problem, he said “It is time for us to work hard.” The Political Affairs Mission, he said would function on mission mode, and informed
that the government has already Regarding the Revision of Pay set up a committee which will for state government employees, meet with the different groups. he informed that the state government has decided to impleCalls for dialogue on ULB issue ment the 7th Central ROP w.e.f. On the ULB elections, the CM March, 2018. However, CANSsaid that both the state govern- SEA is yet to accept this offer. ment and organisations opposed Chartingtheimplementationof to polls are doing so in order to revisions in the state, the CM stated protect Article 371 A. Both the that technically the next ROP for the groups, he reiterated have protec- state employees is due only in 2020. tion of rights under Article 371 A as But this time, the state government a key concern. He therefore urged has decided to advance it by two for the initiation of dialogue and years, and to start implementing it discussions on the issue, and in- from April, 2018, he said. The CM also requested the formed that the state government would initiate the same “so that state government employees we arrive at a broad consensus and their associations to underto enable us to move ahead in the stand the constraints of the state government and accept a pracmatter of ULB election.” tical compromise on the basis of discussion with the Cabinet SubGovt to implement 7th ROP Committee members. from April 2018
National seminar on ‘Challenges and issues of the tribal of India’ underway at Tetso College Morung Express News Dimapur | March 24
The Naga community may be the fastest developing or growing tribal communities in the country in terms of literacy rate and degree of change within the shortest span of time. “Of all the tribal communities in this large country, the Nagas have been recorded as one of the fastest growing community in terms of the degree of change, migration from rural to urban and growth of percentage of population,” Prof A Lanunungsang Ao, retired ProVice Chancellor, Nagaland University stated in his keynote address at the inaugural of the two-day UGC national seminar organized by the Department of Sociology, Tetso College in collaboration with Young Indians (YI), Nagaland Chapter on the theme, “Challenges and issues of the tribal of India” Friday. This fast expansion standing, according to Prof Lanunungsang also includes a burgeoning female population, and the percentage of the growth of literacy rate among Naga girls/women. Even in terms of demographic, Nagaland state, though one of the tiniest states in India has recorded showing the highest percentage of population growth during the last ten years, as per the Election Commission of India census, though, this claim of population growth may be debatable owing to a number of reasons, the retired Pro-Vice Chancel-
Dr Achingliu Kamei, from Atma Ram College, Delhi University presenting her paper during the national seminar on ‘Challenges and issues of the tribals of India’ at Tetso college Friday. (Morung Photo)
lor said. He also articulated that the Nagas as a tribal community, on inclusiveness, should not confined to the 16 tribes living in the state of Nagaland alone. With almost 68 different ethnic Naga groups spread across India and Myanmar, the mention of just 16 tribes in terms of population, geographical area would be too marginalized,” he asserted. Notwithstanding certain limitations, Prof Lanunungsang said the position of the Naga community as a tribal “is not that bad” when compared with other tribal communities living in India or in other parts of the world. In some parts of the country, tribal communities have become a marginalized population in their own land with land alienation, displacement against their will, extreme poverty gripping their existence. This has been due to limitations and exploitations structurally carried out by the government and other elements. Consequently, one of the biggest areas of exploitation is the mismanagement of the funds under different central
schemes, which does not reach the hands of the targeted people, he pointed out. Prof Lanunungsang further pointed out that the continued exploitation of the tribal population, has led to so many unrest, mainly witnessed from the North East region. He cited the instances of the Bodoland movement in Assam and the natives of Tripura becoming a minority in their own land. Scholars and academicians from Nagaland, West Bengal, Mumbai, Gujarat and Delhi presented a number of papers on issues related to the theme. The seminar will conclude on Saturday. The focus of the national seminar is to understand the underlying premises of social problems and forces which are threatening the welfare of the tribal society and which bring in disorganization in their society. Gender inequality exist in the Church too Gender inequality or discrimination does not only exist in the socio-economic and
political realms of the modern Naga societal structure but also unquestioningly inside the hallowed walls of the Church as well. Presenting a paper on “Gender Politics: Systematic unseen barriers to Naga women rising,” Dr Achingliu Kamei, Department of English, Atma Ram College, Delhi University asserted that even in Christian religion where both men and women were equally valued, there are gender discriminations when it comes to sharing of responsibilities as head. “When most of the Nagas converted into the new religion, traditional (patriarchal) ways got assimilated into the new religion- Christianity. The top positions in most denominations in churches were reserved for the males only. The women were given mostly secondary roles,” Dr Kamei pointed out. This is a revisit of the olden times, when women were not allowed to do any of the traditional rites and rituals and priesthood was reserved only for the male members of the society. According to her, Naga women in most instances were encouraged only to take up leadership roles amongst the women themselves. In some of the Naga communities, women were ordained to be pastors, but were not permitted to lead in the partaking of the lords table, funeral and marriage. She felt that a drive towards genuine egalitarian society can be achieved only when all sections of the society are genuinely empowered equally to participate and exist cohesively within its ambit, which at present is still lacking in the Naga society in context.