Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT) and ACAUT Nagaland on Friday questioned Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mokokchung, Sushil Kumar Patel on his “lackadaisical attitude” in handling the mid-day meal (MDM) rice issue at Mokokchung town.
In a press statement, MTLT president, Imkummeren Jamir and general secretary, Taliakum Pongen said since DC is the chairman of the District Mission Authority (DMA), proper implementation of different schemes under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and other centrally-sponsored educational schemes should be his outmost priority.
However, MTLT said it was disappointed at the “apathetic attitude” of the DC on the whole issue.
While expressing concerned over the plight of thousands of students studying in different government primary and middle schools being deprived of their mid-day meal, MTLT alleged that there seems to be no “clear-cut action” on the part of the education department to ensure that the children avail their mid-day meal in their schools.
When the issue was brought to the light on March 9, MTLT said it was hopeful that education department and district administration would take necessary action.
In contrast, DC issued an order on March 10 “order number – NO. JUD-39/83-2001/396 Dated Mkg. the 10th March 2015, which apparently implied that the MTLT undertook a ‘searching’ activity at the schools in Mokokchung town.”
They said DC had apparently incited in his order that persons aggrieved (private or government officials) by such searches could seek legal remedy under Sec 441 of Indian Panel Code, 1896 (Criminal Trespass) against the perpetrators of such illegal action. MTLT said that though DC has not named them directly, but issuing an order right after the ‘visitation’ to the schools, was evident to surmise that the order was directed against them.
In this regard, MTLT clarified that the “visitation” was undertaken after precise information received from school employees about the “uneatable rice” and also students complaining of not receiving midday meal.
Therefore, MTLT make it clear that the visitation was done on a “goodwill basis” in the greater interest of the students and the educational institutions.
MTLT also condemned the action of DC in issuing the order and said it has deeply hurt the sentiments of the public and also disregarded the positive role being played by the Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem.
Asserting that if DC cannot tackle the issue or stand up for the children or the society at large, MTLT demanded that he should apply for transfer or the state government should relieve him of his responsibilities as DC Mokokchung.
In another press statement, ACAUT Nagaland said it was shocked on learning that Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung has threatened to arrest MTLT members for exposing the mid-day meal scam in Mokokchung town.
ACAUT media cell questioned the DC whether there are “two sets of law, one to protect the rich and the affluent and another to harass progressive minded organisations and individuals who are solely concerned for the good of society.” It also pointed out that the said order by DC was nothing but just a ploy to hide his “incompetence” in tackling the issue.
While extending support to the “yeomen service” rendered by the Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem to root out corruption in the society and in shouldering responsibility with the progressive youths of Mokokchung, ACAUT said DC instead of threatening and harassing the MTLT, he himself should be doing what MTLT had done.
ACAUT also asserted that if the district administration was really concerned with the welfare of the poorer sections of society and bent on upholding the rule of law, DC should have recommended immediate suspension of the store keeper, F&CS department instead of setting up an inquiry committee in allowing the guilty to go scot free.
It claimed that no sincere effort was made by the Mokokchung police in arresting the accused instead has given “ample time, may be even advised to take anticipatory bail which the storekeeper eventually did”.
ACAUT also claimed that had DC been quick then to cite CrPC, as he was doing now to intimidate Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem, the storekeeper, F&CS would have been promptly arrested and suspended.