Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday underscored the need for an accurate census data as the foundation for planning and development, citing alarming errors in the 2001 census. Rio said this while addressing the 21st General Conference of the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) at the North East Zone Cultural Centre here on Wednesday under the theme “Transforming Unhealthy Cultures”.
He shed light on critical issues plaguing the Naga society, highlighting the discrepancies in census data and their far-reaching consequences. Rio recalled that when he assumed the office as the chief minister in 2003, his government had rejected the 2001 census, citing an implausible growth rate of 80%, far exceeding the national average of 17% to 20%.
Despite the state’s plea for a new census, he said the government of India did not grant permission. Rio acknowledged the active involvement of civil society groups, churches, and youth in the 2011 census, but raised question at the peculiar outcome where the population, after recording a decadal growth, showed a reduction by 11,980.
He also pointed out that electoral rolls were manipulated, where number of households were increased to secure additional funds. He, therefore, called upon the people to be honesty and take corrective measures.
Applauding the church for its clean election campaign, he however remarked that clean elections were impossible with inaccurate census data and electoral rolls.
Hence, he urged the student bodies and community at large to collaboratively address these issues, pointing out the pivotal role they played in ensuring fair and accurate elections.
He further said that the Education Department suffered a significant setback due to flawed census data, revealing that erroneous figures led to the establishment of more schools and appointment of additional teachers, resulting in improper student-teacher ratios.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, he revealed that many schools had nil enrolment or single student, while more teachers were employed than necessary.
Rio said the student-teacher ratio in Nagaland was 1:14 in the government schools and 1:19 in private institutions, far from the Central government’s recommended ratio of 1:30, lamenting that such discrepancies led to minimal revenue for the state government, exacerbating existing challenges and causing unnecessary expenditure.
Rio also stressed on the need for transformation and unity among Nagas, underscoring the importance to preserve, protect & promote one’s culture and traditions
Rio delved into historical perspectives, challenges, and the need for collective action.
Calling for a holistic transformation in Naga society, Rio harped on the imperative of upholding Christian values and principles in the predominantly Christian community.
He referred to the DNSU as the backbone of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and a representative of diverse communities residing in the cosmopolitan hub of Dimapur.
Rio expressed gratitude to the DNSU pioneers, acknowledging their vision and commitment to promoting, protecting, and preserving the rich culture and traditions of the Nagas.
He also lauded the hard work of former and present leaders of the student body, highlighting their capability, commitment, and integrity in upholding Naga cultural values.
Touching on the conference’s theme, he drew parallels between historical transformations in the Western world and the ongoing evolution of Naga society.
He recalled the journey from the era of headhunting to the celebration of 150 years of Christianity, and the education that it had been brought when the state celebrated 125 years on the theme “From Darkness to Light”.
Rio called upon the younger generation to discard unhealthy cultural practices and adopt new, beneficial cultural norms, stressing awakening and total transformation in Naga society.
Admitting the changing demographics, he noted that many Naga youth had embraced global citizenship, fostering relationships beyond national borders.
Recognising the challenges of coexistence in cosmopolitan cities like Dimapur, he stressed vigilance and the need to be cautious and discerning, as urban areas offered a blend of good and bad elements. He called for adopting positive aspects of other cultures.
He also acknowledged the challenges faced by him as chief minister and the past leaders, pointing out that compromises and coexistence were inherent in addressing issues, especially with the unresolved Naga political issue.
The chief minister appreciated the DNSU for becoming a steward and guardian, particularly for the student community exposed to various influences.
Reflecting on the union’s inception in 1977, he recalled uncertainties and insecurities prevalent at that time.
He maintained that Dimapur, being a melting pot of different tribes and communities, presented a unique set of challenges.
He expressed gratitude to God and pioneers for the legacy that had been passed on to the present DNSU leadership, acknowledging the leaders and referring to them as individuals with integrity and principles aligned with the organisation’s founding values.
He hoped that the new DNSU team would continue the legacy of promoting unity, preserving customaries, and upholding cultural traditions as integral aspects of Naga identity.
Referring to the pressing issue of power supply disruptions and financial challenges faced by the state, Rio emphasised collective responsibility to address these issues.
On the NSF’s appeal to avoid disrupting power supply during exams, he provided a glimpse into the stark reality of power dynamics in the state, revealing that while the power requirement of the state stood at 180 MW, the actual availability was only 130 MW, with 90% of it being purchased.
He revealed that the state’s annual expenditure on power was Rs 554 crore, while the revenue collection was only Rs 286 crore, thus leading to an annual loss of Rs 267 crore, attributing it to non-payment of power bills and power theft.
Calling for responsible behaviour, he stressed that it was incumbent upon both the government and the community to work together in fostering a sense of responsibility to mitigate such challenges.
Observing that Nagaland was a state with a predominant focus on politics, Rio appealed for widespread discussion on the economy of the state.
On the prevalent trend of youth seeking government jobs, he pointed to the saturation in government sector and encouraged younger generation to explore entrepreneurial avenues, emphasising the importance of skill, trade, and employment. He lamented the heavy dependence on government jobs, terming Nagaland’s economy as primarily a salary economy.
He acknowledged the contribution of the non-Naga business community of Dimapur to the local economy, stressing that Nagas acquired skills, learned trades, and actively participated in the workforce.
Referring to the upcoming Hornbill Festival, the chief minister spoke on its potential to attract tourists and generate revenue. He however expressed concern over limited accommodation facilities and insufficient options for tourists to purchase local products due to low production levels.
He urged communities to assess and improve their economic activities annually, emphasising that the responsibility lay with the entire community, not just individuals.
Rio concluded his address by encouraging students to view education as a journey of self-discovery and improvement, underscoring the power of knowledge to shape future.
He urged students to actively engage with information, develop critical thinking skills, and strive for excellence in a world where success is the bottom line.
He hoped that the conference would be a testament to the resilience, unity, and dedication to the values of DNSU.
Delivering his speech, Assam Legislative Assembly deputy speaker Dr Numal Momin expressed his gratitude to the people of Dimapur for their support in maintaining peace in the area.
He however expressed concern over the unhealthy practice of labelling every unpleasant incident in Assam as the work of Nagas due to animosity.
He highlighted the importance of cultural assimilation and convergence, calling for understanding and respecting each other. Acknowledging the positive aspect of promoting other cultures, he however cautioned against forgetting one’s own cultural roots in the process.
Momin hoped for more opportunities to understand the DNSU and pledged his support within his capacity. He also called for peace and strengthening bonds between the neighbouring states.
Citing the developmental initiatives along the Assam-Nagaland border in Dimapur area taken up by him, he said he had sanctioned a 10-km road from Sunday Market Bazar to Lahorijan to Tea Estate to Karagaon, with an expected completion time of six months.
He spoke about the establishment of a junior college in Lengri Tea Estate, whose academic session commenced this year. He also cited the 10-bed hospital in Chotu Lengri, which was expected to be operational within six months.
He recalled a get-together in 2016 where he referred to the Nagas residing in Karbi Anglong as Karbi Nagas, rather than Nagaland Nagas, discouraging them from approaching Nagaland chief minister for facilities, and requested them to approach him instead.
The programme was chaired by Kilentola Jamir and Kukhrunehu Sapuh, invocation offered by LBCD senior pastor Dr Yanbemo Lotha and presidential address delivered by DNSU president Moayanger Jamir.
Greetings and short messages were also delivered by NSF president Medovi Rhi, Karbi Students’ Association president Mirjeng Kro, Naga Council Dimapur president Etsungmomo Kikon, and vote of thanks offered by DNSU vice-president B Mhajan Tsopoe.
Highlights of the programme included special presentation by Colored Keys, folk fusion by Benjongsola Jamir, while benediction was offered by Nagaland Baptist Pastors’ Union president Imnatoshi Longkumer.