Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, NOV 11 (NPN): State deputy chief minister Y Patton Wednesday assured the Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) that the state government would take up its demands for enhanced welfare benefits for former legislators with the chief minister and cabinet for consideration.
Addressing the association’s general body meeting at Rhododendron Hall, Chümoukedima, Patton said he would raise the three demands concerning increased ex-gratia assistance, medical treatment grants and calamity relief with the government.
In its memorandum, Ex-PAN sought an enhancement of the existing Rs.25,000 ex-gratia assistance for the next of kin of a deceased former legislator to Rs.2 lakh.
It also called for effective implementation of the provision for Rs.1 lakh medical assistance to former legislators suffering from serious illnesses. The association said the benefit had not been availed in practice. Further, it sought an increase in the existing Rs.15,000 assistance provided to former legislators affected by natural calamities in their constituencies.
Patton said the demands would require cabinet consideration and assured that he would take them up with the chief minister and the government.
He added that proposals concerning former legislators’ welfare would have to be examined in accordance with applicable rules, the state’s financial position and established procedures. Patton said matters relating to personal security should be guided by proper assessment and prevailing rules.
On the Naga political issue, Patton reiterated that the state government had consistently maintained that a solution should be reached through peaceful dialogue and mutual understanding.
He clarified that the state government was not a negotiating party to the talks between the Government of India and Naga political groups.
However, it had an important role as a facilitator in encouraging dialogue and creating an atmosphere conducive to a settlement.
He said the political affairs committee (PAC), comprising representatives of different political parties, had been working to bring diverse political views onto a common platform and convey the collective desire of the people for an early and acceptable settlement. While agreements and understandings had been reached at different stages, he acknowledged that a final settlement was yet to become a reality.
Emphasising the need for Naga unity, Patton said differences among organisations, political groups and individuals should not prevent them from recognising their common interests. He urged former legislators to use their experience and influence to promote peace, reconciliation and unity among the Naga people.
He also encouraged eligible Ex-PAN members and their families to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS), particularly the empanelled hospitals within and outside the state.
Earlier, Ex-PAN member I. Imkong urged the government to consider a monthly medical allowance of Rs.25,000 for former legislators. He pointed out that CMHIS covered hospitalisation but did not address regular expenditure on medicines for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiac and dermatological ailments.
Imkong also appreciated the deputy chief minister’s presence, describing it as the first time a deputy chief minister had attended an Ex-PAN general body meeting.
Ex-PAN member C. John Konyak stressed that the association should continue functioning as a non-political platform. He suggested changing the association’s name from Ex-Parliamentarians to Former Parliamentarians. He also urged the government to consider facilitating appointments for former legislators to meet sitting members.
Presenting the report on the Northeast study tour, Ex-PAN member Neiba Ndang said a five-member delegation comprising Neiba Ndang, Kashiho Sangtam, John Konyak, Tohanba and Eshak Konyak had visited Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Assam to study welfare facilities and amenities provided to former legislators. The study tour was sponsored by the Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA).
According to the report, Arunachal Pradesh provided a monthly pension of Rs.60,000, with an increment of Rs.5,000 for every additional tenure, subject to a ceiling of Rs.85,000. Mizoram provided Rs.40,000, with an additional Rs.5,000 for every additional tenure up to Rs.70,000. It also provided government-funded medical treatment anywhere in the country, including travel expenses.
In Assam, the pension was fixed at 50% of the last pay drawn, along with a monthly medical allowance of Rs.50,000. Meghalaya provided pension benefits based on the number of terms served.
The report stated that Nagaland provided a monthly pension of Rs.60,000, with an increment of Rs.3,000 for every additional tenure without a ceiling. Other provisions included Rs.25,000 ex-gratia assistance to the family of a deceased former legislator, Rs.1 lakh for serious medical treatment and Rs.15,000 for natural calamities in the constituency. Former legislators were also entitled to accommodation and conveyance at government state guest houses in other cities, as well as security where required.
The association proposed establishing a common platform of former legislators from Northeast states to promote uniformity in welfare facilities and raise issues of common concern.
Ndang said Ex-PAN should go beyond the welfare of its members and continue contributing to public welfare, nation-building and advising younger legislators. He also called for greater participation of members in the association’s activities.
The programme was chaired by Dr. Chumben Murry, while invocation was offered by Sangtam Baptist Church, Dimapur associate pastor Rev. Dr. Alem Sangtam. Members who had passed away since 2025 were remembered. Ex-PAN president Joshua Sümi delivered the welcome address, while Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire presented a special number. A memorandum was submitted during the programme, and Er. Levi Rengma proposed the vote of thanks.