Environment, Forest & Climate Change minister CL John admitted that the salary issue of village guards (VG) was going through a legal process and a solution had not been reached yet.
Interacting with newsmen here on Wednesday, the minister remarked that enhancement of the salary of village guards depended on the Expert Committee, which was yet to take any concrete decision in this regard.
When asked about the proposal to increase the salary from Rs 3,000 to Rs 15,000, the minister clarified that a definite figure had not been reached yet, adding that while the idea of salary enhancement had been put forth, the exact amount remained undetermined at this juncture.
Addressing the concerns raised by the Village Guard Association of Nagaland (VGAN) which questioned the minister’s classification of village guards as an association rather than a department, he clarified that village guards (VG) was indeed an organisation, with its status clearly defined in official documentation.
He however maintained the village guards (VG) had not yet received a formal grading and had neither been designated a service role, pointing out that salaries were dispensed through Security Related Expenditure (SRA) under the Home Department.
Further, referring to the structural hierarchy in the village guard, minister John pointed out the absence of a dedicated commandant and being attached to the commissioner.
He informed the media that the deputy commissioner (DC) assumed the role of commandant at district level, while a deputy or assistant commandant was designated from the VG under the deputy commissioner. He further disclosed that he had proposed the elevation of VG to a fully-fledged department, though the state government was yet to give its approval.
He indicated that proposal had been submitted to the Home Ministry, awaiting endorsement.
Responding to a query about delayed salary disbursements to VGs since July 2022, the minister termed it “wrong information”.
He clarified that only VGs who had failed to produce Proper Identification and Management System (PIMS) records and had not completed their AADHAR card documentation had not received their salaries, claiming that the rest were receiving their salaries in time.
Minister inspects Forest Complex
Environment, Forest & Climate Change minister CL John inspected the Forest Complex in Forest Colony here on Wednesday. He was accompanied by Environment, Forest & Climate Change commissioner and secretary Y Kikheto Sema.
Addressing a section of media after the inspection and when asked about the intended use of the complex, the minister replied that no final decisions had been taken due to recent appointment. He however acknowledged that the complex was originally designed with to function as a shopping mall.
In response to a query about the project’s timeline, he expressed hope to finish it within the current financial year. He however admitted that due to damage, an additional two year could be required, but assured that every effort would be made to hasten its completion.
Asked whether the shopping complex would be run by the state government or leased out to a private firm, Sema replied that a conclusive decision would only be made after a comprehensive discussion at the appropriate level.
It may be noted that the complex houses around 162 shops and other rooms.
Referring to the long-pending issue between the state government and the contractor due of shortage of fund, Sema disclosed that chief minister Neiphiu Rio and the minister concerned had approved the required fund.
He said a meeting with the contractor would precede the disbursement of funds to ensure timely completion of the project.
Expressing concern over the damages observed, Sema called for a greater sense of responsibility towards public property among citizens.
When questioned about future steps, the commissioner and secretary replied that concrete plans would be formulated through official channels, underscoring the state government’s fervent wish to create employment opportunities for local residents through the complex. Many signs of damage were witnessed during the inspection, with some iron structures being destroyed and stolen.