The department of Tourism, on the demand of Nagaland Public Rights Awareness and Action Forum (NPRAAF), has agreed to post a separate tourist officer (TO) at Kiphire. In this regard, director (in-charge) of tourism department, K.T. Thomas has, in a written statement, assured NPRAAF that “the directorate will take into account for necessary action with the Administrative Head.”
During a meeting held at Tourist Lodge Dimapur on June 24, NPRAAF said it also put forth fresh suggestion for increasing the number of 12 sanctioned posts of TOs to at least 27 recognizing the need for more TOs both within and outside the state especially where Nagaland Houses were established.
The organization, nevertheless, affirmed that it was “uncompromising in its demand for cancellation of backdoor appointments of Tourist Officers which led to excess officers,” stated a NPRAAF press statement.
NPRAAF said its demand for increasing the sanctioned posts of TOs should not be confused as contradictory with the demand for cancelling appointment of excess officers, which were made through backdoor. “Whether there is excess or permissible number of officers, as long as the appointment is backdoor, NPRAAF will continue to oppose such appointments,” it stated.
At the meeting, the department, which was represented by assistant director I. Temjen Ao, clarified the cases of appointments of few officers, which, NPRAAF described as “backdoor” in its ultimatum.
NPRAAF said the since clarification was substantiated with documentary evidence, it has dropped the demand for cancellation of such appointments.
However, it said there were several other anomalous and irregular appointments that were yet to be discussed and for which the department has sought more time to look into the issues.
Seeing the positive response of the department, NPRAAF said it has extended the deadline to cancel all backdoor appointments and rectify other anomalies to July 20, 2016.
Meanwhile, NPRAAF has appreciated the positive steps taken by the department to rectify irregularities.