By Peter Rutsa | EMN
In the midst of multiple decay in various state departments in Nagaland, one government agency that has so far served its purpose well and lived up-to its name is the “Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority” (NSDMA), formed in line with the Nationwide “National Disaster Response Force” (NDRF).
Since inception our state NSDMA personnel has been proactive, innovative and doing justice to its existence. Hardly have they failed to respond when and where it was needed. Serving the people to the best of their ability with the modest resources they have at their disposal. The public ought to give respect, support and motivate this particular agency of ours. While the state government and the department in-charge of it should sanction whatever resource it can afford to upgrade and keep NSDMA active. On the part of the NSDMA. It should ensure that no recruitment is done under political recommendation.
As one of the first batch of civilians trained by the Authority. Allow me the generosity of suggesting that No Naga be allowed to join this force for the sake of getting a government salary. Proper assessment should be done for all those seeking to enrol. Most important is for politicians and bureaucrats to exercise wisdom, spare this department and leave it upon the agency to recruit volunteers based on their evaluation of their physical and mental fitness. And most of all their desire to serve. For there exist chivalrous Nagas who are willing to give up their lives in saving other people’s life.
The NSDMA also need to ensure that all its staff, especially those who enter the risk zone has life insurance and accident policies. Moreover it should have contingency plans within the department in place. So that in the event when one or more members of this admirable force undergo injury, get maimed or God forbid lose their life in the line of duty, the agency ensure they live honourably after retirement or serve the agency behind the desk.
Sincere appreciations to all the current rescue team members as well as those government officers and staff serving NSDMA. Please, together let us not let this shining agency rot away like the rest.
It would also be most advisable for the department to let people know the criteria required to be able to serve full-time in this emergency service. In addition the department ought to make proper use of the civilians (voluntary) whom it has trained for real life exigencies, besides mock drills. Clear cut purpose for the trained civilian volunteers should be in place, as a standby auxiliary force.
With the absence of compulsory military drafting in the country and state, the current programs help in inculcating discipline and even a patriotic purpose into our small confused Naga community.
More power, purpose and vision to the officers manning this agency and respect to the trained field personnel.
You are all Heroes already!
