- Elected representatives to declare assets, source of income in 3 months
- ‘MLA village-adoption scheme' to implement flagship programmes
- ‘Mini-secretariat’ for administration and development purpose in eastern Nagaland
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Feb. 17: With its catchphrase ‘change is coming’ the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has promised ‘decisive leadership, stable government, visionary policies’ in its election manifesto released on Feb. 17.
The party has announced that all ministers and legislators would be required to declare their assets and sources of income—including of their spouses and dependents—within a period of three months; a high-powered committee consisting of government and non-government members will submit recommendations and action plans about taking austerity measures within three months. Implementation of recommendations that will have been accepted will begin within 100 days.
Promising ‘smart villages,’ the NDPP pledged that an ‘MLA village-adoption scheme' will be introduced within three months of coming to power to facilitate strict implementation of flagship programmes and close monitoring of welfare policies.
The party's manifesto declared that the NDPP was 'anti-VIP culture'; the organisation is determined that no functionary of the party will use 'any sign of VIP culture including use of designation plates and nameplates.'
The 36-page ‘change is coming’ vision text also mentions ‘meritocracy and reward for hard work’: recruitment to any vacant government post will be done through merit—backdoor appointments will be stopped completely or cancelled if ever done. Officers misusing powers for such acts will be penalised, it has declared.
Further, the party has a master plan for eastern Nagaland with the objective to establish a ‘mini-secretariat’ for the region to bring administration and development to their doorstep; a committee comprising government representatives, civil society organisations namely the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) / Eastern Nagaland Students’ Federation (ENSF) shall be responsible for recruitment.
Education and students’ welfare: The party has promised a new students’ insurance cover scheme within a period of three months to provide for deaths and illness of registered students studying outside the state.
The NDPP's vision document also seeks to empower the Fourth Estate–the Press and media community–by promising that the state's accreditation policy would be reviewed in consultation with journalists. That way journalists are protected and their welfare addressed; a press club facility will be developed with modern amenities and facilities that cater to the needs of journalists besides hosting events, seminars, and discussions.
“We will develop accessible environments such as designated parking spaces, wheel-chair-friendly structures and other measures in reforming disability benefits,” read the NDPP policy for people with disabilities.
Other significant promises announced by the party include 'Holy Land tours,' excursions to villages, study trips, and a centre for peace and non-violence inter-tribal relations.
Further, the NDPP's manifesto on ‘our political stand’ reads: “NDPP is of the firm opinion that the Indo-Naga issue must be resolved through a negotiated political settlement and a solution that is honourable, acceptable and sustainable must be reached at the earliest possible.”
The NDPP has guaranteed that the party will not be a mute spectator but be proactive and do everything possible to strengthen the ongoing peace process; play the role of active facilitator to bring an early solution.
It has also assured to ensure implementation of the manifesto to make certain that it is not reduced to a mere political gimmick for electoral purpose. The party will set up a high-powered body to monitor implementation of the manifesto periodically, it has assured.
“If voted to power, the government will set clear objectives for the first month after formation and the 100 days targets will be made public. Performance of ministers and the administration will be reviewed periodically,” it has promised.
