KOHIMA — Nagaland’s
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Power, KG Kenye, said on Thursday that
the mushrooming of unions and associations in Nagaland is of great concern and
has multiple implications.
He stated this while initiating a discussion on matters of
urgent public importance under Rule 50 to discuss the issue pertaining to the
"Mushrooming of Unions and Associations in Nagaland" on the third day
of the ongoing sixth session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA).
Maintaining that the issue has been lurking but has never
been brought to the floor of the House, he pointed out that there are a total
of 7,952 registered societies, organisations, and groups, of which 5,932 are
inactive and about 2,030 are active. He informed that documents pertaining to
groups prior to 2013 have been displaced, with records only available
post-2013.
Expressing concern over the financial strain caused by these
unions, he pointed out that they exist at multiple levels—village, area,
district, and state—representing various sectors such as students, women,
religious groups, and the general public, even extending outside the state.
He remarked that members, non-members, and even government
officials often feel compelled to contribute financially to these
organisations. He observed that the growing number of unions has led to
increased spending, placing undue pressure on families and government
resources.
He also highlighted that the competitive nature of unions
and organisations has resulted in extravagant expenditures, which, often,
overshadow the actual purpose of such gatherings. Yet, he placed an exception
in the fields of sports and music.
Kenye suggested that the registration of new unions and
associations be regulated to prevent unnecessary proliferation. He proposed
that government authorities formulate guidelines to ensure that only essential
organisations are recognised and supported.
He also urged political leaders, administrators, and
community elders to focus more on governance, development, and policymaking
instead of being overburdened by organisational responsibilities. He noted that
in this year's calendar alone, Nagaland has about 96 red-letter days out of 365
days, in addition to other engagements that may prove unproductive.
He questioned whether the state really needs all tribal
churches in Kohima and Dimapur when all tribes have their churches in their
respective districts, starting from villages. He suggested that church leaders
organise combined services, adding that it would be beneficial for the unity of
the people and calling upon the church to take the lead in unifying the Nagas.
Furthermore, Kenye stated that the discussion is not against
the constitutional guarantees for freedom of association but remarked that the
Naga people are good at abusing anything given to them.
Kenye, on the occasion, also proposed revising the frequency
of major festivals and cultural events, suggesting a five-year interval instead
of annual observances. He stated that many such events have turned into
extravagant competitions rather than meaningful cultural commemorations.
Meanwhile, he also mooted the extension of the annual Hornbill Festival beyond
10 days and up to 20 days.
MLA Dr. Sukhato A Sema stated that it is rare to encounter
an individual who isn’t affiliated with any association or union. He suggested
that to stop the mushrooming of unions and associations in Nagaland, the
elected members of the House must take all necessary initiatives to engage
unemployed youth in various vocational training programmes so that everyone in
Nagaland becomes economically and financially independent.
MLA Achumbemo Kikon highlighted that he was caught in a
‘controversy’ or ‘limelight’ due to a statement and reminded the Nagaland Foot
Hills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC), which referred to him as “just a
mere MLA”, that he is an “honourable MLA elected through the process of
democratic norms”.
He also countered the statement and the language used by the
committee, terming it “threatening”. However, he said, he chose not to reply,
stating that as a leader, he must be capable of receiving criticism.
Kikon observed that governance in Nagaland has mostly
centred around urban areas and not much in rural areas. As a result, many
associations have emerged to challenge the government’s welfare work, sometimes
cynically, rather than out of genuine concern.
In this regard, he emphasised that legislators must be
attentive to the needs of the people, take governance to rural areas, and
ensure that tribal society does not become diluted. He stated that the
discussion should not be misconstrued but should address concerns over the
unnecessary mushrooming of organisations and correct those that are going wrong
to take prompt steps.
MLA Noklutoshi said that his village, Chuchuyimlang, alone
has 153 unions. He called for limitations, considering the financial
implications, and suggested reducing organisations while implementing
government regulations and empowering the administration through notifications
and thorough scrutiny.
Advisor Tongpang Ozukum stressed the need to minimise social
gatherings and reduce the number of event days to cut costs. He appealed to all
civil societies to prioritise their activities, streamline their functions, and
focus on their objectives rather than overburdening others.
Dimapur leads with over 700 unions
Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, in concluding remarks,
highlighted that Nagaland has witnessed a significant rise in unions and
associations, with 7,952 societies registered under the Societies Registration
Act, 1860.
Currently, he said, only 2,064 societies have sought
renewal, while 244 new registrations have been recorded since 2023. Among the
districts, Dimapur leads with over 700 unions, followed by Kohima with 471,
Phek with 153, Mokokchung with 128, and Tuensang with 108 societies, while
other districts remain below 100.
Dr. Rio stated that the discussion is meant to raise
awareness rather than target any group, but he urged that those working
according to their constitutions and by-laws be streamlined. He also advised
the Home department to examine the matter in detail and categorise
organisations to identify those functioning according to guidelines for further
discussions in the House and Cabinet.
