Kohima DPDB flags issues with Naga naming conventions in digital systems, calls for attention to identity concerns.
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DIMAPUR — The Kohima District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting was held at the DPDB Hall, Kohima, on Thursday.
According to a DIPR report, the meeting was chaired by B Henok Buchem, Deputy Commissioner and vice-chairman DPDB Kohima, in the presence of Kevipodi Sophie, chairman DPDB and MLA.
A significant concern regarding the non-recognition of traditional Naga naming conventions in national digital systems was highlighted during the meeting.
Presenting the issue, District Agriculture Officer, Kohima, Kekhrieletuo Yhome, drew attention to the challenges faced by Naga communities due to the rejection of certain characters particularly the commonly used ‘ü’ and ‘-o’ components in names on national portals such as the Single Nodal Agency (SNA) system.
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The DAO explained that names among Naga communities are not merely identifiers but carry deep cultural, emotional, and spiritual significance.
“Names are given by parents and elders with meaning, affection, and a sense of identity. Altering them strips away their essence,” Yhome stated.
He pointed out that when such characters are not accepted by digital systems, individuals are compelled to modify their names to comply with technical requirements.
While temporary manual corrections are currently possible, he cautioned that increasing automation in the future may eliminate such flexibility, potentially excluding many individuals from accessing services.
Yhome further noted that altering names can lead to unintended consequences, including distortion of gender identity. In some cases, female names may change into male equivalents when specific characters are removed or replaced, leading to confusion in official records.
Highlighting broader implications, the official said the issue affects multiple Naga communities, with many individuals already forced to alter their names in official documents, often resulting in a loss of original meaning and cultural relevance.
Key concerns raised included emotional distress due to loss of identity, administrative complications arising from mismatched documents, and legal challenges in areas such as banking, property ownership, and travel. He warned that inconsistencies in documentation could also create difficulties during verification processes, including passport applications and international travel.
Meanwhile, president of the Voluntary Blood Donors Association of Nagaland (VBDAN), Burakum, outlined ongoing efforts to promote voluntary blood donation in the state.
He informed that VBDAN, established in 2011, has organised over 80 voluntary blood donation camps in collaboration with various organisations and institutions.
Following deliberations, the DPDB decided to organise a blood donation camp on May 13. All DPDB members, along with at least five additional participants each, have been requested to come forward and donate.
Dr. Riku, EAC, announced that the Census of India 2027 will be conducted in a fully digital mode, with self-enumeration scheduled from June 15 to the 30th, followed by house-to-house surveys from July 1 to the 30th.
He highlighted the roles of charge officers, enumerators, and supervisors, noting that areas will be divided into blocks of 700–800 households. Training and awareness initiatives will be undertaken to ensure smooth implementation.
The Food & Civil Supplies department also presented an overview of its functioning and the implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA).