Ex-Parliamentarian Association of Nagaland urges action on merit-based recruitment and stalled road, airport and rail projects.
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DIMAPUR — The Ex-Parliamentarian Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) has submitted a representation to the Chief Minister expressing concern over the government’s alleged refusal to recognise the sanctity of merit-based recruitment and promotion, while also seeking urgent action on long-pending road, airport and rail projects in the state.
In its representation, Ex-PAN extended support to the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) — comprising CANSSEA, FONSESA, NIDA, NSSA and NF & ASA — which has been demanding that the government uphold the sanctity of recruitment processes conducted by the state, particularly with regard to promotions and induction into the IAS cadre.
The association said the government’s “adamant posture” in not entertaining the JCC’s demand had created an impasse. It argued that competition, recognition of merit and reward for dedicated public servants were essential for effective governance, warning that undermining merit in recruitment and promotion would encourage nepotism and favouritism.
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“Derecognition of merit will definitely become the root cause of malfunction, unaccountability and disorderliness,” the representation stated.
The association maintained that if any officer had been inducted into the IAS cadre in the past without going through a competitive examination, it was an error that should not be treated as a precedent. It urged the government to take a fair decision, cautioning that any biased decision would set a “bad precedent”.
On infrastructure, the association highlighted the poor condition of roads, particularly in far-flung districts, and pointed out that the four-lane highway connecting Dimapur and Kohima remained incomplete despite almost a decade of construction. It also referred to recurring landslides that have cut off Kohima in recent years.
“If the state capital itself can be cut off, what can we say about the other parts of the state?” it questioned.
It further said the long-planned Foothill Road which is meant to connect all parts of Nagaland without passing through Assam, continues to remain a “distant dream” due to non-completion, and urged the state government to address the issue urgently.
On air connectivity, Ex-PAN said that while Nagaland is fortunate to have an airport at Dimapur, the expansion and upgradation of the lone airport have been seriously hampered over the years due to illegal encroachments on adjoining land. It acknowledged that the district administration has recently undertaken eviction drives to remove encroachers, but maintained that much more still needs to be done to bring the airport up to par with other airports in the country.
The association further stated that the proposed international airport at Razhephema must be taken up with the Government of India on an urgent basis so that Nagaland can have an airport of international standard. While recognising the importance of air connectivity to the state capital through the proposed airport at Chiethu, Ex-PAN said it was equally — if not more — important that the Razhephema international airport project be prioritised and taken up without delay.
Regarding rail infrastructure, Ex-PAN noted that Dimapur railway station, one of the oldest in the country, had not undergone major modernisation since the British era. While welcoming the Centre’s sanction of INR 300 crore for its upgradation, it said the project had remained stalled for over two years due to land encroachment and landowner issues, and urged the state government to resolve these matters expeditiously.
The association said it appreciated the state government’s efforts towards equitable growth and acknowledged the challenges faced, but emphasised that collective action by all stakeholders was necessary to realise the aspirations of the people.
Describing itself as an apolitical organisation of former parliamentarians working for the welfare of the state, the association said its representation was meant to “help and guide” the government rather than discredit it.