GBs urged to uphold sanctity of its institution

MOKOKCHUNG — President of the Mokokchung District GBs’ Association (MDGBA), Along Jamir, called upon his fellow Gaon Buras (GBs) to uphold the sanctity of its institution and work in unity for the uplift and welfare of the Naga society.

Jamir stated this during a coordination meeting of the MDGBA and GBs of Tuli area held in Tuli town on November 4. He reminded that the red cloth is not a mere piece but it represents the authority and responsibility of GBs to be unbiased in their judgment. He also called upon the members to discharge their duties wisely in order to earn people’s respect from their works and actions.

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Jamir stated that GBs institution is one of the oldest institutes established during the British era, whose members are appointed by the government but without salaries. He added that GBs role is recognised in village administration as per the directive of Commissioner Nagaland dated October 28, 2023. He added that GBs are to assist the government in times of election, census and any important programme/ activities of the government.

Jamir stated that GBs are active members in the village level customary court as per the provision of the Village Council Act 1978 and are empowered to act as law enforcement agency as enshrined in the administration of Justice and Police Act of 1937.

As per the letter from the Commissioner of Nagaland Dated October 28, 2023, it was stated that GBs are being neglected/ sidelined in the functioning of village council/ village development board (VDBs), which does not bode well for district administration and should not happen considering their indispensible role in the village.

The Commissioner made it cleared to the village councils that GBs should not be sideline but rather be made an integral part in the decision making and in the functioning of village council including developmental activities.

During the interactive session, some have suggested that there should be clear cut guidelines regarding the powers and functions between the village council and urban area ward authority to which Jamir clarified that the GBs’ powers and functions have been bestowed by the authority.