The idea of oil exploration in Nagaland has sparked
widespread debate, with proponents advocating for economic growth and revenue
generation. However, while nobody is against economic development, it is
essential to ask: Is Nagaland truly prepared for this? Do we have the right
leadership? Can we ensure that the benefits reach the real stakeholders, or
will this just be another tale of exploitation and corruption? Yes, it will be
undeniably beneficial for economic development, revenue generation, and
employment. However, is Nagaland competent enough to undertake this venture? Is
this the right time? Do we have the right leadership to ensure that the
benefits reach the common people? Can we trust our leaders to put the interests
of the people before their own? These are critical questions we must address
before jumping into the idea of petroleum extraction. While the prospects of
oil exploration look promising on paper, the real consequences might be far
more severe than anticipated. Let’s reason out the potential pitfalls of this
venture.
The Skill Gap in Petroleum Industries
One of the most overlooked aspects of oil exploration is the
lack of local expertise in the petroleum sector. Nagaland's youth and
unemployed population largely lack the necessary skills to work in the oil and
gas industry. These skills take years to acquire, meaning that, in the short
term, most of the jobs will be taken by outsiders with experience. In the
petroleum sector, companies prefer skilled labour, and no industry will hire
individuals with zero skills for technical positions. This raises a critical
concern: Who truly benefits from job creation in the early phases of oil
extraction?
The Inevitable Corruption and Misuse of Revenue
Nagaland is no stranger to corruption. If history has taught
us anything, it is that the majority of the revenue generated will be swallowed
by corrupt politicians, bureaucrats, engineers, unethical businesses, NGOs, and
so-called welfare associations/unions. This is not speculation; it is a
well-known and accepted fact in Nagaland. Everyone, from top to bottom, tries
to grab a share of the revenue, while the real stakeholders -- the landowners
and concerned villages -- are left with mere scraps. Without transparency and
proper governance, the people of Nagaland will not see real development, but
rather an enrichment of the elite few.
The Rights of Landowners and Villages under Article 371A
Article 371A of the Indian Constitution gives Nagaland
special rights over its land and resources. This means that landowners and
villages are the sole stakeholders in oil exploration. However, if they do not
unite to protect their rights, they risk being exploited. This has happened in
other resource-rich regions, where landowners were promised wealth and
development but were eventually left powerless while large corporations and
political elites took control.
Assam has been able to manage its oil resources relatively
well because it has leaders who prioritise the welfare of their people. The
same cannot be said for our state, where leaders prioritise their personal
wealth over the state's development. This is largely due to the culture of
vote-buying during elections, where people trade their votes for money or
favours, ultimately leading to a leadership that lacks vision and
accountability. But here is the catch even though Assam were able to benefit
from oil exploration but their real stakeholders were not, as their jobs remain
stagnant as most hires are contract labourer with low wages (data source
internet) and majority of jobs are occupied by outsiders with locals getting
minimal benefits; even though Assam gets higher royalties, it loses out due to
higher central Tax (cess), in short, central +PSU(ONGC) takes away maximum oil
wealth with bigger lion's share.
Political Gimmicks and Deceptive Narratives
One must also be wary of the political gimmicks that will be
used to justify oil exploration. The narrative will likely be controlled by
third parties speaking on behalf of political and business elites, attempting
to convince the masses that oil extraction is a golden opportunity. However,
behind this facade lies a malicious intent—one that benefits only a select few
while leaving the common people with false hopes.
Environmental and Social Consequences
Oil extraction is not just about economic gains; it comes
with severe environmental consequences. Oil spills, deforestation, displacement
and water contamination are real threats. Will Nagaland be able to handle these
challenges effectively? Moreover, there is also the risk of social unrest as
different groups could start claiming stakes in the oil revenue, leading to
conflicts and even violence. Without proper checks and balances, the negative
consequences might outweigh the benefit
Conclusion: Proceed With Caution
Oil extraction can be a boon or a curse depending on how it
is managed. While it has the potential to transform Nagaland’s economy, it is
crucial to address the existing gaps in governance, corruption, and
preparedness, before taking a major step forward. Instead of blindly comparing
Nagaland’s situation with the Arab nations or even Assam, we must evaluate our
own internal readiness, leadership integrity, and economic capacity. Without
these safeguards, oil exploration will not lead to economic freedom but rather
to another cycle of exploitation and lost opportunities. The people of Nagaland
must ask themselves: Are we ready? If not, we may end up losing more than we
gain, or is it another illusion of prosperity? Because your Land your rights,
so as your oil your wealth, power lies in your hand now, you decide...
