DIMAPUR — The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) has placed several pressing issues, including the Indo-Naga political issue, Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB), and Inner Line Permit (ILP) before the chief minister and sought his immediate intervention.
In a representation to the CM, the federation expressed concern over the growing divide amongst the various sections of the Naga society.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]“The waning sense of patriotism amongst the younger generation has also become a matter that needs prompt and effective redressal by all the stakeholders,” it lamented, adding that the federation is committed to the Indo-Naga political issue and remains undeterred in upholding the cause is “just, fair and righteous”.
It appealed to the new government to sincerely work towards ensuring peace and unity among the Nagas; all Naga political groups and civil society organisations come together under one umbrella for an early, inclusive, honorable and acceptable solution to the protracted Indo-Naga political issue.; and effectively liaise with the government of India as facilitators to expedite the process of political dialogue with the negotiating parties and ink the final agreement to the Naga political issue in line with the unique 'history and situation' of the Naga people.
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The NSF said that the implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Nagaland is has been far from effective and even the online platform for its implementation, which is currently operational, doesn’t serve its purpose.
“A robust system needs to be put in place to check the influx of illegal immigrants in the state. The federation is of the view that a state-level committee/commission be set-up with the mandate to monitor the implementation of ILP system in the state,” it said.
While lauding the government for setting up the NSSB and successfully conducting the preliminary and second phase of the examinations, the NSF demanded the viva-voce marks be reduced to 5%.
The justification given by the board that the 12.5% marks allocation for viva-voce component cannot be rolled-back due to the provisions contained in the Nagaland Staff Selection Board Regulations, 2022, is misleading, it said, pointing out that Section 45(10) of the regulation said the “marks allotted for personal interview shall be fixed at not more than 12.5% of the total marks of the examination process”, with no mention of the minimum mark.
Maintaining that reducing the viva-voce marks 5% in the selection process to Group C posts will minimise chances of manipulation, the federation requested the CM to intervene on this matter.
“Further, the state government should revise and resolve the reservation policy in the state within the legally permissible jurisdiction without delay,” it added.
The federation said the state is witnessing an alarming rise in the population of educated unemployed youths. “This section of the population needs to be provided with the avenues to spend their time in a more productive manner lest the future of our state be at stake,” it said while pointing out the urgent need to set up more skill training institutes and nurture sporting talents.
Maintaining that effective implementation of e-Governance is the need of the hour to ensure transparency in governance, the NSF appealed to the government to make information like schemes and programmes, list of beneficiaries and incumbency, post creations and vacancies, progress report of the departments etc. readily available in public domain.
It added that citizens’ interaction with in governance be enhanced through internet and mobile technologies so that the people access the benefits.