Ex-PAN urges Nagaland government to enhance welfare benefits, including INR 25,000 monthly medical allowance for former legislators
DIMAPUR — The Ex-Parliamentarian Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) on Wednesday urged the state government to favourably consider its long-pending welfare demands, including a monthly medical allowance of INR 25,000 for former legislators.
The demands were raised during the association’s general body meeting held at Rhododendron Hall, Police Complex, Chümoukedima, attended by Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton as the special guest.
Submitting a memorandum to Patton, Ex-PAN member Neiba Ndang outlined three major demands concerning the welfare of former parliamentarians. The association sought enhancement of the existing one-time ex gratia of INR 25,000, provided to the next of kin of a deceased member, to at least INR 2 lakh.
It also called for the effective implementation of the provision for a medical treatment grant of INR 1 lakh to members suffering from serious illnesses, stating that despite the provision, the assistance had never been extended in practice.
The third demand concerned calamity relief, with the association seeking an increase in the existing INR 15,000 assistance provided to members affected by natural disasters, describing the amount as inadequate to meet their needs.
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Ndang urged the Deputy Chief Minister to take up the demands with the Chief Minister and the Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. He also reiterated the earlier demand for enhancement of the monthly medical allowance for former legislators.
He also raised the issue of dual pension, stating that former legislators in Nagaland were not allowed to draw it.
According to him, former members in other states were entitled to double or triple pensions, while members belonging to the 13th NLA had been deprived of dual pension.
Emphasising that Ex-PAN was a non-political organisation, Ndang said members from different political affiliations came together under one platform to discuss common issues of public importance.
Patton assures to take up demands
Patton assured the association that its welfare demands would be taken up with the Chief Minister and the Cabinet, while cautioning that he did not want to make promises without examining the relevant rules and financial implications.
He acknowledged three key provisions concerning former legislators and said the demands deserved proper consideration and would be pursued under the present government, taking into account applicable rules, the state’s financial position and established procedures.
On medical welfare, Patton referred to the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS), which also addresses the healthcare needs of former legislators.
Regarding security and bodyguards for former legislators, he said arrangements must be based on proper assessment and prevailing rules, adding that genuine concerns could be brought to the attention of the competent authorities.
Patton also appealed to members to attend the association’s annual meeting, expressing disappointment over the low turnout.
On the Naga political issue, he reiterated the state government’s position that a solution must be achieved through peaceful dialogue and mutual understanding. He clarified that the state government was not a negotiating party between the Government of India and Naga political groups but had an important role as a facilitator in encouraging dialogue and creating an atmosphere conducive to a settlement.
He referred to the efforts of the Political Affairs Committee, which brings together representatives of different political parties to build consensus and convey the collective desire of the people for an early and acceptable solution.
Stating that a final settlement remained elusive despite agreements and understandings reached during different stages of negotiations, Patton stressed the importance of unity among the Nagas.
He urged Ex-PAN members, given their experience and influence across communities and political backgrounds, to contribute towards peace, reconciliation and unity.
Ex-members seek easier access to sitting MLAs
Ex-PAN member C John Konyak urged members to take the association seriously, saying it could serve as a useful platform for sharing ideas, knowledge and practical experience with the government.
He particularly appealed to sitting legislators to give due consideration to former members, stating that ex-legislators often found it difficult even to meet sitting MLAs. He requested that appointments be facilitated when former members sought meetings with them.
Konyak also suggested reconsidering the association’s nomenclature, stating that the term “ex-parliamentarian” could give the impression that former members would no longer contest elections. He suggested using “former parliamentarian” instead.
Meanwhile, Ex-PAN member I Imkong thanked Patton for attending the meeting, noting that it was the first time a Deputy Chief Minister had attended an association programme.
Reiterating the demand for a monthly medical allowance of INR 25,000, Imkong said CMHIS covered hospitalisation expenses, while members continued to incur substantial expenditure on routine healthcare. He added that the issue was not limited to former legislators but was also faced by many sitting legislators.
He appealed to the present legislators and the state government to consider the association’s demands favourably, reminding them that every sitting legislator would eventually become a member of the association.