The last assembly session that lasted only 15 minutes on the 12th July 2016 is a sad day in deed for Nagas. No democratic government worth its name has ever conducted the welfare of its state in just 15 minutes. (perhaps only Dictators can act with such impunity) It is learnt that the party whip does not permit its members to ask questions regarding developmental projects taken up by the departments. Our elected MLAs have simply chosen to forget their duties to the public who elected them.They are happy as long as they are allowed to get away with any improprieties because the all-powerful party gives its tacit support by ignoring any issue of corruption or mis-governance.
The Govt. Resolution dated 8th June 2016 has diluted the powers of the State Vigilance Commission and divested the legal powers to investigate into all offences punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 and various provisions under IPC, all offences under official secrets Act 1923, etc. As ACAUT has mentioned, it has made the SVC a mere paper tiger with no right to investigate. The amended provision of the resolution mentions only public servants (employees of the state govt.) can be investigated. However, most corruption cases as we know have their root in politicians, private individuals, private firms, etc. so if they cannot be touched what is the point of having a SVC?
The Hon’ble Governor was obviously concerned when he made an appeal to the State government that in the wake of increasing irregularities in the state being reported in the local media; it has become absolutely necessary to have Lokayukta which is a constitutional counter check to corruption and non-performance.Various organisations like Citizens Right Awareness Campaigner, Nagaland Govt. Registered Class-1 Contractors Union, NVCOand many more concerned citizens have highlighted the menace of corruption and abuse of power in the State andhave also called upon the State government toconstituteLokayukta in Nagaland. It had been learnt that the draft constitution of Lokaykta Bill is already under consideration by the State Assembly. Perhaps its early introduction will instil some level of confidence of the citizens on our 60 elected legislators.
As a concerned citizen I would like to appeal to all the frontal organisations like the Naga Hoho, ENPO, Naga Mothers Association, all Tribal Hoho’s, NSF, ENSF and even the NBCC to call upon the State government to immediately constitution Lokaykta to bring about transparency, accountability and good governance in the State before we also become another banana republic.
Kivika Sumi
