NGO Meet 2025 in Tuensang calls for improved accountability

LONGPANG — A four-day NGO Meet 2025, jointly hosted by the Eleutheros Christian Society (ECS) and Azim Premji Foundation (APF), culminated at Longpang village in Tuensang district on November 14.

The event, conducted on the theme ‘Empowering change, building partnerships, sought to bolster organisational capabilities and foster partnerships among grassroots organisations throughout Nagaland.

The meet marked a historic first for eastern Nagaland, bringing together delegates from eleven NGOs, four Youth for India Fellows affiliated with the SBI Foundation, and several individuals preparing to launch their own organisations.

Facilitators included Gopinath Govindan, former director of Human Resources at Apraava Energy; Rev. Dr. Chingmak, secretary of ECS; Chongsen Chang, director of ECS; and expert resource persons from APF.

Across the four-day schedule, attendees delved into in-depth dialogues on pinpointing critical stakeholders in NGO formation and operations, assessing their impact, and tackling negotiation obstacles.

Every participating group had the chance to deliver an elevator pitch, showcasing their vision and current initiatives to mentors and potential funders to gain constructive input and direction.

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A major issue highlighted was the pervasive challenge Nagaland-based NGOs encounter in securing competent chartered accountants and auditors.

Attendees pointed out that the scarcity of reliable financial experts frequently impedes regulatory adherence, precise reporting, and access to secure external funding.

Various NGOs further detailed obstacles in registration protocols, locating appropriate donors, and grasping the official stipulations for grant submissions.

In response, APF representatives provided comprehensive advice on criteria funders generally seek in collaborators, detailing the Foundation’s standards for transparency, administration, and quantifiable outcomes.

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They also expanded on the preparatory steps needed for eligibility in APF funding, coupled with hands-on tips for managing the submission procedure.

Moreover, participants underwent instruction on vital operational frameworks, encompassing correct registration methods, account maintenance, audit document preparation, and thorough vetting when engaging financial advisors.

The meet was attended by representatives from First Rain Foundation (Mokokchung); Mey Maikho Development Welfare Trust (Senapati, Manipur); May I Help You (Longleng), Zubzub (Kohima); International Border Area People’s Welfare Organisation (Kiphire); Regional Rural Development Agency (Shamator); Hill Area Development Organisation (Mon); Yhosho Resource Centre (Kohima); Dolen Thangjam Society (Tuensang); Thrive Rural Society (Tuensang); and Wanchu Development Society (Mon).

Organisers affirmed that NGO Meet 2025 represents a significant advancement in cultivating a robust and adaptable civil society framework in eastern Nagaland.

Through establishing an arena for education, idea exchange, and firsthand engagement with seasoned facilitators and financiers, the gathering aimed to equip community-level organisations for greater efficiency and long-term viability.