Acharya laments state’s proxy teachers, moral corruption
Staff Reporter
Dimapur, January 17
Governor of Nagaland PB Acharya has stated that the people can benefit from democracy–a system that allows people the right to choose their leaderships–if only they would elect the right leaders to lead them. The head of state drew allegory to the country’s huge population of youths, who, he implied, could prove fruitful even as societies continue to grapple with corruption and ‘wrong things.’
The Governor was addressing students during the 39th general conference and workshop of a local organization, the Khaghaboto Area Students’ Union (KASU), on Saturday in Kiyelho village under Dimapur district.
The Governor of Nagaland–also of Assam–was the chief guest for the conference. The event was with the theme ‘Serve to Progress.’ Addressing the students, Governor Acharya remarked that if one was fortunate to have been born in India, a democratic country where everyone is free to elect one’s leader, and be ruled by own choice of leaders. He implied that the people would be benefited if only they would elect the right leaders.
Acharya also acknowledged that corruption and ‘wrong things’ can never be hidden, he said 68% of India’s population was within the age group of 18-35 years. With the huge population of youth present in India, he said, ‘good things’ for the country can be had. He also maintained that India and China are the only country which has the capability to lead the country.
68% of teachers in Nagaland ‘proxy’
The Governor also lamented that 68% of the teachers’ in Nagaland appointed by the government were proxy teachers. Due to that reason, he said, moral corruption continues to prevail. He added that Nagaland should become rich by utilizing its resources ‘instead of going to Delhi for funds.’ What is available in the region, used with education, should be developed, Acharya stated.
Acknowledging that Nagas were ‘weakening’ in terms of development, the governor questioned who was responsible for the degradation. He called upon the students’ community to represent society truly and make the country ‘strong India.’
Another matter he broached was that Nagaland was a state with a smaller population but boasted sufficient schools and colleges. He queried why students were leaving for other states. ‘This is a situation which the people have to ponder on as there are many graduates in Nagaland who are ready and willing to work hard but with no opportunities,’ the governor said.
The head of state also referred to broadening mindsets. Diversity is a boon, he said, and encouraged the students to ‘go out and interact with other peoples’. Learning in a ‘confined place’ is not enough, he said. ‘Education not only empowers but enlightens one’s mind and because of this students are respected but getting a degree is not the end of a goal but the beginning of it, the governor said.
Member of the Rajya Sabha H Khekiho Zhimomi also addressed the gathering. He said that the promise of the government is to bring development. Remarking that “during the reign of UPA government”, corruption had become a ‘fashion,’ he said the degeneration had brought chaos to the society. The National Democratic Alliance government’s priority is to fight corruption, he asserted.
‘In times of UPA government, the Look East Policy remained only in paper but PM Modi has interpreted it in such a way that it reaches the people. The slightest corruption at the grassroots level will harm the highest level and so the NDA government is determined to fulfill the maximum as far as possible,’ Zhimomi explained.
17 villages are participating in the conference, which is being hosted by Kiyelho Students’ Union. The conference will culminate on January 18.
