Dimapur, August 25 (MExN): NPCC President, K. Therie has appealed to the students and youth to be ambassadors of clean and God-fearing Government and to say no to bribe and corruption.
Speaking as the Chief Guest on the occasion of Nagaland University Students’ Union’s (Lumami) 19th Varsity Campus Fresher’s Day on August 24, Therie requested the students to perform their Constitutional duties by being an honest subject of the state, citizen of the nation and more so, a Christian. He expressed concern on the exodus of youth from the state in search of employment, some of whom bring laurels to the state but many of whom have brought sad stories. He said that there are over 70,000 registered as unemployed while perhaps many more have not registered.
Therie said that despite many opportunities available in the state, particularly in Kohima and Dimapur, we have lost the market where there are ample opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. Adding that students need to plan for the future and that planning is linking action with thinking, Therie said this is what politicians do for the people.
Pointing out the reasons for the paralysis of Nagaland, Therie said bribes and corruption play a major role in stifling development and progress. He said bribes lead to high interest loans and this in turn leads to corruption which ultimately leads to stagnancy in the all round development of the state. He lamented that this vicious cycle has deformed our society as many of the failed candidates have to forfeit their homes and properties and have to live on rent. He said that through this mechanism, some societies have acquired huge assets in Dimapur and Kohima from failed candidates while on the other hand, successful candidates siphon off funds meant for development, to make up their past and future expenditures. Therie attributed “vision deficit” as another reason for the paralysis of Nagaland and added that solution to the prolonged political problem is of utmost priority.
The NPCC President emphasized that the NPCC Roadmap is the cursor to the Election Manifesto of the 2018 General Election wherein Congress has committed Good Governance such as administration of law, decentralization, accountability, transparency, equitable and inclusiveness, responsive, participation and obedience. One of the main objectives he said will be growth of economy through proper fiscal management besides addressing the present pressures upon the people and state like uninterrupted power supply, state circular road connecting all district Hqs, IT, cashless health cards for all citizens, delivery of welfare schemes and climate change issues. Therie stated that the doors of banks and Financial Institutions should be opened to the Naga entrepreneurs. He said that despite the Nagaland Land Regulation Act of 1978, the National Banks have not honoured so far and therefore, the NLA would be required to further initiate a Bill in the matter.
He therefore, reiterated his appeal to the student community in particular and the youth in general to say no to bribes and corruption.
Reflecting on the theme of the occasion, Therie said an intellectual is one who is able to assess the past and present, and develop perceptions for the future. He said that considering the future of the people of the state and most importantly the youth, the faculty has a tremendous responsibility in shaping their future just as the future of the clay depends upon the potter.
He stated that NU deserves a better campus as a decent campus leads to freshness of mind making it more conducive to harvest better education. Therie pointed out that as the world is fast transforming both in political and economic terms, there is no reason why we cannot catch up and achieve.
He expressed happiness that the squabbles within the University were over and hoped that like other Universities, Nagaland University will produce successful candidates.
