Government ‘determined to streamline working system’ & bring in youth to ‘participate in governance.’
Kohima, October 28 (MExN): 11 young bloggers joined the Chief Minister of Nagaland for an interactive breakfast on Saturday. The bloggers were “hand-picked” by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in order to facilitate dialogue, constructive criticism and finding solutions together in an increasingly cynical and polarized Naga society.
“In a modest attempt to deliberate on issues constantly raised by youths on Social Media, 11 young bloggers who have been posting positive suggestions, ideas and opinions on a regular basis in regard to local Governance in the State were today hand-picked and invited for an interactive discussion with Chief Minister, TR Zeliang over a three-hours breakfast at CM’s Official Residence, Kohima,” stated a press release from the Media Cell of the CMO today.
It further informed that “While creative and innovative ideas of these youngsters are to be utilized in the process of Governance, the initiative ‘Breakfast with CM’ was born out of a desire to allow youngsters to share information, opinions and ideas with the Chief Minister for improvement of local governance in the State.”
The 11 youngsters selected to sit with the Chief Minister this morning were Jenpu Rongmei, a Social Worker and Chief Functionary of CAN Youth; Temsusenla Kichu, an Entrepreneur and Proprietor of Fusion Store, Dimapur; Imtisunep Longchar, an Entrepreneur and Proprietor of E-Commerce website www.ilandlo.com; Lovi Chophi, an Entrepreneur based in Mumbai; Khrolo Lasushe, a Student; T. Amen Jamir, a Govt Employee; Tsalila Rudy, a fresh Graduate; Vikato S. Aye, an activist; Steve Chophy, a Student Leader serving DNSU as Gen. Secy; Inaka Achumi, a young Advocate; Mughabeto Ayemi, a young visiting Lecturer at ICFAI University, Dimapur and Jacob Thuu, a Student leader.
Social Media & Governance
According to the CMO, “The image of Social Media in the State is being adversely affected due to irresponsible criticism, rumors and statements posted and circulated without proper authentication in recent times.”
“The practice of fomenting youths in spreading hidden propaganda on Social Media, negligible it may be, and the encouragement to use arms, catapults, stones and sticks in their propagated endeavor for good local governance is not only a clear case of exploitation but a dangerous trend which calls for urgent attention,” observed the CMO.
The CMO, while appreciating citizens for airing grievances, opined that “one must inculcate a practical and democratic approach in solving issues at any given point of time.”
Today’s interaction sought to engage with bloggers who give “ideas and suggestions worth utilizing for good local governance.”
The present Government, stated the CMO, is “determined to streamline the working system” as well as bring in youth to “interact and participate in the governance process.”
“Youths are the backbone of society and they are our assets, our future and our leaders for tomorrow and to inculcate in them, the importance of integrity in governance while giving them the privilege to understand its functioning will go a long way in choosing the right approach to build a vibrant society,” noted the CMO.
Saturday’s interaction entailed roads, power, art, sports, education and tourism to youth policies, students’ scholarship and mid-day meals.
“We often do not get a chance to connect with the leadership and talk together. This is the first time such an initiative has been taken,” said Jenpu Rongmei, one of the participants, while speaking to The Morung Express. “Only sharing problems will not bring solution so we discussed practical solutions too. The CMO will also follow up the issues that were discussed,” he informed.
In this regard, another participant, Steve Chophy, submitted a representation to the Chief Minister for the establishment of an additional Government College & Government Higher Secondary School in Dimapur due to the rising student population. As ‘follow up’ action, the representation was forwarded by the CM to the departments concerned (School Education and Higher Education) to be examined and a feasibility report prepared. This was informed in a note from Kelei Zeliang (IAS), Secretary to the CM.
Vibrant Nagaland
The present Government “stands steadfast in taking up the matter of road connectivity, backdoor appointment and corruption on priority basis,” claimed the CMO.
Calling Civil Society or NGOs, including youths, to come forward with suggestions to strengthen and develop policies and programs, the CMO reiterated that “Building all-season roads, stimulating a culture of integrity, putting in place anti-corruption control measures, recognizing corruption reporting mechanisms etc. cannot be accomplished within a short period of time and as such, youths must come up with citizen-friendly initiatives before the Government instead of organizing agitation, rallies and bandhs which are provocative in nature.”
Further, “Unless youths join hands with the Government and broaden their understanding on the complexities of problems in the State, neither the practice of confronting the Government physically nor spreading irresponsible and false information on Social Media, will take the Society to the desired level.”
Maintaining that the Government of Nagaland is committed to building a “vibrant and developed” Nagaland, the CMO stated that “without serious effort to integrate youth participation measures into development policies, sustainable development goals of the Government cannot be achieved.”
“The door of the Government is always open for discussing issues in a democratic manner in-order to bring public grievances to its logical conclusion,” the CMO promised.
