Minister E.E. Pangteang speaking at the ANEDEA programme at Kohima. (Morung Photo)
ECI launches new programme in facilitating greater participation of people for stronger democracy: Pangteang
Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 7
Minister of election, tourism and art & culture, E.E. Pangteang today stated that Election Commission of India has launched a number of new programmes in facilitating greater participation of the people for a stronger democracy.
He said that democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people and observed that government employees and officers are not the masters but the servants of the people whom they are to serve.
Speaking at the annual conference of All Nagaland Election Department Employees Association (ANEDEA) here this morning at Hotel Japfu, the minister was also of the opinion that introduction of new programmes usually have far reaching effect on the people if implemented in letter and spirit.
He was optimistic that the Chief Electoral Officer will look after the grievances of the ANEDEA and also assured his support for genuine problems for consideration of the government.
He also congratulated all the officers and staffs of the department for the smooth conduct of the recently concluded 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly elections which he said has been “by and large peaceful.”
He also reminded them that it is not only the responsibility of the minister-in-charge but collective effort to bring marked improvement in all functions of the department.
Referring to the campaign launched by the state election department to prepare electoral rolls and issue of voter ID cards, Pangteang said that the successful completion of this campaign will be another milestone in the journey to clean up the election process.
If the department performs its duties efficiently and impartially, the respect and confidence of the people upon the election department shall continue to grow, he commented.
Also speaking on the occasion as the guest of honour, Chief Electoral Officer Sentiyanger Imchen called upon the members of the ANEDEA to think outside the box to bring solution to the many issues and problems faced by the department adding that all decisions to be taken would be based on objective criteria and not on subjectivity.
Imchen also impressed upon the members that the deliberations during the business session should not be confined only to the needs of the department but also to find out ways to progress, upgrade skills and how to deliver.
ANEDEA president Vekho Vero gave a brief overview of how the employees work and how the association came into being.
Vero highlighted on the need for imparting intensive trainings to the assistant election Officers on election related laws, checking electoral corrupt practices by experts from Law & Justice department and the Election Commission of India so that the dynamism of the ECI shall not only be guarded but enhance the same in the grass root level.
The members observed a minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed members, Lt. Bendangsangba DEO Mokokchung who expired on November 16, 2012 and Sajong DEO Longleng who expired on 30th January 2013.
Joint CEO, N. Moa Aier delivered the welcome address while ANEDEA vice president Ruokuovituo Khezhie proposed the vote of thanks.
