Itingtiebe Siang
Sr GB. Peren Town
Peren district has been rightly named the “Green District” of Nagaland as it is indeed visually green when you look around. Especially the area where the new districts headquarter (Model District) is located, right in the middle of the jungle. This is a hot topic, much talked about within the district and outside too, some for it and many against it. Many individuals (including myself) and NGOs has already expressed their opinions and voiced out their concern over the shifting of the HQ to the new site, called the” Model district HQ”
What kind of a Model District is this?
No matter how hard, or to what extent the powers that be, along with the so called leaders under their payroll tries to justify or even cover up the facts about the true state of the model HQ, there is no hiding the truth that is staring at them right in the face. It is sheer madness and a mockery to call this new site as a ‘Model District’, where there is no utility and essential facilities such as running water, electricity and even a proper road connectivity, regardless of the many tall claims and statements by the powers that be and their henchmen.
It is because of thinking outside the box with a future vision for the sake of the generations to come that I feel shifting to the new site is unpractical and non-viable for the general welfare of the public. Certain individuals, NGOs and the powers that be have already pocketed and benefited from this in the forms of contracts and compensations. Are the scavengers still expecting the release of some more funds in the name of shifting to this new site, because money does talk, doesn’t it? The chances of success of the model township and the people gaining from it are bleak and questionable. Ultimately a great loss for the people of Peren district is inevitable if the shifting proceeds at this juncture owing to many factors such as the location itself, the distance from both Peren town and Jalukie town, the road condition and connectivity, means of transport and the expenses, lack of infrastructure and utilities and last but not the least, the uncertainty of getting one’s work done due to the absence of the concerned officers or other similar circumstances, all after travelling a long lonely, bumpy and tiresome journey to the jungle district HQ. office.
Pointing out all these facts cannot be termed as simply doing nothing and criticizing but rather an awareness campaign to the naïve public and doing one’s duty as a genuine concerned citizen for my people’s own welfare. This seed (Model HQ Township) has been sown at the wrong place and its fruits have already been plucked clean by the concerned powers that be even before it has ripened and fit for consumption. Yes, the plan and decision to have a Model district township is no doubt a very noble idea. But, even after a decade only three to four buildings could be completed, and the question of shifting every govt. employee working under Peren district from all the different departments to work under the same roof is not at all feasible and logical owing to the many different reasons and factors mentioned earlier.
There are some other equally important issues that need to be addressed and looked upon at the earliest. The question is whether the Govt. of Nagaland has any agency from R.D. dept in Peren district? Whether the R.D dept has posted any officers to Peren district? If so where are the officers? And also whether the people of Peren district are entitled to this dept offices and officers just like the other 10 districts of Nagaland?
It was learnt from hear say that a lady officer was posted to Peren district as the Project Director of DRDA since a long time back. But up till today this lady officer has not even once been seen at her posting place. Where is this irresponsible officer who without doubt has been drawing her monthly salary even though she has not once performed her duty and attended her office. Is the Govt. aware of this? Does the elected representative know about this and still not doing anything about this? Is he sleeping? Does he have some personal reason that he is unable to speak out or take action against such good for nothing , irresponsible and selfish officer? Similarly a BDO was also posted to Peren, but never attends his office and duty. Unlike the lady P.D, he does makes an effort to enter and set feet within the district. Sadly though, he comes only to Jalukie, once in a blue moon despite his posting being at Peren. Will the govt. kindly clarify to the people of Peren district whether this officers should come to their posting place or not?
The districts of Kiphire and Longleng were also declared as full fledged districts along with Peren district, yet these two districts could develop much ahead of us in so many areas. Is it due to less funds being sanctioned to Peren, or is it being dropped and lost on the way because of the rugged and bumpy river road? We, the people are tired and weary of being robbed and denied of what we rightfully deserve from the Govt. time and again. We can no longer tolerate this negligent attitude of the govt. of Nagaland and particularly the elected representative who has absolutely no regard and concern for the people.
Lastly, there are more than 200 GBs under Peren district. If any particular GB wants to express his view or opinion on any issue, they should do so using their own names individually. No one should drag the whole GBs names to express their individual opinions without the knowledge and consultation with the rest of the GBs of the district.
