National Spokesperson & National Media Coordinator Mathew Antony (AICC) and Chairman of Public Grievances Dept. Meshenlo Kath (NPCC) along with other Congress party members during a press conference in Wokha on March 25. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Wokha | March 25
The All India Congress Committee (AICC) National Spokesperson & National Media Coordinator Advocate Mathew Antony today highlighted ‘various injustices’, including economic, social, and political issues faced by the people of Nagaland and India under the BJP Government's tenure.
He was addressing a press conference at DCC Congress Party Office, Wokha on March 25 in Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) Chairman of Public Grievances Department Meshenlo Kath along with other party members.
Antony further listed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's “unfulfilled” promise of creating 2 crore jobs annually, citing ‘latest data’ stating that the unemployment rate amongst the graduates, post graduates and the Phds are around 33.6%.
The rate of unemployment is at all time high of 44% amongst the age group of 20-24 years, he claimed.
When the Congress was ruling under UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government, 75 lakh jobs were provided per year till 2022, he maintained.
The Spokesperson further pointed out that that in every quarter, there is 1Lakh 60 Thousand Crores average of GST been collected and 50% are paid by the poorest of the poor and 40% is paid by the middle class.
He also criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), recalling their vocal protests against LPG price increases in 2013 and questioning their apparent indifference to the current surge in LPG costs.
He asserted that the poor people are left to be even poorer and the rich are made much richer, claiming that it is against the founding value of the country and wondered whether BJP leaders are worried about the ‘pain’ of ordinary people.
Antony also alleged that the BJP are misusing the Enforcement Directorate, the CBI, and all other agencies as their private agencies to take political revenge against their political opponent citing the arrest of sitting Chief Ministers Hemant Soren and Arvind Kejriwal.
He also slammed the freezing of Congress bank account and alleged that it was done to “weaken and oppress” political parties who can do a fair contest in the election.
When questioned about the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation's (ENPO) decision to abstain from election, Antony said their concerns are real and assured that the AICC is carefully looking into the matter. He informed of ongoing discussions among State Congress leaders and said the NPCC president will soon provide more clarity on the party's position.
The Spokesperson, meanwhile, urged the people of Nagaland to think about whom to vote in forthcoming coming election and claimed that the Congress can give the best government given its history of delivering “effective governance for the people of the country.”
The party is committed to fulfilling its promises, including providing Minimum Support Price (MSP) to farmers, creating 30 lakh job opportunities, offering apprenticeships for unemployed youth, and ensuring justice for women nationwide, he said.
Meanwhile, Kath pointed out instances of ‘corruption’ within the current government in Nagaland specifically listing the delayed construction of the High Court despite the allocation of funds alongside other North-East.
While the High Courts in other states have been established and are operational, Nagaland's High Court remains under construction, he maintained.
Kath also criticized the functioning of the "Lokayukta,” which was intended as an independent body to address public grievances regarding misuse of power by government officials. However, he claimed it has now become “puppet” in the government's interests. He highlighted the failure to disburse stipends for ITI trainees across several districts in Nagaland since 2021, despite the allocation of Rs 500 per month per trainee.
Kath also raised concerns about the attachment of over 20% of government teachers to VIPs and bureaucrats, leading to a shortage of educators in various districts. Kath also highlighted the mismanagement of developmental funds allocated to the 30 Alongtaki AC. Despite the withdrawal of Rs 43,69,898 for the Longchem-Saring road project, there has been no visible progress on the construction of the road and bridge, he alleged.
Additionally, funds amounting to 50 lakh for a multipurpose hall, 25 lakh approved by SDPDB for the purchase of two ambulances under the LADP scheme for Alongtaki AC have not been utilised as intended, he informed.
Furthermore, Kath pointed out the significant number of vacant positions across various departments in Nagaland, with over 1140 vacancies in 76 departments. Specifically, he mentioned shortages in the Forest Department, which lacks 149 forest guards, 15 foresters-1, 1 ACF, and 8 Forest Ranger positions.
