Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 10
The Village Guards Association of Nagaland (VGAN) has called for enhancement of their salaries stating that it is “too meager as compared to the services rendered by them” and speedy implementation a High Court's verdict on the issue.
The issue was among several others grievances, the VGAN aired to Toshi Wungtong, Adviser, IPR, SCERT & Village Guards’ Nagaland, when the former made a courtesy call and had a meeting with the latter at Commissioner Guest House, Kohima on May 9.
While congratulating Wungtong on being assigned several duties besides the VGs, the Association also pointed out that the facilities they avail presently are “deplorable” when “compared to the services rendered.”
According to VGAN President, the Advisor at the meeting, maintained that he has been working for the welfare of the VGs since the last 10 years and had taken up their issue at “several levels in different capacities.”
In this regard, Wungtong stated that besides raising the wages of the VGs, “it is also his priority to work for better administration, infrastructure and facilities” of the VGs of Nagaland.
“All efforts for the betterment and fulfilling the needs of the VGs at the earliest possible time,” he said, reportedly assuring the VGS that “he will take up the matter with the State Govt and the Central Govt for speedy implementation.”
Wungtung further advised the VGs to work with dedication & sincerity and also “to be prepared with Aadhaar card of all the personnel.”
Meanwhile, the Association noted that the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi during his campaign for recently concluded Nagaland Legislative Assembly at Tuensang had given a “declaration” on February 22 that, “If the State Government does not have sufficient fund, the Central Government will give the fund increasing the wages of the VGs of Nagaland.”
Similar assurance was given by Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijuju in several public meetings in Nagaland during the same election.
The present Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, it added, also has made declaration in a public rally on February 21 at Meluri, Phek that, “If his party alliance is voted to power, the Government will increase the wages of the Village Guards to Rs. 15000.”
The VG is one of the oldest forces in Nagaland dating back to 1956 when the Naga Hills were still part of Assam and presently, there are around 9579 VGs in Nagaland posted in the districts of Tuensang, Longleng, Kiphire, Mon, Phek (Meluri). Many VGs have laid down their lives in the process of peace keeping and protection of the nation, the Association had stated on previous occasion, adding that they have garnered 24 gallantry awards of Ashok Chakra series from the President of India besides other awards so far. It hold record of being the highest recipients of such honours among the security personnel in the state, it maintained.
The VGs are paid a fixed monthly wage of Rs. 1500 per month, ration allowance of Rs. 25 per day while on duty and yearly clothing allowance of Rs. 500. As its armor, the VGs still use the outdated rifle .303 rifles, first issued in 1982.
The Association noted that despite approaching the government on several occasions for enhancement of wages and better facilities, assurances made by various quarters were not implemented.
The VGAN, thereafter, approached the Gauhati High Court for addressing their grievances through a writ petition in March 2017 and the Court in its judgement passed on November 9, 2017 enhanced the remunerations in accordance to that of Home Guards.
“Viewing from all angles nobody will deny that V.Gs existing wages and allowances is too meagre and too little. Therefore, the State Government should examine and raise the same to a reasonable level but not less than that of the Home Guards of the State,” stated the verdict.
“Since the VGs have waited for such a day for too long a time, the exercise should be complete within a period of 2(two) months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. Such increase in the wages and allowances should be made effective from 01.01.2017 since they have suffered for so long…,” it added.
