In a powerful demonstration of unity and determination, the Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) with the Nagaland Net Qualified Forum (NNQF), sparked a movement against corruption in Nagaland. The group, along with hundreds of aspirants and students, held a peaceful protest on April 16th under the slogan "Right to Equal Opportunity" at Kohima, demanding the revocation of the controversial decision by the state government to regularise 147 Assistant Professors and Librarians in Nagaland. The decision taken has sparked anger and disappointment among many aspirants seeking fairness in recruitment. They have challenged the status quo, demanding equitable governance and transparency in a system perceived as favouritism over merit.
Nagaland has long wrestled with governance challenges, with corruption being one of the most insidious and debilitating issues. Despite special status under Article 371(A) alongside substantial funds pouring from the Centre to the state, it continues to lag in areas of infrastructure, education, healthcare, and employment generation. A primary source of this paralysis is the rampant corruption that has infested the government, worsened by the lack of political accountability in an opposition-less legislature.
From ordinary citizens to elites, corruption has persisted and continued to entangle itself with the development of the state to the detriment of the public good and hindering progress across various spheres.
The internal divisions among the political currents also further complicate the task of governance today, as the lack of cohesion among political groups hampers collective efforts to address corruption and promote development, and tribal affiliations play a crucial role in shaping political allegiances. While some seek autonomy and separate administration, on the other hand, the new generation relies on and has utilized the established government. Over the years, the dominance of a single political party or coalition has emerged, where almost all elected members join the ruling coalition, leaving no formal opposition to scrutinize policies or demand transparency. This unique system has fostered a climate where corruption flourished with minimal resistance. While this arrangement aimed to promote unity among political parties to address the Naga Political Issue and promote stability in governance, this has been accused of failing to promote democratic values, including the right to political representation, accountability, and the principle of checks and balances. Consequently, the lack of diverse views and decision-making is detrimental to the functioning of a healthy democratic society.
Corruption in Nagaland manifests in various forms, including bribery, nepotism, embezzlement, favouritism and backdoor appointments in public contracts and offices. Reports of misappropriation of funds intended for development projects are alarmingly common. For instance, crores allocated for infrastructure development, healthcare, and education often go missing, leaving citizens without essential services. One notable example is the mismanagement of funds for road construction projects. Many roads in Nagaland remain in disrepair due to natural calamities, inefficiency, misallocation of resources and financial mismanagement, despite substantial government allocations of funds for their maintenance and improvement. Corruption in the procurement process often leads to inflated contracts awarded to favoured contractors, resulting in substandard work and delayed project completion. This not only hampers economic growth but also perpetuates social inequalities, particularly affecting marginalized communities.
Moreover, the education sector has not been immune to corruption. Reports indicate that funds meant for improving school infrastructure and providing educational resources are frequently misappropriated. As a result, students often attend poorly equipped schools, lacking basic facilities and learning materials.
Nagaland, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS 2023-24), reports an impressive literacy rate of 95.7% and has faced a troubling paradox. Despite the high literacy rate report, the state continues to struggle with a high unemployment rate and poor educational infrastructure and facilities.
After more than six decades since statehood, the state has only produced one Medical College (Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research), moreover, the government school and college infrastructure remains poor which highlight the urgent need for investment and focused efforts towards educational and healthcare sectors to improve and ensure equitable development and public welfare.
One notable instance of corruption also lies in the disbursement of central and state scholarships where students raise concerns about delayed and underpayment of scholarships, while on the other hand, they also indulge in unethical practices regarding the scholarship criteria such as parents’ annual income, which is often facilitated by normalizing of unethical practices including issuance of fake income certificates by notary offices. This has become deeply embedded within the structures and processes of applying for a scholarship and has been normalised by many, showcasing the systematic corruption in Nagaland, which not only involves the higher-ups like the government officials and political leaders but also the so-called ‘future of tomorrow’. Such practices may further entrench corruption in various sectors of society and jeopardize the future of Nagaland as a whole.
Despite widespread corruption, civil society groups are actively pushing for transparency and accountability. Through public talks, protests, and community monitoring, they encourage citizen participation and challenge the misuse of public resources. In an opposition-less political climate, groups like CTAN and NNQF have become key advocates for fair governance. Their peaceful activism calls for merit-based recruitment and holds the ruling coalition accountable to principles of justice and integrity. Addressing corruption is not only essential for improving governance but also for restoring public trust and ensuring that the benefits of development reach all citizens.
As Nagaland navigates its path forward, a concerted effort to combat corruption will be crucial in unlocking the state’s true potential and securing a brighter future for its people. The journey toward a corruption-free Nagaland will require the collective will of its citizens, leaders, and civil society to create a more just and equitable society. Only through sustained commitment and collaboration can Nagaland hope to overcome its corruption challenges and pave the way for sustainable development and prosperity.
Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editorial team includes Chubamenla, Asst. Professor Dept. of English and Rinsit Sareo, Asst. Manager, IT, Media & Communications. For feedback or comments please email: dot@tetsocollege.org
