In an emergency meeting held on the 20th April, 2012, the Anthropological Society of Nagaland (ASN) deliberated on few of the allegations made by the NMA that appeared in the news item published in various local Dailies dated 17th April, 2012 regarding misuse of funds under the NRHM. This clarification is felt necessary since the news item carried some irregularities that implicated the Society in public thereby questioning the reputation and integrity of the organization which is a registered research organization. In this regard, the clarifications are made on the following points:
1. As per the said news article that read "...the money sanctioned for research work by the Anthropological Society of Nagaland was also found misused” (Nagaland Post, page 7, Para 2). It may be clarified that the research work assigned to the organization has been carried out vide the NRHM office order NRHM/NL/Estt/A-171EC-1/49/2010596 dated Kohima the 31st August, 2010. In this regard, the report of the research work assigned to the ASN has already been submitted and awaiting publication. Therefore, the question of misuse of fund received for the research as alleged is incorrect since the work was actually carried out with all sincerity to the best of abilities and intend.
2. In another publication of the same article wherein it mentions that “…the Anthropological Society has drawn money amounting to Rs. 22 lakhs which is even beyond the total population of Nagaland State…” (Morung Express, page 5, Para 8). In this regard, it is clarified that the said amount of Rs. 22 lakhs is as per the allocation projected by the funding institution. That the organization has already drawn a sum amounting to Rs. 22 lakhs is also found to be untrue. It must be noted that in any projects, no funding agency in the country ever releases the total project amount before the final submission of the report. Therefore, the question of sanction or withdrawal of the total project sum does not arise since as per procedure, the release of the final installment is yet to be made.
It is also felt that correlating the research cost with the total population of Nagaland State is also not justifiable because any researcher would come to understand that research is not only about collecting information from the people but it also involves various collateral activities pertaining to the processing and treatment of data.
3. The attention of the ASN has also been drawn to a very confusing and vague statement that reads “…while for radio program there was also a withdrawal report of Rs. 11 lakhs which was never paid” (Morung Express, page 5, Para 8). If this statement is intended to further allege the ASN in any manner for the withdrawal of the said amount for radio programs, it is clarified here that the ASN has never been involved with any radio program under the NRHM nor have the ASN withdrawn any money for such programs from the NRHM or for that matter from any other Agencies whatsoever.
This rejoinder is issued not for any other reasons but only to set the record right. While appreciating the works done by the NMA, it is suggested that proper verification of information be sought prior to any allegations made in the public against any organization.
Dr. Anungla Aier, Chairman
Dr. D. Vasa, General Secretary
Anthropological Society of Nagaland
Dated: 20th April, 2012.
