Morung Express News
Kohima | October 18
In a startling revelation, the Naga Students’ Federation said that Rs 26 crore ‘lapse’ has been detected in the SSA fund. The NSF and affiliates today picketed all education offices in the state, including the directorate, DEOs and DISs.
NSF General Secretary Hetoi Chishi told the press on the sidelines of the picketing, that Rs 60 crore was sanctioned for Nagaland for the year 2006-2007. However, only Rs 34 crore could be drawn, ‘while causing the remaining amount to lapse.’ When most of the schools are in dire need of funds, such ‘lapse’ is uncalled for, the Federation said.
The Federation held the inefficiency of SSA officials responsible for the ‘lapse.’ Besides, the NSF alleged that even the withdrawn amount has not been utilized properly. Although the Federation is yet to decide a third phase of stir, Hetoi hinted that it would further intensify the agitation in the manner of calling an indefinite state-wide economic blockade if the state government fails to meet their demand. The Federation has demanded for an independent inquiry into the scam and to suspend erring officials.
The state government has not fulfilled any of its demands, the NSF lamented. It alleged that ‘some officials are apprehensive that their names will be revealed, as such they are playing with the Federation by giving false assurance.’ The apex Naga students’ body categorically made clear that it will not compromise on corruption.In line with the stir against the SSA’s fund lapse, the Dimapur Naga Students Union locked the DEO and DIS office of Dimapur. The closure of the office by the students’ body is the second phase of the agitation spearheaded by the NSF against the government’s failure to meet the students’ ultimatum over the misuse of SSA funds.
The Angami Students Union launched the agitation locking DEOs and DIS offices and School Education directorate in Kohima on Thursday. The ASU made its stand clear that it will not allow anti-social elements to take advantage. “We need upright leaders and not corruptors to manage or control our future”, said Zhasavilie Kehie, secretary.
The All Sumi Students’ Union also shut the offices of DEO, DIS and DMA (SSA) in strong support of the initiative of the NSF in the SSA issue. Around 30 volunteers from schools and colleges took part appealing to the concern department and the Government to take immediate action for the misuse of educational funds. SKK vice president, Aito Achumi said as far as the educational development is concerned, the students’ are being ‘persecuted.’ Achumi urged the concern authority to rectify the structure and working of the offices of education. The SKK strongly asked the public to cooperate and render their help for the development of the student community in the district. The SKK affirmed that fund misuse or negligence in the educational sector will be sternly dealt with, ‘impartially.’
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