Abandoned badminton stadium now being used as a corn field in Kiphire town. (Morung Photo)
P Achumse Yingbithongrü
Kiphire | July 25
The recent RTI disclosures revealing discriminatory allocation of development schemes by the Government of Nagaland to the eastern districts have only served to reiterate the obvious.
The RTI data on funding under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) and other Central Sponsored Schemes point to a skewed fund allocation ratio between the eastern districts and what has been termed “few privileged areas.”
For instance, under PMJVK (2022-23), the eastern districts were allocated just Rs 11.95 crore out of Rs 279.72 crore. As per the data, Kiphire and Longleng did not have a single project under this scheme. The PMJVK is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented by the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs aimed at developing community infrastructure “in the identified areas with development deficits for socio-economic development of the said areas.”
In the priority list of projects under the NEC (2022-23), out of 30 projects for Nagaland, only one project amounting to Rs 3.50 crore was earmarked for the eastern districts.
Under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs’ Special Assistance to Tribal Sub-Scheme (2020-21), out of total of Rs 9,09,30,000 for 17 projects, only Rs 1.5 crore was allocated for the eastern districts.
The RTI revelation has stirred up voices of discontent, which was simmering already, with the Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF), in a press release on July 22, terming it “biased” distribution of funds when it comes to the Eastern Naga areas of the State.
Meanwhile, a cross-section of citizens from Eastern Nagaland reached out by The Morung Express to share their views on funds/project allocations termed the recent revelation as a clear sign of “injustice” since the inception of the State and justifies the demand of a ‘Frontier Nagaland’ state, among others.
What seem to have disappointed the people were the alleged systemic deprivation of development funds and the insouciance of the State Government towards the people of under-developed areas.
Citing statistics showing poor development parameters of “Eastern Nagaland” in the last four to five decades, many social media users flayed the “clandestine oppression” by the system.
Proposals submitted, not selected
Meanwhile, contrary to speculation that Kiphire might not have bagged even a single project under PMJVK for 2022-23 due to failure of the district administration to submit proposals, sources within the administration said that it was not the case.
The Kiphire administration received a letter seeking proposals for Kiphire from Kohima office only on May 25 and accordingly, a duly prepared the proposal for district from 2022 till 2026 was submitted, the sources informed, on the condition of anonymity. It added, “The department of State’s Minority Affairs needs to do some explaining.”
With regard to Longleng district, sources told this newspaper that it would take 2 to 3 days to find out about the details and they were not in a position to comment further.
Unequivocal denunciation
“This unequal distribution of funds and discrimination is nothing new; since the inception of Nagaland, we have been prejudicially side-lined both economically and developmentally,” asserted R Tsapikiü Sangtam, President, Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) when queried on the issue.
He further added that due to such “pernicious” actions, the ENPO have been demanding a “separate kitchen— ‘Frontier Nagaland.”
Tsapikiü further noted that people came to know the truth due to power of ‘Social Media’ and active mass media we have today.
Likewise, the General Secretary of Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC), Philip Tothong termed it a “clear indication of injustice treatment since the inception of the State.”
Equal treatment needs to be carried out in all districts irrespective of where one resides, Tothong noted, adding that projects or schemes and fund allocation by the government needs to be reviewed by the state government in order to maintain equal distribution of funds for the peoples’ welfare.
‘Just lip-service’
For M Moba Konyak, a Mon-based Advocate, it is proof that the present government’s claims of developing ENPO area in par with the rest of Nagas were just “lip service.”
“On many occasions that the government of the day has said that it has concern for ENPO area in the field of development, on the contrary, however, the developmental activities for ENPO area are only in words not in deed or action,’ he argued.
To buttress his argument, he said, “Unequal distribution of fund under PMJVK for the year 2022-23 showcase the reality of how the Government of Nagaland tries to suppressed the people of ENPO in comparison with the rest of the advance Nagas.”
“It is just a tip of the iceberg which like-minded people and ENPO should take as the last straw in the camel’s back to go ahead with our demand for Frontier Nagaland,” he added.
The Vice President of United Sangtam Student’ Conference (USSC) Sethrongba Yingbithongrü said that “nothing will divide this nation more than ignorance and prejudices are the chains forged by ignorance to keep people apart.”
It will be interesting to see if more schemes/projects are brought out in the public domain in the coming days highlighting inequality in development.
Likewise, it is to be seen whether the public can keep up the pressure on the government and stick together to demand for more transparency and accountability or would flounder under pulls and pressure from different corners.
The youths and present generation are also in favour of good governance devoid of corruption, nepotism and favouritism.
