‘Inclusiveness of all Nagas is the stand of NSF’

Our Correspondent
Kohima, May 29 (EMN): The newly elected executive members of the Naga Student’s Federation (NSF) have said that they would sincerely work for the betterment of the Naga society, address the issues confronting the students and put pressure on the Indian government to expedite the protracted Indo-Naga political issue.
“We have committed ourselves to give our full time, commitment, and sincerity to work for the betterment of the Naga society,” said NSF president Vinoto Awomi at a press conference held at the federation’s office in Kohima on May 29. The event was attended by the new executive members of NSF for the tenure 2019-2021.
After taking over the chair on May 24, a maiden meeting was held on May 28 where the incumbent officials set the federation initiatives and priorities besides adopting to constitute various departments for the welfare of the people.

Emotional integration among Nagas
The NSF has decided to promote emotional integration of all Nagas beyond the “artificial territorial boundaries,” Awomi said.
Once the emotional integration is achieved, unity will follow; and then a common vision, he said while adding that it doesn’t mean other aspect of integrations will be undermined. He added that it wants to carry out the task (emotional integration) through programmes such as cultural programme, symposiums, seminars, and debates.
“Inclusiveness of all Nagas is the stand of the federation,” he said.
The federation has also informed it is organising a felicitation programme for the HSLC toppers at hotel Japfü, Kohima on June 15.

Departmental examinations
The NSF has expressed doubt in the present process of departmental examinations. It claimed that the relatives or people from constituencies of concerned ministers and top bureaucrats happened to crack departmental examinations for ‘most vacancies.’ It said that such questionable practice should be scrapped.
“By all means, backdoor appointments on grade-III posts or clerical posts should stop immediately,” Awomi said.
To tackle this issue, the president said, it will set up a Nagaland State Staff Selection Board where grade-III employees will be recruited. In this matter, the federation is planning to set up a committee to invite experts and come up with a mechanism to deal with the issue.
Once the modalities and blueprint are done, it will be presented to the government. However, at policy level, the federation wants the government to implement (it), the president said. He added that changes are needed in the recruitment process and departmental exams; and that the government should constitute the Staff Selection Board/Commission in the line of the Central Staff Selection Board.
Expressing concern over the issue of proxy teachers, Awomi said the federation will look into the matter by tying up with the Education department.
Other issues such as scholarship, poor infrastructure and facilities, and others relating to the students’ welfare will be looked into, he added.

Early settlement of Indo-Naga issue
As a federation representing the youth of the Nagas, we will put pressure on the government of India for early expedition of the Indo-Naga political issue, Awomi said.
“The house has unanimously decided to give unflinching support to the ongoing Indo-Naga Political dialogue vis-a-vis peace process, facilitate mutual understanding amongst various groups and impress upon the negotiating entities for early settlement to the protracted Naga political issue,” he said, adding that it will give priority to CAB and ILP issue, with NSF’s ILP committee will carry forward the issue on IBIs.

Backs ANCSU
Secretary, Education & Statistics Kegwayhun Tep said that the federation will help the All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) in its fight against misappropriation of funds as well as delay in providing uniforms and text books to students, particularly in government schools.
The federation has decided to set up Media Cell and Public Grievances Redressal Cell.

Public Grievances Redressal Cell
A Public Grievances Redressal Cell was set up with the intention to receive complaints and suggestions from the public through a hotline number. The cell will be responsible for filling of RTIs.
The cell will be headed by Vice-President of NSF Devi Yano as the convenor and Kegwayhun Tep, Secretary of the Education and Statistics, as co-convenor.
All Complaints and suggestions received will be tabled before the executive council for deliberations and actions will be taken thereafter, said Awomi.

Media Cell
In an effort to bridge the communication gap between the federation and the public, a media cell has been constituted headed by Siipuni Ng Philo, Asst. General Secretary of NSF. All official press releases and communiques will be the prerogative of the media cell after consultations and thorough deliberation with the executive council, the president said.