It is well known to many of us in Nagaland and other parts of India also though, they are having Panchayat Raj, that the Village Development Board of Nagaland has done a marvelous works (Job) in rural Areas up to their mark, though it cannot achieve 100% in last 25 years which was created in 1979.
Specially in our constituency (Block) after the VDB Secys./Members toured other parts of India in 1990’s and when they came back, they tried and have successed by changing the living standard and way of life of the villagers in hygienic way, behaviour and have learn something also.
Like digging the earth and making latrines, boiling the water and keeping in bottles for drinking, keeping the houses neat and clean, wearing clean clothes, stopped many of them chewing pan, way of behaving and talking, using milk and sugar for tea, etc.
For developmental works also, before, they don’t care much. They simply cut the jungles, like white washing and draw the money. Now, they take control of that, saying other places like towns, villages, cities are so well developed, let us also develop. So, in that way, our Block has developed a lot. The VDB’s are controlling and developing the villages. They are looking after the water supply, like repairing and managing, so that, they get good water supply instead of getting water from streams and wells, looking after the electricity, so that, they get light every night and day instead of going to Towns to purchase K/oil or miss a T.V. show.
After selecting VDB Secys/members who are good in practices, like those who have been or seen Town life frequently, a lot have changes. Now, light and heavy vehicles can fly in the village road, there is a Diesel Huge capacity generator, specially for the Church and Angh house, few RCC building for the community and private also with CGI sheet roofing, lots of T.V.’s, no more naked persons, smell different kind of perfume, specially during Church service and function. So, the VDB’s are the main creator of a/the villages. When they go and see the outside of the village and advertise after coming back, the villager’s copy their activities.
Lots of plantation has also come up, like cardamon, tea, teak, garmari, coffee, fruits, etc. though they don’t know the actual purpose 100% of these items. They have seen it, heard it, Govt. is providing it, they are doing it. So, at least we are happy that they are developing our villages in one way or the other and can boast about it. Some of the few land used for Jhum cultivation has been converted for plantation. So, it’s good to see the changes.
Whenever there is a function, like Jubilee Celebration, VIP visiting, etc. the VDB’s are there to give a good support in term of financial, management, manpower and ideas. They share ideas or give purposal for the development of the village to the concern MLA/Minister from their own Constituency. If, it is neglected, that MLA/Minister is gone in the coming Election, as they will vote for next candidate with the consult of village elders, Angh, Village Councils.
They even give away Cash Award to the student from the village who secure Top position in Exams. Whenever there is, money collection or Donation to be given, they have to part away from their fund. It is good; they deposit their fund (money) Join Account in Bank or Post Office and draw the money whenever the need arises for the village purpose.
Whenever a good or bad problem arises with the village, they consult with the elders like Angh and Village Councils and solve the problem. Sometimes, when their own members/Secy. become “Black Sheep” like misusing their fund or in any other way, they consult the village elders/Councils and replace it indirectly though them but not directly through their own members. So that there is no any bad feeling among them. The VDB’s are the future for the development and welfare of the villages.
They also want their children to be educated and so at least 5% of our village children are studying in Town School so that the children get qualified, educated or learn at least something due to lack of good and qualified Teachers in village Schools even though there are schools in villages with good buildings.
In term of Medical, even though there are Sub-Centre and Dispensary buildings with once a month, medicine and Compounder available, the villagers rush to good Hospital in Towns with the patient with the help of VDB Fund, giving loan, if he or she need.
Lastly, I would like to remind us all that the villagers are moving away from farming season by season and depending much more on govt. subsidied rice and market rice/vegetables and any edible items available in the open market. So, let us pray, that this year 2006 be a successful and progressive Farmer year as declared by our govt.
L.Howing Konyak
S/o Lt. Longnyem K.
Aboi Town Mon, Nagaland
Kohima : Imphal Road, Below South Police Station
