MLA and Chairman DPDB Kohima, Kevipodi Sophie, Deputy Commissioner B Henok Buchem and district officers during the DPDB Meeting on April 29. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, April 29 (MExN): Concern over the non recognition of traditional Naga naming conventions in national digital systems was raised during the Kohima District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting held at the DPDB Hall on April 29.
Presenting the issue, District Agriculture Officer, Kohima, Kekhrieletuo Yhome said several national portals do not accept certain characters commonly used in Naga names, particularly “ü” and “o,” creating difficulties for individuals in official documentation and service access.
He stressed that the problem could have long term consequences, especially for younger generations, if not addressed at the policy level, and urged authorities to accommodate indigenous naming systems in national databases.
Yhome said names among Naga communities carry deep cultural, emotional, and spiritual significance, and altering them to meet technical requirements diminishes their meaning and identity. He noted that many individuals are already compelled to modify their names in official records due to system limitations.
He further cautioned that while manual corrections are currently possible in some cases, increasing automation in future systems could remove such flexibility, potentially excluding many people from accessing services. He also pointed out that changes in spelling may distort gender identity, with some female names turning into male equivalents when characters are removed or replaced.
According to Yhome, the issue has wider implications, including emotional distress, document mismatches, and legal complications in areas such as banking, property ownership, passport applications, and travel.
Other issues discussed
Meanwhile, at the meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner and Vice Chairman DPDB Kohima, B Henok Buchem, efforts to promote voluntary blood donation in the state were highlighted by Voluntary Blood Donors Association of Nagaland (VBDAN) President Burakum.
He informed that VBDAN, established in 2011, has organised over 80 blood donation camps in collaboration with various organisations and institutions.
He stated that Nagaland requires around 20,000 units of blood annually, with Kohima district alone needing more than 3,600 units. Following deliberations, the DPDB decided to organise a blood donation camp on May 13, with members requested to participate and bring at least five additional donors each.
Updating the Board on Census of India 2027, Extra Assistant Commissioner Dr Riku Khutso said it will be conducted in fully digital mode. Self enumeration is scheduled from June 15 to 30, followed by house to house surveys from July 1 to 30. He urged public cooperation, stating that the census is vital for planning and development.
The Food and Civil Supplies Department also presented an overview of the implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) in Kohima district.
DCSO Kohima, Metsisieto Zhasa said more than 90,000 beneficiaries are covered through the Public Distribution System, with digitised distribution and an ongoing e KYC drive to ensure only eligible households receive benefits.
Among others, MLA and Chairman DPDB Kohima, Kevipodi Sophie; Deputy Commissioner and Vice Chairman DPDB Kohima, B Henok Buchem; and district officers attended the meeting.
