Dr Asangba Tzudir
The year started with political overtones being the election year - elections to the 14th NLA. Nagaland went to polls on 27th February 2023 and results were declared on 2nd March 2023. The result was on expected lines. However, there wsa something to cheer about, and it was not just a bright spot but Nagaland made history by electing for the first time, two women MLAs - Hekani Jakhalu and Salhoutuonuo Kruse of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party getting their NLA berths in the 60-member State Assembly with wins from Dimapur-III and Western Angami respectively. Today, these two women MLA’s are not simply a voice of representation but as catalysts of change and development while also filling up the missing linkages in the assembly.
The State capital Kohima hosting the B20 Summit from 4th to 6th April was not only a testament of the world being a Global market but Nagaland also made its own strides in aspects where Nagaland has the potential to attract global attention. The conference saw discussion on Opportunities for Multilateral Business Partnerships in Agriculture, Food Processing, IT, Culture and Tourism. While India is on the course to become the “Food basket of the world”, Nagaland with its abundant natural assets and resources such as topography, the rich biodiversity, flora and fauna, healthy forest cover and fertile lands not only brings an opportunity for the State to market its potential in agriculture, but with its rich tapestry of culture and heritage bodes well for the growing tourism industry.
The need for skills and skilling has become an integral component of livelihood and towards this end objective of skilling, the Directorate of Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship through various centrally sponsored schemes from the Ministry of Skill development and Entrepreneurship, has initiated various skilling and entrepreneurship activities. Also, with the introduction of the FYUGP (Four Year under Graduate Programme) this year in all the colleges and which has a major skilling and internship component, and being studied within a curricular framework, the students and the youths will take skills development very seriously. Now with greater and better networking and linkages with other parts of the country, Nagaland has the potential and can become the Skills Hub of India.
Coming to ULB Elections, it has been a topsy-turvy ride starting on a very bitter sad note, but looking forward, an affidavit has been filed on behalf of the Nagaland Chief Secretary in the Supreme Court affirming that the election process of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the State will be completed by April 30, 2024. According to order issued after the proceedings of the petition related to women's reservation in Nagaland on December 11, the affidavit filed on December 8 informed that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly passed the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2023 on November 11. The affidavit also assured that “Rules for the elections would be framed within a month from the date of the affidavit, i.e., on or before January 8, 2024." The election process will be completed by April 30, 2024. In perspective, this will set the tone towards a new trend of governance, planning, regulation and maintenance for building quality life.
The celebration of tribe’s specific festivals all through the year finally culminates in the Hornbill Festival which is tagged as the festival of festivals. The 24th edition went a notch higher in having partner countries from United States of America, Germany and Colombia. The event also saw the First in India to involve US Tribal Nations’ Representatives, so also the positivity of UK looking forward to strengthening ties with Nagaland through collaborations not only in Culture but also education, skills training, horticulture, agro-tech, sports and in exploring the potential of the ‘visitor economy’ in the state as part of its focus on promoting tourism.
From Hornbill, the Christian dominated State has now shifted its mood to the Advent. However, the short preparatory period towards the advent raises the question - how are the Christians in Nagaland preparing for the ‘advent’? One can only pray that the advent is marked by meaningful acts of love.
In a nutshell, the many ‘things’ that defines Nagaland is in need of transparency and accountability, and outcome audit in order to address the larger issues of quality and development. Among the many issues which include the Nagaland Foothill Road, ULB Elections, the economic dependency syndrome and the fiscal deficit, and one that tops it all – the Naga Political Issue, will be carried forward unless there really is sincerity and determination.
On the whole, Nagaland as a whole needs to shift from petty politics and politicking to becoming a ‘politikon zoon’ in the assertion of integrity and rights as a people.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir writes a weekly guest editorial for The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
