Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton with members of the Ex-PAN at its general body meeting in Chümoukedima on November 11. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 11
Describing the Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) as a non-partisan platform, speakers at its general body meeting on November 11 asked former legislators to constructively work together irrespective of party divisions. The meeting was held at the Nagaland Police Complex in Chümoukedima.
Addressing the gathering as the special guest, Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton stated that former legislators have a role to play in public affairs even after leaving office. “You have seen how policies are made, how institutions function, and how decisions affect people at the grassroots level,” Patton said, adding that “constructive advice offered in the interest of the people will always deserve attention.”
He further urged the former legislators to work toward Naga reconciliation, stating that a final settlement to the Naga political issue cannot arrive without unity among the people.
“We cannot expect lasting peace if we remain divided among ourselves," Patton said, urging the members to exercise their standing in their communities.
While acknowledging that differences of opinions may exist, he said that it should not “prevent us from recognising our common interest.”
He reiterated that the state government is not a negotiating party in the talks between the Centre and Naga Political Groups, but acts as a facilitator through the Political Affairs Committee.
Earlier, former legislators I Imkong and C John Konyak noted that the Ex-PAN brings together members from the Congress, NPF, BJP, and independents, and urged members to use their experience to advise the government on public matters without taking partisan lines. John also suggested adopting the term “former legislators” rather than “ex-legislators.”
Former speaker Neiba Ndang presented a comparative study tour report reviewing retirement benefits for legislators in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Assam, and Meghalaya.
Ndang reminded that its representation seeking a revision of post-retirement benefits had been submitted earlier to the Chief Minister, and was now being resubmitted to the Deputy Chief Minister. While Nagaland fixes the monthly basic pension at Rs 60,000 with a Rs 3000 term increment and bars dual pensions, Arunachal Pradesh offers a Rs 60,000 base with Rs 5,000 increments for each additional tenure up to a Rs 85,000 ceiling and permits multiple pensions.
In Mizoram, pensions start at Rs 40,000 with a Rs 70,000 ceiling, multiple pensions are allowed, and former legislators and their families receive state-funded medical treatment across India with travel costs covered.
Assam provides pensions at 50 percent of the last drawn pay alongside a monthly medical allowance of Rs 50,000, while Meghalaya provides pensions between Rs 30,000 and Rs 65,000 supplemented by driver and healthcare allowances.
The association requested that the prevailing ex gratia amount of Rs 25,000 given to the next of kin of deceased members be raised to Rs 2 lakh. The members also asked for the release of the Rs 1 lakh medical grant for serious ailments and an upward revision of the Rs 15,000 natural calamity assistance.
Responding to the memorandum, the Deputy Chief Minister assured to take up the matter with the Cabinet. “I will surely take up this issue not only with the CM, but we Cabinet have to take a decision on this,” Patton said.
According to Ex-PAN member, Dr Chumben Murry, who chaired the programme, the Nagaland Legislative Assembly has seen more than 300 elected members since statehood. Out of which, around 200 have passed on.
The general body meeting was attended by 31 members.
