Chief Minister Shri T.R.Zeliang talked about his Heraka connection, corruption, salary, unemployment, PDS scam, and other issues at the 18th Biennial Conference of All Nagaland College Students Union (ANCSU) at Mokokchung on 8th of November, 2017.
Here is the full text of his speech as released by media cell, CMO, Kohima.
Respected Chairperson Mr. Deon Swu, Former President, ANCSU, Mr. Temjennungsang Jami
I am deeply grateful to the Almighty God for giving me this wonderful opportunity of being in the midst of so many outstanding young people at Mokokchung today. Indeed, it has been my long cherished desire to be with the youths, the future leaders of our society; to interact and share ideas with them so that together we can work for the betterment of our society.
However, before I proceed further, I wish to tell you some facts about my past. As you may be aware, much mis-informations have bee
I was born in a remote village called Mbaupungwa in Peren district in the year 1952. At that point of time the village was 100% Heraka. Heraka as you may be aware is a ‘religion’ having fairly substantial followings amongst Zeliangrong villages in Nagaland, NC Hills of Assam and in parts of Manipur.
In the year 1956, when I was barely 4 years old my parents decided to convert to Christianity for which they had to pay the price of being excommunicated from our hearth and home as no Christians were allowed to reside in the village then. It was under these circumstances that my whole family had to go and live in Sailhem village, a neighbouring Kuki village. Later in 1966-67, we moved to Nkialwa village. I am proud to say that my ‘Rangkaulung’ clan is now 100% Christian. This feat, we achieved in the year 1994. Today, my native Mbaupungwa is also a 100% Christian Village.
Why I feel it is necessary to share this personal story with young people gathered here today is because of the propaganda that has been spread by some people out to gain undue political mileage. There are rumours that I am from Manipur, that I am Heraka having secret alliance with the RSS etc. These are all figment of imaginations of my detractors planted to sully my image as a Naga and a Christian. That in brief is the story about my past and my faith in Christ. I am sure educated people like you will be able to discern truth from falsehood and not be misguided by fabricated tales. Now, that I have said so, I feel more comfortable to speak to you about other things and will now share a few thoughts about my vision for a better Nagaland.
First of all, it is about corruption which is the most talked of issue in our state today. Yes, despite efforts put in by successive Government over the years, we have not been able to tackle this menace effectively. While my Govt. shall continue to vigorously pursue our set goal of addressing this problem, we also need to understand that corruption is an all pervasive evil and not just confined to the Govt alone. Rather, it is a collective problem and the foremost step is for each one of us individuals to first change ourselves and be upright in what we do.
Much has been debated about fuel adulteration and the Public Distribution System (PDS) Scams. These malpractices were prevalent from long before but no tangible action could be taken against the perpetrators. Somehow it was during my tenure as C.M. that these scams surfaced and there was much public hue and cry. To tackle the matter, the Govt. constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the accused persons were charge-sheeted and the matter is now in the Judicial Magistrate’s Court. Further, we have issued stringent orders that no petrol pumps should deal in adulterated fuel. And that if any dealers were found selling adulterated fuel in contravention to this order, their dealership license will be cancelled and appropriate action will be taken according to the law. My Govt. is also fully committed to ensuring that the implementation of National Food Security Act 2013(NFSA) carried-out in letter and spirit. Any reports of short receipts of the district quotas shall be dealt with severely and the erring officials taken to task.
Our economy is salary driven. We have the highest number of Govt. employees vis-a-vis the population. Our salary outgo is so huge that we are barely left with any funds for taking up even routine maintenance work leave alone other development activities. Let me give you a figure to elaborate my point. Our resource base isvery poor. We on our own generate just a little over Rs.780 crore annually. However Salary and Pension expenditures alone accounts for Rs 5,501 Crore due to our inability to mobilise adequate revenue we are solely dependent on the central government.
Without adequate resources, it is simply impossible to develop the infrastructure of the State. Particularly the roads of Nagaland which is much talked about at present. We are literally left with nothing but to seek help from the G.O.I. However I must tell you that the face of the roads of Nagaland will soon change as the Government of India, have approved many of our proposals in principle for sanction while some important roads have already been accorded sanction, which combined together, amounts to over Rs 30,000 crorefor road sector alone.
My Government is also seriously focusing on the skills development among the youths. Towards this endeavour, the state government have declared 2016-
One of the major visions of the State Government is to make Nagaland a hub of connectivity with the South East Asian countries. I am sure that this initiative will open up new opportunities for our youths to actively participate in the growth and progress of the state. We must be prepared to make use of this new openingswhen it comes to our door steps.
Reported influx of illegal immigrants has become an issue of grave concern to the state. While the Government is prepared to putting in every effort to contain the menace of illegal immigrants, our people should also play their role. For instance, our youths must be able to take over the skilled jobs like construction works, running of business establishments, vehicle repairing, and such other kind of jobs. Unless we are able to play our respective roles, it will be very difficult for the state government alone to contain illegal immigrants. I therefore appeal to all the young people gathered here today to seriously introspect and contribute towards solving this common problem.
Growing unemployment amongst the young educated people is an issue of great concern. At the same time, It is also not possible for the state Government to provide white collared jobs to all the educated youths. They must come out of the conventional way of thinking that only a white collaredjob is a job and other jobs are below their dignity. Young people must be willing to explore new and innovative avenues and venture into unexplored areas if we are to overcome unemployment problem in the state.
I would also like to address you on the 7 decades old Naga Political issue. If you all think that it is a problem concerning only the NNPGs, the politicians or for that matter the elders of the society and that they alone are to bring about solution than I’m afraid you are wrong. It is my belief and ardent desire to find a solution and for that the collective efforts of all the Nagas and in particular the Youths and Students like you all is a must in helping to solve and find a solution to the protracted Naga Political problem. I can proudly say that this is Golden opportunity for the Nagas and G.O.I to resolve the issue amicably – understanding each other’s difficulties.
Let me tell you why I say that solution is important for you my young friends. In the prevailing situation the scope of economic growth in the State is badly retarded. There is hue and cry amongst young Naga entrepreneurs not able to take off small business enterprises due to heavy and intimidation taxation. Furthermore, the opportunity for our unemployed youths to be employed in large companies in the State is deprived as the Big Companies are reluctant to invest in our State due to heavy taxation problems. The answer to these problems, therefore, lies in finding a honourable, acceptable and inclusive solution to the vexed Naga political problem for which, we all must strive.
The theme of your conference “Synergizing Young Mind” is indeed inspiring and most aptly chosen at a time when our youths are struggling hard to find proper directions. It is of paramount importance for the young people to vigorously seek wisdom. In today’s world, where artificial intelligence and synthetic knowledge plays a dominant role in moulding our mindset, it has become very difficult for all of us, especially young people, to put things into right perspective without the intervention of divine wisdom. Therefore, invocation of divine wisdom among the people should be lost sight of.
In order to interact and gather views and suggestions for the upliftment of our state, I am actively involved in social media like Facebook, Whatsapp and Instagram. I urge you all to join me in this initiative and be in touch with me by offering positive and innovative views and ideas. I assure you here that I will reciprocate to all your valuable suggestions and comments.
In conclusion, friends let us all commit ourselves to work together for the betterment of our future. I once again thank you all for giving me this privilege to be with you all and wish your conference a grand success. Thank you all.