NPRAAF, parl secy Tourism meeting discuss issues

Nagaland Public Rights Awareness and Action Forum (NPRAAF) had called on parliamentary secretary tourism, Apok C. Jamir at his office chambers in Kohima on July 27, and discussed on anomalous and irregular appointments in Tourism department including  other issues. 

NPRAAF information and publicity cell in a press release said that meeting with the parliamentary secretary was fruitful. During the meeting, NPRAAF said various points including increased in the sanctioned posts of tourist officers and its representation to the state government were also deliberated. 

The forum said after a series of meetings with various department officials,  NPRAAF and the parliamentary secretary “agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)” proposed by the former. In the MoU, NPRAAF said it was agreed that all tourism infrastructures constructed would be handed over to the department within 45 days. 

The two sides agreed that henceforth, all infrastructures lying unused owing “to unknown reasons” which were under the authority of certain individuals/landowners, and all clearance/utilization certificates of infrastructural development should be issued jointly by the Engineering Wing and the Tourist Officer concerned. The forum said it was also agreed that any deputation service sought by the department would be openly declared for competition and filled within one year from the date of utilizing that deputation service. Under this policy, NPRAAF said unemployed qualified youth would be benefitted. 

The forum said it also agreed that “absorption along with post” and back door appointments in the department should be completely stopped and that there should be no further privatization of tourist lodges in the state. In line with the department’s service rule of 12 sanctioned posts of tourist officers, the forum said the parliamentary secretary “agreed to designate 12 senior tourist officers as district tourism officer”.

While acknowledging Apok’s sincerity and commitment towards transparent functioning of the department, NPRAAF said it will periodically monitor the “commitment” made by the parliamentary secretary in the interest of justice. 

Apok clarifies: Parliamentary Secretary Tourism, C. Apok contacted Nagaland Post over the statement of NPRAAF to clarify that he had made no commitment about agreeing to all their demands. Apok said he appreciated the genuine grievances of NPRAAF and assured that he would sympathetically look into their demands.