Despite the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act 1989 in force since the past 25 years, the Excise department has been \u201csidelined\u201d for long due to \u201ccertain short sighted interpretation of the government as well as the mindset of Naga people with regard to total prohibition\u201d, said parliamentary secretary for Excise and Land Resources Development, B.S. Nganglang during first meeting at the Excise directorate in Dimapur on Tuesday. \nNganglang who took charge of Excise department recently, said that when the Act was enforced in 1989, the government of the day, may have \u201cmisjudged\u201d the implications in failing to realise that enacting the Act also placed consequent responsibilities on the department.
\nDue to the consequent failing, Nganlang opined that it gave way to assumption that the department had become \u201cduty less\u201d when there was failure to effectively implement the NLTP Act. Nganlang admitted that there were \u201ccertain anomalies\u201d during the initial stage of implementation of the Act as a result of which, the department was \u201cfacing all sorts of problems\u201d. He said public opinion on the Act was divided and so it was the duty of the department to give a \u201cclear and well assisted opinion\u201d and to ensure that the stakeholders of the state was properly briefed about the situation.
\nNganlang reminded that the \u201cmovement\u201d on the NLTP Act by sections of the society was keeping the department in the \u201ctight position\u201d.
\nHe warned that the pro and anti NLTP debate was likely to \u201chot up\u201d as the days go by and therefore asked the department to be prepared to give all the possible feedbacks to NGOs including churches.
\nHe also exuded hope that \u201csomething\u201d will come out, as serious consultation meetings was also convened by the NPF led DAN-III government to discuss on NLPT Act.
\nNganlang opined that if the government took any decision on lifting the NLTP Act, it would remain meaningless if the government did not enforce a result oriented system.
\n Whatever decision to be taken on NLTP, he said that lifting the Act or tightening it more effectively required the involvement of the department. He further encouraged the department officials and personnel to cooperate and work together so as to lift up the image of department to a greater height.
\nNanglang also lauded the department for doing its best despite less manpower. He also appreciated the efforts of the officers in trying to bring new developments to the department.
\nEarlier, in his introductory and welcome address, commissioner of excise Maongwati Aier, IAS pointed out that the department was doing its best despite less manpower and inadequate facilities.
\nIn a representation to the parliamentary secretary, Maongwati reminded that he had submitted proposal to the government in the year 2012 and the matter was referred to the finance department for necessary action to be initiated. He said the proposals included creation of 50 posts of excise constables submitted to the Commissioner & Secretary Excise on August 6,2012. He said there was urgent requirement for a Deputy Superintendent Excise(DSE) in all districts but at present, there were only four DSEs as against requirement for 13 DSEs. The commissioner excise also pleaded to upgrade\/promote nine inspectors to DSEs and also for creation of three posts of superintendents of excise.<\/p>\n
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