‘Corruption institutionalised and entrenched in our lifestyle & thinking’

Morung Lecture XX  converses on Transparency in Nagaland

Morung Express News 
Mokokchung | November 9

“When there is no questioning about corruption and it has become part of how we conduct our lives… the scary part is when things are being institutionalised and entrenched into our lifestyle and thinking,” stated Dr Chingmak Chang, Secretary of Eleutheros Christian Society (ECS) Tuensang.

He was delivering the 20th Morung Lecture at Fazl Ali College (FAC), Mokokchung, on November 8, as part of the ‘Conversation on Transparency in Nagaland: A Tool for Accountability in Governance’ organised by The Morung Express in partnership with the FAC’s Research & Development Cell.

Dr Chang further noted that in tribal societies, the term “cultural values” is often used loosely and while Nagas often claim that their culture is inherently democratic, he emphasised that those values should not be viewed only in a positive light.

Naga values, in relation to democratic rights and values, are very different from their cultural values, he opined.

There may be certain resemblance of equality and amity but as far as democratic rights are concerned, he held that “in tribal societies, we have hierarchies and the Naga problem is really about the hierarchy” with a very strong patriarchy.

“That’s where the Naga dilemma lies,” he noted, pointed out often one’s sense of security and being comes from the tribal identity.

Expounding further, he underlined that the lack of local democracy in a tribal society can have severe negative consequences leading to nepotism and favoritism, inequality and social unrest, poor governance and corruption, limited access to education and employment and cultural erosion and loss of identity.

He also illustrated reasons why homogeneous tribal cultures may not be truly democratic, including limited participation and representation, hierarchical social structures, prioritisation of collective over individual rights, lack of separation of powers, and traditional authority prevailing over the rule of law.

However, he underscored that it is essential to recognise that not all tribal cultures are homogeneous or undemocratic.

 “Democratic principles can be adapted to suit local contexts and tribal cultures have valuable insights to offer democratic theory and practice,” Dr Chang asserted.

Lack of democracy, he said,  could lead to cultural erosion and loss of identity in several ways through imposition of external values, limited community participation, cultural homogenisation, suppression of traditional practices, commercialization of culture, migration and displacement, and educational system prioritizing dominant culture, neglecting or distorting tribal’s history, culture, and values.

To prevent cultural erosion, he advocated the promotion of community-led decision-making, supporting cultural education and language preservation, empowering traditional leaders and cultural custodians, encouraging cultural exchange programs, establishing cultural protection policies and fostering inclusive, participatory governance.

“Preserving cultural diversity enriches humanity, and democracy and community engagement are essential for maintaining cultural identity,” the ECS Secretary stressed. 

“Can we think of a Naga society where we can think beyond our tribe where our identity does not come from the tribe?” he posed, while asserting that the reform has to happen at the grassroots and individual level. 

“We need to understand where we stand and why we are struggling with the very issue of transparency and accountability,” he added.

Transparency is all about ‘public life’
“As a Naga, we are proud to be Naga, we love our culture, our food, our Nagaland and I am sure we want our best stories to be known to the world, but when we see the present reality around us, one often wonders what are we proud of?” 

This was a question Lanu Longkumer, Professor, Department of Geography, Nagaland University, & Human Rights & Environmental activist, put across, the other speaker of the 20th Morung Lecture.

Among others, he cited bad road conditions, improper medical facilities, lack of basic amenities, all sorts of misinformation and disinfomation, corruption, and underdevelopment in the state. 

Transparency, he maintained, is all about ‘public life’ pointing out that “in any democracy the government is obligated to its citizens to be open, accountable and efficient, and that includes providing timely and accurate information to its citizens.” 

On the other hand, he said, “citizens must ‘see through’ what goes on when government official/ politicians and civil servants transact business for its citizens- be it developmental program/plans, policy, implementations etc.”

Transparency resonates democracy by promoting openness, inclusiveness, fairness, accountability and efficiency, and it builds trust between governnment and its citizens, Prof Longkumer underscored.

In this connection, he cited Vision Nagaland 2001-2011 (Towards Positive Change) that talks about accountable, efficient and transparency governance while Nagaland Vision 2025 (2012) (Prosperity through Agriculture) talks about food for all & surplus food production by the end of 2025. 

He further mentioned some prominent slogans promised during elections by some state politicians or political parties such as a ‘New Nagaland’ and ‘Change is Coming’.

The reality in Nagaland, however, is quite different, the professor said, further contending that not only dependency syndrome persists, a more sophisticated system of corruption is affecting all aspects of Naga society.

Today, “we have a situation of haves’ and have nots,” he added,  with a small section controlling resources while the marginalised remain disadvantaged—something previously unknown in Naga culture.

He further pointed out  Nagaland’s ranks as the third worst-performing state in India, with the second-highest youth unemployment rate (27.4%) and recent issues include the High Court’s quashing of 1,108 appointments in police department and other backdoor recruitments, as well as delays in major projects like the High Court complex, Dimapur Stadium, Highways, and Rural Housing Schemes and so on. 

Or going by the CAG report on Nagaland developmental scams one gets the notion of what is happening in the State can be termed as developmental disaster,’ he pointed out, wondering  what led to such colossal mess in the ‘Christian-state.’

Prof Longkumer stated that the opposition-less government in Nagaland reflects the lack of mechanisms to check actions, highlighting the absence of effective governance, where public resources are diverted for private gain, laws are poorly implemented, and accurate data is unavailable.

Where are the watchdogs?
Most of the NGOs and CSs organisations abstain from playing the role of ‘watchdogs’ and instead many  leaders of such organisations are being played in the hands of the powerful politicians and bureaucrats, he maintained.

Against such backdrop, where do the common citizens stand? Prof Longkumer asked. The professor identified three types of citizens: the naive citizen, who is innocent and ill-informed; the complicit citizen, part and parcel of the corrupt state apparatus; and the spectators, who remain silent and ignore corruption.

In this connection, he underscored that transparency and accountability involves both ways.

“In the contemporary progressive society, the core element of democratic governance is the social contract between a government and its citizens. A government must have the ability to produce good governance with all transparency and effectiveness in lieu of the legitimate endorsement and support to the government by the citizens,” he underlined.

He suggested that citizens engage in healthy debates, discussions, and share opinions virtually to raise awareness on various issues, noting that social media’s reach in public spheres highlights its effectiveness in modern society. He added that social media could serve as an alternative for Nagaland’s citizens to participate in government processes and ensure transparency in democracy.

Regarding change, the professor acknowledged it as a highly debated but challenging concept, with thinkers and reformers often facing strong opposition. However, Prof. Longkumer emphasized that as responsible citizens, it is time to take ownership of issues affecting society and the future, rather than leaving them solely to the state. 

“Citizens’ active and informed participation in public issues would be the most effective entry point for better governance”, he added. 

In her closing remarks, The Morung Express’ Director of News & Administration, Akangjungla, asserted that “governance starts from the self” and added that governance has a morality of its own, ensuring that the world, family, and society we create enjoy peace, justice, and equality

“While we all look up to the civil societies and church bodies to fasten the belt of truth, it is for the individuals and the peoples to embrace the morality of honesty and develop the practice of speaking nothing but the truth, she added. 

Earlier, LS Vinod, FAC Vice Principal, welcomed the attendees, while Arien Jamir moderated the lecture, and Dr. P. Tiatemsu, Associate Professor (Botany), proposed the vote of thanks.