VISION MOKOKCHUNG 2040 A collaboration between the Mokokchung QQC Planning & Organising Committee and the Citizens of Mokokchung. Prepared by; Mayangnokcha Award Trust. Published by Mokokchung District Art & Culture Council (MDACC) On behalf of the people of Mokokchung 300 copies 2019 Printed at Longpok Offset Press, Mokokchung VISION MOKOKCHUNG 2040 Contents Acknowledgements Foreword Preface Executive Summary Introduction …………………………………..………….…………………. 5 Vision Mokokchung 2040 ……………………………………………... 7 Core Values of Vision Mokokchung 2040 ……………………... 8 The Foundation of Vision Mokokchung 2040 ……..…………... 9 Economic Development Model ………………………….…………… 13 Conclusion …………………………………………………………………….. 22 MAT Position Papers. Papers from Resource Persons. Papers from Department & NGOs. Transcribes. VISION MOKOKCHUNG 2040 Acknowledgements Over the years, there have been discussions and isolated papers or documents for Mokokchung in terms of development and related issues. There are also Plan documents for development of various sectors by different Government Departments. We also appreciate that the Concerned Citizens Forum of Mokokchung (CCFM), had earlier brought out documents on their Vision of Mokokchung and its development. But a comprehensive Vision document for Mokokchung in this format is perhaps the first of its kind, and for this, we wish to place on record our appreciation to the Mokokchung QQC Planning and Organising Committee and the District Administration for the initiative and unstinted support. Mokokchung District Art & Culture Council (MDACC), who did all the legwork, liaising and various arrangements. All India Radio (AIR) Mokokchung, for giving wide publicity and producing local programmes on the theme, social media group – I Love Mokokchung (ILM), and many more. Countless individuals have taken the trouble to give their personal views and opinions, well-wishers, and many more others whose contributions havebeen immense. Though not mentioned by name, Thank You. We apologize for any inadvertent omissions. Our sincere 'Thank You' to all those who have taken part during the several formal interactions and discussion programmes, including the Panel Talk sessions. We especially thank all our Resource Paper presenters. Very limited time was given to all of us. However, they have set aside their other schedules and even commitments to give preference for Mokokchung. Such was their commitment for a shared vision for Mokokchung. We profusely thank you all. Dated: 11th October 2017 Er. Moa Aier Mr. Akok Walling MAT Trustor & Coordinator President Vision Mokokchung 2040 Mayangnokcha Award Trust 1 VISION MOKOKCHUNG 2040 GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER MOKOKCHUNG : : NAGALAND. FOREWORD Aptly called as the Land of Pioneers, the Ao community has come by leaps and bounds in terms of imbibing the modern way of life and aspirations. Mokokchung stands out as one of the most progressive district in Nagaland due to the tireless and concerted efforts of the leadership of yesteryears. While acknowledging the success stories of past endeavors, the need for introspection of the growing aspirations of the future generation that calls for a new road map to fill the lacunae of systemic lapses has been felt and incorporated in this Vision Document. The release of this “Vision Mokokchung 2040” document is timely for two reasons: while we are at a crossroads of an uncertain political dynamics, the growing demand for higher standards of governance and development process can no longer be kept on hold; While the human capital of the district is growing at a healthy pace with the Ao Nagas entering and excelling in all avenues- economic, political, socio-cultural and education, there is a need to properly channelize this resource through creation of a conducive environment to nurture and un tap this human potential. Strengthening of basic infrastructure for human development like roads, communication facilities, infrastructure for avenues like sports, educational and social institutions, forward and backward linkages in agriculture and allied services and fostering an effective and responsive citizenry are the major highlight of this Document. It underlines the urgency of overhauling a new way of thinking that is effective and responsive towards progress. As the Mayangnokcha Award Trust lays down the framework for a new roadmap for the next 25 years, it is my hope that this Vision Document serves well in line with the new development paradigm that developing societies are moving forward, a development approach that is holistic encompassing the sensitivities of changing 2 VISION MOKOKCHUNG 2040 times, people's aspiration and one that is harmonious towards nature. It calls for greater participation of the people from all quarters, wisdom from experience and commitment that strives for excellence and equity. Partnership with all stakeholders where confidence in each other and the trust will have to be the mainstay. A shared vision for a common good with selfless dedication by stake holders. The journey is one where there is a perennial struggle towards harmonizing interests and common good, to maintain a fine balance between the values of tradition and modernity, where one has to emerge as the benefactor of both. Regards and Best Wishes! (SUSHIL KUMAR PATEL) IAS Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung. Nagaland. 3 VISION MOKOKCHUNG 2040 Preface During the very short time that was given to us - one and a half- months; we have tried to solicit the views, opinions and suggestions of every concerned citizen and the responses have been spontaneous and tremendous. This we believe, is because this is an idea whose time has come. The people are seeing the fast paced progress and development of the world around them. The media with its every pervasiveness and reach, has made the growing gap between where we are now, and the rest of the world, all the more acute and painful. There is the desire and the realization that we deserve something better – The realization that we can do better and ought to do better. Aspirations have grown. But the delivery system has not only deteriorated, but has practically become defunct. The cry for a Vision and a better quality of life is therefore felt more acutely today than ever before. Vision Mokokchung 2040 is just a small step towards building a bridge for a better future. It is our dream that this becomes a people's movement – a live document. There are innumerable Plan documents produced by experts and even international consultants lying with the State Government. However we feel that these have become 'dead or dormant documents' as stakeholders are neither aware of the good points mentioned in these documents, nor are they being highlighted and properly implemented. Maybe the socio-political ground situation is an obstacle for implementation. Or perhaps, it could be even in the interest of those 'powers that be' to keep these developmental plan documents in cold storage. Be that as may, we do not claim any particular subject expertise to draw up such a Vision Document, but we have just tried to act as a channel for the aspirations expressed by the people. Therefore, this Vision Document contains only the dreams, the aspirations and the passion of the people and is not a technical paper. We painfully acknowledge our shortcomings in the technicalities. We hope that the readers, the people who are the real stakeholders, and the policy makers and those who implement them, shall view it from that perspective. Vision Mokokchung 2040; is in commemoration of the 125 Years of Mokokchung Town – Quasquicentennial Celebration held during 12th - 16th December 2015. This document is dedicated to all the pioneers of the town, and that we may continue to be inspired by their works and sacrifices. 4 VISION MOKOKCHUNG 2040 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Entrusted by the Deputy Commissioner & Convenor, Mokokchung QQC Planning and Organising Committee, Vision Mokokchung 2040 is an outcome of the Town's Quasquicentennial celebration during December 2015. Vision Mokokchung 2040 envisages a state where physical progress and economic development of Mokokchung is the outcome of a society, whose foundations are rooted in a shared value of integrity, trust, justice and freedom; an empowered and vigilant citizenry, and an accountable and performing government. A rapid development of key infrastructure in roads, water, electricity, medical & healthcare and education will be triggered only as an outcome of enlightened and responsible individuals. So also, the dire necessity of flourishing trade and commerce can take place as an outcome of strong work ethics and entrepreneurship. We desire a future in which trust and confidence are rebuilt at all levels – individual as well as corporate. A future in which we have a genuine transformative mind set can be expected only as a result of significant change from the many rigid traditional dogmas to modernity. Developing a strong Agri& Allied sector should form one of the main bases for an economic rejuvenation of the District. In our search for economic growth, development and jobs, an adequate level of population growth should be maintained for productive economic activity and workforce. The District must continue to maintain the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) above the minimum replacement rate of 2.1 child born per woman. Our rich heritage and culture can be sustained only if a healthy TFR is maintained. The threat by illegal immigrants to our very survival is real. Along with strong legal and security measures, this can be effectively confronted by denying them the “pull factor” of jobs and economic survival in our lands, through our hard work and occupying all economic spaces – in farms, in shops, in small businesses, in construction, in factories and 5 VISION MOKOKCHUNG 2040 everywhere, by our own hands only. A “vision” which cannot comprehend nor address this issue would not be a “vision”, but will result in a situation of where “the people perish”. Road quality and connectivity would be the key drivers for our economic development. The present time taken from point A to point B is unacceptable. The aspired times should be half of what is taken now.