Bloggers interactive discussion with Nagaland Chief Minister
Source: CMO Nagaland *

Imphal, October 28 2017: In a modest attempt to deliberate on issues constantly raised by youths on Social Media, 11 young bloggers who have been posting positive suggestions, ideas and opinions on a regular basis in regard to local Governance in the State were today hand-picked and invited for an interactive discussion with Chief Minister, TR Zeliang over breakfast at CM's Official Residence, Kohima.

While creative and innovative ideas of these youngsters are to be utilized in the process of Governance, the initiative 'Breakfast with CM' was born out of a desire to allow youngsters to share information, opinions and ideas with the Chief Minister himself for improvement of local Governance in the State.

Young Invitees at 'Breakfast with CM' pose for the lens with Chief Minister, TR Zeliang at CMO, Kohima on Saturday

The image of Social Media in the State is being adversely affected due to irresponsible criticism, rumors and statements posted and circulated without proper authentication in recent times while on the other hand, there are also several bloggers who come up with ideas and suggestions worth utilizing for good local Governance.

The 11 youngsters selected to sit with the Chief Minister this morning were Jenpu Rongmei, a Social Worker and Chief Functionary of CAN Youth; Temsusenla Kichu, an Entrepreneur and Proprietor of Fusion Store, Dimapur; Imtisunep Longchar, an Entrepreneur and Proprietor of E-Commerce website www.

Ilandlo.

Com ; Lovi Chophi, an Entrepreneur based at Mumbai; Khrolo Lasushe, a Student; T.Amen Jamir, a Govt Employee; Tsalila Rudy, a fresh Graduate; Vikato S.Aye, an activist; Steve Chophy, a Student Leader serving DNSU as Gen.

Secy; Inaka Achumi, a young Advocate; Mughabeto Ayemi, a young visiting Lecturer at IFCAI University, Dimapur and Jacob Thuu, a Student leader.

The present day Government under the leadership of Chief Minster, TR Zeliang is determined to streamline Government working system and work tooth and nail while allowing youths to interact and participate in the Governance process.

Youths are the backbone of Society and they are our assets, our future and our leaders for tomorrow and to inculcate in them, the importance of integrity in Governance while giving them the privilege to understand its functioning will go a long way in choosing the right approach to build a vibrant Society.

Today's interaction covered various topics pertaining to the State ranging from roads, power, art, sports, education and tourism to youth policies, students' scholarship and mid-day meals.

The Government is putting-in its best effort in addressing various issues in the State and while appreciating the moves of its citizens in airing grievances, one must inculcate a practical and democratic approach in solving issues at any given point of time.

The need of the hour is to guide and lead the youths into the mainstream of society by educating and inculcating in them the true spirit of leadership and integrity.

The practice of fomenting youths in spreading hidden propaganda on Social Media, negligible it may be, and the encouragement to use arms, catapults, stones and sticks in their propagated endeavor for good local Governance is not only a clear case of exploitation but a dangerous trend which calls for urgent attention.

The present day Government stands steadfast in taking up the matter of road connectivity, backdoor appointment and Corruption on priority basis.

Any Civil Society or NGOs including Youths would do better by embracing the call of the Government by suggesting measures towards strengthening and developing policies and programs meant for general welfare.

Building all-season roads, stimulating a culture of integrity, putting in place anti-corruption control measures, recognizing corruption reporting mechanisms etc cannot be accomplished within a short period of time and as such, youths must come up with citizen-friendly initiatives before the Government instead of organizing agitation, rallies and bandhs which are provocative in nature.

Unless youths join hands with the Government and broaden their understanding on the complexities of problems in the State, neither the practice of confronting the Government physically nor spreading irresponsible and false information on Social Media, will take the Society to the desired level.

The interaction this morning lasted for a good 3 hours with several young minds venting out their opinions on the above issues among others.

The present day Government is strongly committed in building a vibrant and developed Nagaland and in pursuing this, let democratic practices like mutual respect, co-operation and understanding be the initial steps in finding a lasting solution for a better tomorrow.

The Government is of the view that without serious effort to integrate youth participation measures into development policies, sustainable development goals of the Government cannot be achieved and for this very reason, this humble attempt named 'Breakfast with Chief Minister' was initiated to give an opportunity to the youths to sit and address issues of concern before the Chief Minister himself.

The door of the Government is always open for discussing issues in a democratic manner in-order to bring public grievances to its logical conclusion and taking all these factors into account, including the importance of Government-Citizen relationship, 'Breakfast with Chief Minister' was organized, humble an initiative it may be.

* The sender can be contacted at mediacellcmonagaland(AT)yahoo(DOT)com .