Kohima: Speakers at the XXIII Morung Lecture demanded a return to integrity in Naga public life. The event took place at Hotel Japfu in Kohima on August 19. Retired IAS officer Lithrongla G Chishi and Kahoto J Yepthomi of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service addressed the gathering. They warned that corruption, nepotism, and the misuse of public resources are now standard practice.
Chishi argued that parents must prioritize moral values over academic competition. She blamed the VIP culture for blocking deserving youth from jobs and opportunities. Public servants must also accept their role in the decline. Chishi urged citizens to stop blaming only politicians. “If all of us in public life can make a difference and say no to wrong things, say no to dishonest things, say no to corruption, say no to nepotism, we will be able to change,” she said.
Yepthomi described the situation as deeply worrying. He noted that Nagaland relies heavily on central funding like the Revenue Deficit Grant. He warned that taxpayers bear the burden when funds are squandered. Accountability is currently weak. He pointed out that suspended employees often continue to collect pay, stripping disciplinary actions of any real sting. He also criticized the silence from churches and civil society regarding moral failures.
The speakers encouraged the use of the Right to Information Act to boost transparency. Despite the bleak climate, Yepthomi spotted a shift. He noted that new government officers show more interest in honest work. Departments are also acting faster when audit reports highlight errors. The lecture was organized alongside the Research and Development Cell of Fazl Ali College in Mokokchung. Both speakers agreed that reform must start at home. Lasting change requires citizens to take responsibility for their own conduct.
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