A recent inquiry into the revenue generated from Inner Line Permits (ILP) in Mokokchung District has revealed discrepancies, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in local administration.
In May and August 2023, social activist Bendang Imsong submitted two Right to Information (RTI) requests seeking detailed information on the number of ILP holders and the total revenue collected through the issuance of these permits during the fiscal year 2022-23. According to the initial response from the Public Information Officer (PIO), there were approximately 2,000 ILP holders, generating a total revenue of Rs 2,45,525.
However, upon closer examination of the provided documents, Imsong discovered details for only 1,588 ILP holders and the challan details for an amount of Rs 39,743 was missing.
Surprised by the discrepancy, Imsong filed a third RTI on October 26, 2023, to the PIO, Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Mokokchung, seeking clarification on the missing amount.
In response to this third RTI, the DC’s office provided information indicating additional challans amounting to Rs 2,55,676, which was much more than the amount for which the applicant was seeking the information for.
This new information brought the total revenue to Rs 4,61,458 for the fiscal year 2022-23, starkly contrasting with the initial figure of Rs 2,45,525. “This clearly shows that there is a significant discrepancy in the financial information provided,” said Imsong.
“According to the ILP records, ¹ 4,61,458/- was generated in the fiscal year 2022-23, but the first RTI response indicated only ¹ 2,45,525/-. Therefore, the RTI reply to my query does not satisfy me,” he added.
The social activist further said that, despite his third RTI request, the department has yet to provide satisfactory and accurate information. “I am deeply concerned about the reliability of the information provided under the RTI by the APIO and these inaccuracies and omissions undermine the transparency and accountability of the department,” he maintained.
Following this, Imsong has urged all civil society organizations, student bodies, NGOs, and the concerned Departments to “unite and address this serious issue of ILP in every districts of Nagaland before it escalates.” If left unchecked, he feared that these lapses could have serious implications for the integrity of the state.
He urged everyone to work together to uphold Nagaland’s values and prevent it from succumbing to neglect and mismanagement.