In a recent address, Lok Sabha Member of Parliament S. Supongmeren Jamir highlighted the pivotal role of tribal hohos, or traditional councils, in grassroots governance and community welfare in Nagaland and other tribal regions. MP Jamir underscored how these institutions serve as vital connectors between communities and the government, offering support in essential services and strengthening local governance.
Tribal hohos are an integral part of tribal society, particularly in northeast India. They function as traditional governing bodies, providing guidance, settling disputes, and addressing community needs. With their deep-rooted understanding of local customs and priorities, hohos play a unique role in fostering grassroots development, delivering services, and empowering communities. Here’s an exploration of why tribal hohos are essential to grassroots service and how they contribute to the well-being and progress of tribal communities.
Tribal hohos, being deeply embedded in the community, have firsthand insight into the unique needs and challenges of their people. Their knowledge of local traditions, languages, and practices allows them to understand and address issues in ways that formal governance structures might not be able to. By bridging cultural and administrative gaps, hohos serve as effective intermediaries, ensuring that the needs of the community are represented and met.
One of the critical roles highlighted by MP Jamir is the hohos’ involvement in providing essential services at the grassroots level. These services often include health support, educational resources, and conflict resolution. In remote areas where access to government services can be limited, hohos play a direct role in facilitating necessary assistance, from medical care to social welfare programs. For instance, many hohos coordinate with local organizations to distribute supplies, promote health awareness, and support educational initiatives for children.
Tribal hohos foster a sense of unity and belonging within their communities. By promoting collaboration and resolving conflicts, they ensure that communities remain harmonious and work together toward common goals. MP Jamir emphasized this role, noting how hohos encourage cooperation, a vital component in achieving sustainable development at the grassroots level. This cohesion allows communities to tackle larger issues collectively, be it economic challenges, health crises, or environmental concerns.
As custodians of cultural heritage, tribal hohos play a significant role in preserving and promoting traditional practices and values. They organize and oversee cultural events, festivals, and rituals that reinforce a community’s identity and heritage. This preservation is especially important in today’s globalized world, where traditional practices risk being lost. By keeping these customs alive, hohos help maintain cultural continuity and instill a sense of pride in future generations.
Tribal hohos offer a platform for nurturing local leaders who understand the aspirations of their people. These councils encourage community members to take on leadership roles, participate in decision-making, and contribute to their society’s growth. This local governance structure promotes self-reliance and ensures that development is community-led, empowering individuals to shape their own future.
MP Jamir specifically praised hohos for creating a space for collaboration among community members and local officials. This collaboration has proven effective in tackling complex issues, from education and healthcare to environmental conservation, that affect the daily lives of tribal communities.
As noted by MP Jamir, hohos play a practical role in enhancing infrastructure in tribal regions. Recently, through the Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme, community ambulances were provided to several districts in Nagaland, such as Kohima, Phek, Wokha, and Zunheboto, with plans to extend similar resources to other areas. Hohos’ involvement in managing and utilizing these resources is crucial, as they ensure that amenities like ambulances are accessible to those most in need, especially in rural and remote areas.
These contributions from hohos don’t just address immediate needs; they also lay the groundwork for long-term development. By identifying and implementing small-scale infrastructure projects, hohos directly enhance the quality of life in tribal areas, often complementing state and national development efforts.
A core responsibility of tribal hohos is to uphold social welfare and justice within the community. They serve as mediators and arbiters in disputes, ensuring that conflicts are resolved fairly according to traditional values and local customs. This role has been especially valuable in maintaining order and ensuring that community members have access to justice without needing to resort to formal legal systems, which may be costly or less accessible in remote regions.
MP Jamir emphasized this function, highlighting that hohos are not only governance bodies but also centers of social support and fairness. They provide a trusted platform for addressing grievances and promoting a sense of justice within the community, ensuring that social harmony prevails.
Beyond their community-level work, tribal hohos advocate for the rights and interests of tribal people at regional and national levels. They work closely with government agencies and organizations to secure benefits, protect land rights, and ensure that policies account for the specific needs of tribal populations. Hohos are instrumental in raising awareness of issues that affect their communities, from environmental conservation to social justice.
By engaging in advocacy and working as a bridge between the government and tribal communities, hohos ensure that tribal voices are heard in policymaking processes. This is essential for achieving inclusive development, as it enables the government to tailor its programs and policies to better serve tribal communities.
The words of MP S. Supongmeren Jamir underscore the need to recognize and support tribal hohos as foundational elements of community welfare and grassroots development. These councils bring people together, safeguard cultural heritage, and facilitate essential services that empower tribal communities to thrive.
As India progresses toward inclusive growth, strengthening traditional institutions like hohos can enhance the effectiveness of development programs and create a bridge between government initiatives and local needs. With the continued support of local authorities, tribal hohos can drive sustainable development and contribute to a brighter future for tribal communities across the country.
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