NSUD Constitution

CONSTITUTION OF THE NAGA STUDENTS’ UNION, DELHI

PREAMBLE

WE, THE NAGA STUDENTS OF DELHI HAVING SOLEMLY RESOLVED TO CONSTITUTE INTO A UNION WHICH SHALL BE CALLED NAGA STUDENTS’ UNION, DELHI, TO PROMOTE AND UPHOLD CULTURAL HERITAGE, EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, FRATERNITY AND INTEGRITY OF THE NAGAS AND ABOVE ALL TO SECURE THE UNITY OF THE UNION, IN OUR GENERAL BODY MEETING, DO HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION ON THIS DAY SECOND OF JANUARY NINETEEN HUNDRED AND SIXTY FIVE, ANNO DOMINI.

ARTICLE ONE: NAME

The name of the Union shall be called “Naga Students’ Union, Delhi”.

ARTICLE TWO: MOTTO

The motto of the Union shall be “Strength in Unity”.

ARTICLE THREE: FLAG

The flag of the Union shall have blue-sky background which manifests and signifies our distinctive identity. The flag shall have the Union’s emblem in the centre encircled by two twig of green leaves which signifies our close association with nature.

ARTICLE FOUR: EMBLEM

The emblem shall be a Morung, white in colour, signifying enlightenment, purity and sincerity. The Morung signifies our common bond, fraternity and learning.

ARTICLE FIVE: OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

(1) The official language of the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi shall be English. (2) All official communication of the Union shall be made in the official language only.

ARTICLE SIX: JURISDICTION

(1) The territorial jurisdiction of the Naga students’ Union, Delhi shall extend to all areas within Delhi and National Capital Region.

(2) The Executive Jurisdiction of the Union shall extend to all the members, associate members and the Student Units affiliated to Naga Students’ Union, Delhi. (3) There shall be no other Naga students’ organisation(s) in Delhi and National Capital Region except the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi, which is the Apex Body of the respective Student Units.

(4) All the Naga tribes recognized by Naga Students’ Federation or Naga Hoho shall form their respective Students’ Unit within the purview of the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi. (5) The Unit(s) shall function/operate within the framework of the Constitution of the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi.

(6) The Constitution of the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi is supreme and shall prevail in the event(s) of conflict(s) between the Apex Body and its Unit(s).

(7) No executive member(s) of the Union and its Unit(s) shall affiliate himself/ herself to any organisation which may duly override the Constitution of the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi.

ARTICLE SEVEN: MEMBERSHIP

(1) There shall be two types of membership, i.e. membership in/of the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi:

(a) Primary Membership: All bonafide Naga students residing within Delhi and National Capital Region shall be members of the Union.

(b) Associate Membership: All other Nagas residing in Delhi and National Capital Region may become associate members of the Union if they agree to abide by the constitution of the Union.

(2) Registration:

(a) All the Naga students living in and around Delhi shall compulsorily register themselves with the Union and such responsibility shall lie with the Executive Council as provided under Article 20 (2).

(b) Membership fee shall be collected once every tenure from all the members and that such fees collected shall be administered within the meaning of Article Seven (1) sub clause (a) and (b).

(d) Those who failed to get themselves registered with the Union shall not be entitled to avail the services and benefits from/of the Union.

(3) Loss of Membership:

Any member of the Union can lose his or her membership on violation of the Constitution in words, actions or otherwise. Membership shall be restored after two years unless it is decided otherwise by the executive in consultation with the House of Representative.

ARTICLE EIGHT A: AFFILIATION AND DE-AFFILIATION

(1) AFFILIATION

(a) Any Naga Tribe(s) who is not a constituent Unit member of the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi can affiliate themselves with the Union provided that the said tribe is recognized by the Naga Students’ Federation/ Naga Hoho as provided under Article 6(4) of the Constitution.

(b) Provided that such a proposal for affiliation is authenticated and approved by the Naga Students’ Federation/ Naga Hoho, whichever applicable, and a written statement of such authentication or approval be submitted to the Executive Council.

(2) DE-AFFILIATION

(a) Any constituent Student Unit member who is found to violate the spirit and integrity of the Constitution of the Union shall be suspended from the Union

(b) Provided that such a resolution is approved by a 3/4th majority of both the House of Representatives and the General Body Meeting.

(c) In the case of difference of opinion between the House of Representatives and the General Body Meeting, the decision of the General Body meeting shall be final.

ARTICLE EIGHT B: SPECIAL PROVISIONS

(1) The Union may create special provision(s) for the Units which are not in a position to form Union(s) due to lack of numerical strength if they so desired.

(2) With the exception of cultural obligations, no competitive events shall be conducted on the basis of Tribal Units by the Union.

ARTICLE NINE: FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES

(1) In consonance with the ideals enshrined in the preamble of the Constitution, it is the Fundamental Duty of every member of the Union:

(a) To maintain allegiance and abide by the constitution of the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi.

(b) To uphold, defend and cohesively work for unity and integrity of the Nagas irrespective of artificial territorial divisions.

(d) To individually and collectively strive towards excellence in all spheres of intellectual and physical activities.

(e) To promote the basic human principles of peaceful co-existence and to adhere to morally and socially accepted norms that shall project the good image of the Union and the Nagas

(2) The Student Units must ensure the compulsory attendance of a minimum of 5 (Five) members in every General Body Meeting and corollary activities of the Union. Failure to comply with this provision shall authorise the Union Executive to impose monetary penal fines, the amount of which shall be determined by the GBM from time to time.

ARTICLE TEN: DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES

(1) The Union shall endeavour to promote cultural, educational and socio-economic interest and programme of the Nagas

(2) The Union shall preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage, customs and tradition of the Nagas.

(3) The Union shall safeguard the rights and well-being of every member of the Union. (4) The Union shall steadfastly fight against social, economic, educational and regional injustices.

(5) The Union shall strive for promotion of talents and attainment of excellence in various fields.

(6) The Union shall cherish, uphold and further promote the fraternity feelings among all Naga communities in particular and humanity in general.

(7) The Union shall fight anti-social elements and practices in any form.

(8) The Union shall strive to preserve the ecology and promote sustainable environment for the benefit of humanity.

ARTICLE ELEVEN: GENERAL BODY MEETING (GBM)

(1) GBM is the highest decision making body of the Union.

(2) There shall be at least 2 (two) General Body Meeting in a calendar year. (3) The Assembly Affairs shall notify, convene and conduct the proceedings of the GBM. (4) The Assembly Speaker of the Union shall preside over the GBM.

(5) The convening of the GBM shall be intimidated to the respective Units seven (7) days in advance of the meeting. Provided, in case of Emergency, the GBM can be convened within 48 hours by the Assemble Affairs in consultation with the Executive Council.

(6) The Presiding Officer shall preside, adjourn and prorogue all meetings, and maintain decorum of the assembly.

(7) The Presiding Officer shall reject and accept agendas in consultation with the other members of the Assembly Affairs.

(8) In the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker shall assume the role of the Speaker. In the absence of both, the Pro-tem Speaker shall be appointed for the session. (9) The Quorum of the General Body Meeting shall be formed by three-fourths of the Unit Executive Council Members and at least fifty members of the Union.

(10) If a duly notified General Body Meeting cannot be held for lack of quorum, the meeting shall be postponed and shall be held at any later date, not earlier than 4 (Four) days and not later than 14 (Fourteen) days after the date originally fixed. No quorum shall be required for such postponed meeting.

(11) All ordinary decision(s)/resolution(s) adopted in the General Body Meeting shall be passed by a simple majority.

(12) Provided that all extra ordinary resolution(s) and those under Article 23(6) and Article 26 (3) shall require three-fourths majority of the members present and voting. (13)All the constituting Units of the Union shall be given three votes to be exercised by the President, General Secretary and the Women Affairs Secretary/Women Coordinator and all the specified number of votes required for the adoption of resolution, mentioned under (10) and (11), shall be counted based on this provision.

(14)If any of the Unit Executive Members mentioned under Clause 12 is/are unable to attend the meeting, the power of attorney, to be submitted to the Speaker, shall be granted to any member(s) from the said Unit to cast his/her vote.

(15)Before the voting on any resolution is undertaken, the Speaker shall allot time to the Units to consult with their members attending the GBM and vote accordingly. (16)In the event of tie of votes, the Speaker shall cast his/her vote.

ARTICLE TWELVE: ASSEMBLY AFFAIRS

(1) Assembly Affairs shall comprise of Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Assembly Secretary and Assembly Deputy Secretary.

(2) Assembly Affairs shall be elected by the Electoral College and the said election shall be conducted by the Election Commission in accordance with Article 25A and Article 25B of the Constitution.

(3) Assembly Affairs shall summon and convene General Body Meeting (GBM) of the Union:

a) At the directive of the Executive Council.
b) As and when necessity arises, provided that such a decision to summon and convene the General Body Meeting is proposed/supported by two constituent Units of the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi.

(4) On the question of whether the matter under consideration is ordinary or extra-ordinary, the decision of the Speaker in consultation with the Executive Council shall be final. (5) All the Union’s GBM will be convened and presided over by the Speaker. In the absence of the Speaker, the deputy speaker shall take over the charge.

(6) Assembly Secretary shall record and maintain all the affairs of the GBM. In the absence of the Assembly Secretary, the deputy secretary shall take over the charge. (7) Subsequent to the election and appointment of the members to the offices of the Executive Council , Assembly Affairs and the Tribunal, the Oath of Office shall be

administered by the out-going Speaker and in his absence by the Pro tem Speaker who will be appointed by the GBM.

ARTICLE THIRTEEN A: EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

(1) There shall be an executive organ for the Union, which shall be called the Executive Council.

(2) The Executive shall consist of the following members:

a) President
b) Vice-President
c) General Secretary
d) Assistant General Secretary
e) Finance Secretary
f) Women Affairs Secretary
g) Social and Cultural Secretary
h) Public Relations Secretary
i) Assistant Public Relation Secretary
j) Games and Sports Secretary
k) Assistant Games and Sports Secretary
l) Property Secretary

ARTICLE THIRTEEN B: POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

(1) The Executive Council shall execute the decision(s) of the General Body Meetings. (2) The Executive Council shall present its plan/budget outlay of the incumbent tenure in the first GBM for approval.

(3) Executive Council shall direct the Speaker of the Assembly Affairs to convene GBM whenever necessary.

(4) The Executive Council shall conduct its meetings at least once a month and the quorum for such meeting shall be three-fourths of the Executive Council.

(5) Any member(s) of the Executive Council, failing to attend the Council Meeting(s) consecutively on three counts, shall be subjected to disciplinary action(s) which is to be recommended by the Action Committee after due process. In the event of certain cases/issues requiring further deliberation, the Executive Council may consult the opinion of the House of Representatives before it is tabled in the GBM.

(6) The Executive Council may also assign duties to the members of the House of Representatives as and when required.

(7) The Executive Council shall organize the Annual Nagas’ Meet once in its tenure. (8) The Executive Council shall appoint Tribunal in consultation with the House of Representatives.

(9) The Executive Council shall appoint Action Committee members.

ARTICLE THIRTEEN C: POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE MEMBER(S)

(1) PRESIDENT

(a) The President shall be the head of the Executive Council.

(b) The President shall summon, preside or prorogue all Executive Council meetings. (c) The President is empowered to ask any Executive member to resign only when the member fails to fulfil his/her obligation(s), misuse of Union funds, or indulges in action unworthy of his/her position. The action of the President must be reported immediately to the General Body Meeting for approval.

(d) All Executive power and functions of the Union rest on the President. The President shall execute them directly or in consultation with the members of the Executive Council.

(e) The President may appoint a spokesperson as and when the need arises in consultation with the Executive Council.

(f) In case of emergency, the President shall have independent financial sanction powers, the exercise of which shall be intimated to the Finance Committee within a week.

(2) VICE-PRESIDENT

(a) The Vice-President shall assume all the powers and functions of the President in the event of absence or impeachment of the latter.

(b) The Vice-President shall discharge the responsibilities of the Union as may be assigned by the President from time to time.

(d) The Vice-President shall in consultation with the Executive Council appoint an Editorial Board for any publication work to which he/she shall be the ex-officio member.

(3) GENERAL SECRETARY

(a) The General Secretary shall record and maintain all minutes and proceedings of the Executive Council meetings, or any meeting conducted by the Executive Council. (b) The General Secretary shall coordinate and supervises the activities of the respective Secretaries.

(c) In the absence of the President and the Vice-President, the General Secretary shall, in consultation with the Executive Council, assume the responsibilities and functions as the head of the Union.

(d) The General Secretary shall be responsible for the official correspondence of the Union in consultation with President.

(4) ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETRY

(a) The Assistant General Secretary shall assume the powers and functions of the General Secretary in the event of the latter’s absence or impeachment from the office. (b) The Assistant General Secretary shall discharge the responsibility of the Union as and when assigned by the President or General Secretary from time to time. (c) The Assistant General Secretary shall also collect and maintain the Census record of the students and information of educational institutes.

(5) FINACE SECRETARY

(a) The Finance Secretary shall record and maintain all the financial transactions of the Union.

(b) The Finance Secretary shall be the Chairperson of the Finance Committee of the Union.

(c) The Finance Secretary, the President and the General Secretary shall be equally responsible for the financial management of the Union.

(6) WOMEN AFFAIRS SECRETARY

(a) The Women Affairs Secretary shall undertake the role of coordinating the active participation of the women members in the activities of the Union.

(b) The Women Affairs Secretary shall be responsible for initiating agendas from the women and when the need arises.

(c) In the absence of a lady member in the Action Committee, the Women Affairs Secretary shall act as a member of the Action Committee in cases involving women members.

(7) SOCIAL AND CULTURAL SECRETARY

(a) The Social and Cultural Secretary shall be responsible for organizing and promoting cultural and other social related activities.

(b) The Social and Cultural Secretary shall discharge the responsibility of the Union as and when assigned by the President/General Secretary from time to time.

(8) PUBLIC RELATIONS SECRETARY

(a) The Public Relations Secretary shall be responsible for the wide publicity of the programme and policies of the Union.

(b) The Public Relations Secretary shall work for the promotion of good relations between the Nagas and other communities and their organisations.

(d) The Public Relations Secretary shall initiate and maintain cordial relations with members of the Union on behalf of the Executive Council.

(e) The Public Relation Secretary shall collect and record the registration and membership fees from the respective Tribal Unit Presidents.

(9) ASSISTANT PUBLIC RELATIONS SECRETARY

(a) The Assistant Public Relations Secretary shall assist the Public Relations Secretary for the smooth functioning of the Union.

(b) In the absence of the Public Relations Secretary, the Assistant Public Relations Secretary shall assume the responsibilities of the former in consultation with the other members of the Executive Council.

(10) GAMES AND SPORTS SECRETARY

(a) The Games and Sports Secretary shall be responsible for promoting game and sport activities.

(b) The Games and Sports Secretary shall in consultation with the Executive Council organize Games and Sports Meet.

(c) The Games and Sports Secretary shall be responsible for the Union’s participation in the Game and Sport activities organized by other bodies.

(11) ASSISTANT GAMES AND SPORTS SECRETARY

(a) The Assistant Games and Sports Secretary shall assist the Games and Sports Secretary for the smooth functioning of the Union.

(b) In the absence of the Game and Sports Secretary, the Assistant Games and Sports Secretary shall assume the responsibilities of the said office in consultation with the other members of the Executive Council.

(12) PROPERTY SECRETARY

(a) The Property Secretary shall be in-charge of maintaining the properties of the Union. (b) Use and hiring of any property of the Union shall have the consent and knowledge of the Property Secretary.

ARTICLE FOURTEEN: FINANCE COMMITTEE

(1) There shall be a Finance Committee of the Union consisting of the Finance Secretary as the Chairperson with the President and General Secretary as members.

(2) The Executive Council shall have the power to appoint two additional members to the Finance Committee as and when necessary and whose membership shall be temporary in nature.

(3) The Union shall seek and receive contribution from its members, well-wishers, institutions and other organizations for its functioning.

(4) The Finance Committee shall be responsible for all the financial transaction of the Union and shall maintain strict accounts of the Union.

(5) The Finance Committee shall delegate financial powers to the respective Executive members and Committee(s) from time to time in accordance with the financial position of the Union.

(6) No contribution shall be received or disbursed without the unanimous decision of the Finance Committee. Provided that nothing in this clause shall bar the President from exercising his/her authority as provided under Article 13C (1) (f).

ARTICLE FIFTEEN: ACTION COMMITTEE

1) There shall be Action Committee of the Union with a Chairperson and four other members.

2) There shall be at least one woman member in the Action Committee and in whose absence the Women Affairs Secretary shall be a member of the Committee in accordance with Article 13C (6) (c).

3) The Action Committee shall act as a disciplinary body of the Union and shall conduct its affairs provided under Article 24A of the Constitution.

4) The Action Committee shall perform its duties in coordination with the Executive Council.

ARTICLE SIXTEEN: AUDIT COMMITTEE

(1) The General Body Meeting shall appoint an Audit Committee comprising of 3 three members in each tenure.

(2) The Audit Committee shall audit all accounts and financial transactions of the Union and shall submit the report to the General Body Meeting before the tenure ends for necessary scrutiny and approval.

ARTICLE SEVENTEEN: TRIBUNAL

(1) There shall be a Tribunal of the Union with a Chairperson and two other members. (2) The Tribunal shall be appointed by the Executive Council with the prior consent and consultation of the House of Representatives in accordance with Article 13 B (8) (3) The members of the Tribunal shall be appointed based on the experience of having served the Union and well acquainted with the Constitution of the Union.

(4) The Tribunal shall function as Constitutional Advisors to the Union.

(5) In the event of any crisis pertaining to the operation and interpretation of the Constitution, the matter shall be referred to the Tribunal, whose decision shall be final and binding.

(6) In the event of a motion for the amendment of the Constitution, the matter shall be referred to the Tribunal for examination, and thereafter, the Tribunal shall refer to the General Body Meeting for necessary amendment(s).

ARTICLE EIGHTEEN: ADVISORY BOARD

(1) There shall be an Advisory Board of the Union with a Chairperson and other two members.

(2) The out-going President shall be an ex-officio member of the Board. In case of his/her permanent out-station, the Executive Council shall nominate a person who is well acquainted with the Union, preferably, former President(s) of the Union. The other 2 (two) members shall be nominated by the Executive Council.

(3) The Advisory Board shall aid and advice the Executive Council as and when the need arises.

(4) The advisory opinions or views of the Advisory Board shall not be binding on the Executive Council.

(5) The Tenure of the Advisory Board shall be one incumbent tenure of Executive Council.

ARTICLE NINETEEN: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

(1) The House of Representatives shall consist of all the Executive members of the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi, and President, General Secretary and Women Affairs Secretary of the respective Student Units.

(2) The House of Representatives shall act as the custodian of the Union, thereby, takes important decision with the Executive Council as and when a circumstance requires. (3) The President of the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi shall be the presiding officer of the House of Representatives.

(4) The House of Representative shall set up Committee(s) who shall function as per the term of reference prescribed by the Executive Council.

ARICLE TWENTY: STUDENT UNITS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

(1) All Naga tribes recognized by the Naga Students’ Federation or Naga Hoho shall form their respective Unit Executive Bodies consisting of a President, General Secretary, Women Affairs Secretary and such other office(s) as they deem necessary. Provided that this clause shall not prevent the Union from exercising its powers provided under Article 8B (1) of the Constitution.

(2) The President of the Student Unit shall be responsible for proper registration and collection of membership fees and such other collection as required by the Union. (3) The Student Units shall be responsible for mobilization and implementation of the programme and policies of their respective Unions in accordance with the directives of the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi.

(4) The degree of autonomy exercised by the Constituent Units/Unit Executive Bodies shall be confined only within their respective Student Unit. Provided that the meaning and extent of autonomy is to be construed within the meaning of Article 6 Clause (6) of the Constitution.

(5) All matters of resignation brought before the GBM shall require the approval of a simple majority of the members present and voting.

ARTICLE TWENTY ONE: RESIGNATION

(1) Any resignation letter tendered by any member(s) of the Executive Council, Assembly Affairs, Tribunal or Constitutional Committees established by GBM, must be addressed to the Speaker, and the matter shall be forwarded to the General Body Meeting for final decision. The approval of resignation letters so referred shall be based on a simple majority vote.

(2) Whereas, Speaker shall tender resignation addressed to the Deputy Speaker, and the matter shall be forwarded therewith to the GBM.

(3) In the absence of Speaker and Deputy Speaker, resignation shall be addressed to the President of the Union.

(4) Whereas, any member of the Committee(s), established by the authority of the President or the Executive Council, who desire to resign, shall address the resignation letter to the President of Union and his/her decision on such matters shall be binding.

ARTICLE TWEENTY TWO: TENURE

(1) The tenure of the Executive Council, the Assembly Affairs, Tribunal, and Action Committee shall be from the 1st of April to the 31st of March in a calendar year. (2) The Speaker shall remain in office until the election of all the members to the said offices and after their election, administer the Oath of Office(s) provided under Article Twenty Seven of the Constitution.

(3) The tenure of all other Committees shall be one year, unless it is specified by the House of Representative as otherwise.

(4) In extra-ordinary circumstances, the General Body Meeting shall extend the tenure of the Executive Council, Assembly Affairs, and Tribunal by 45 (forty five) days. (5) If elections cannot be conducted during the extended period the Council of Presidents of Student Units shall be constituted and shall take charge of the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi until the elections of new members.

ARTICLE TWENTY THREE: NO-CONFIDENCE MOTION

(1) The members of the Executive Council and Assembly Affairs shall hold office only as long as they enjoy the confidence of the General Body Meeting.

(2) The General Body Meeting shall take disciplinary action against any of the office bearer(s) of the Union if he or she violates the Constitution of the Union.

(3) No-confidence Motion may be moved against one or more member(s) of the Executive Council and Committee member(s) established by the GBM, by submitting a written petition duly supported and signed by at least 50 members of the Union to the Assembly Speaker, stating the reason why the concerned member(s) should vacate the chair, duly supported by substantial evidence(s).

(4) However, in the event of a no-confidence motion moved against any member(s) of the Assembly Affairs, the Executive Council, after due consultation among its members shall convene the GBM. The President shall officiate the meeting under such circumstances.

(5) The concerned member(s)/ against whom a No-confidence Motion is moved shall be called for explanation and the member(s) concerned may submit his/her explanation to the General Body Meeting.

(6) A 3/4th majority vote shall be required for the passage of any impeachment resolution moved in the General Body Meeting.

ARTICLE TWENTY FOUR A: DISCIPLINARY ACTION-RULES AND FUNCTIONS

(1) Every Naga is required to conduct himself/herself in a manner, which will not disgrace or dishonour the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi as well as the Naga community in Delhi. (2) No Naga student shall misuse the facilities of the State Guest House(s) or create nuisance within the premise(s).

(3) Failure to observe the above rules shall authorise the Union to impose disciplinary action. (4) If one or more member(s) of the Union individually or collectively violate(s) any part of the Constitution in word(s), action(s) or otherwise, the Action Committee in consultation with the Executive Council shall either summon or refer the case to the concerned

Student Unit(s) for necessary action against the defaulter(s) as per the Constitution. (5) The Action Committee and the concerned Student Unit(s) shall investigate the matter within seven days and prepare a report along with its recommendations.

(6) The report and recommendation of the action to be taken shall be submitted to the Executive Council for approval. In case of a dispute, the case shall be referred to the House of Representatives whose decision shall be final and binding.

(7) In the event of one or more Student Unit(s) failing to adhere to the above rules, the Executive Council, in consultation with the Action Committee and the House of Representatives, may veto the finding(s)/decision(s)/action(s) or resolution(s) of that/those particular Student Unit(s) and initiate its own course of investigation and action.

(8) One or more members of the Union may move for motion to take disciplinary action against one or more members of the Union by submitting a written petition to the Executive Council. The petition shall clearly state the reason for moving the motion duly supported by substantial evidence(s).

(9) The decision of the General Body Meeting, by simple majority of the members present and voting, recommending any form of disciplinary action, shall be final and binding.

ARTICLE TWENTY FIVE B: REPRESENTATION AND ENDORSEMENT

(1) No individual member including the Executive Council members or the Student Unit(s) shall claim to represent the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi before any Organization(s)/Forum/Fora without the consent of the Executive Council/House of Representative. Any infringement of this provision shall be liable to disciplinary actions under Article 7(3), Article 8A (2) and Article 23 whichever is applicable.

(2) No individual member including the Executive Council members or the Student Unit(s) shall endorse any particular individual or organization on behalf of the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi without the will and consent of the House of Representative. The violation of this provision shall be subjected to the disciplinary actions as mentioned under the Article 7(3), Article 8A (2) and Article 23 whichever is applicable.

ARTICLE TWENTY FIVE A: ELECTION COMMISSION

(1) The Executive Council shall constitute an Election Commission consisting of 3 (three) members with a Chairman from amongst them, who are active members of the Union, who shall control, direct and supervise the election.

(2) The Executive Council shall constitute Election Commission one month prior to the election.

(3) The Chairman of the Election Commission shall in consultation with the members of the commission appoint the following officers for the conduct of elections:

(a) Returning Officer

(b) Presiding Officer

(4) The Election commission shall be responsible for the conduct of election by: (a) Announcement of date, time and place of election schedule.

(b) Preparation of ballot papers, nomination papers and issuing of the same. (c) Preparation of the electoral rolls.

(d) Scrutiny of the nomination of candidates.

(e) Polling, counting and declaration of result.

(5) Election Commission shall accept on the appointed date and time, the nomination paper(s) from the candidates duly proposed and seconded by any member of the Union. However, Election Commission may disallow any member of the Union from proposing or seconding more than one candidate.

(6) Withdrawal of the nomination may be done 2 (two) days before the date of election. (7) The Election Commission shall accept the appointment of 1 (one) person to be the Polling Agent of each candidate.

(8) In the event of tie, the Chairman of the Election Commission shall decide by draw of lots.

(9) The decision of the Election Commission shall be final and binding.

ARTICLE TWENTY FIVE B: ELECTION RULES AND PROCEDURES

(1) The election of the members of the Executive Council shall be conducted in the last week of March in a calendar year.

(2) The Executive Council Members are eligible for re-election.

(3) The Electoral College shall comprise of three (3) representatives from each Student Unit comprising of the President, General Secretary and Women Affairs Secretary/Women Coordinator.

(4) In the event of non-availability of any of the aforementioned representatives, the concerned Unit should submit an endorsement letter to the Speaker and the Election Committee Chairperson stating:

a) The reason for failing to comply with the provision under Article 25 B(3) b) The name(s) of the representative(s) endorsed by the concerned Unit who are to be appointed as substitute representatives in the Electoral College.

(5) The mode of voting in election of the Executive Council shall be secret ballot system.. (6) In the event of post(s) declared vacant, election to the said post shall be conducted within a period of 1 (one) month.

ARTICLE TWENTY FIVE C: QUALIFICATIONS FOR CANDIDATES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND ASSEMBLY AFFAIRS

(1) All the candidates nominated for election must be a bona fide Naga citizen and a member of the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi.

(2) The candidate must be a person of high moral integrity.

(3) The candidate must not be affiliated to any political party (ref. Article 6(7) (4) The candidate must not be married person.

(5) The candidate must not be a person with any criminal conviction or case pending against him/her.

(6) The minimum qualification for the post of President, Vice President, General Secretary, Finance Secretary, Public Relations Secretary and the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Assembly Affairs, shall be a graduate.

(7) He/She should have a minimum residency period of One Year within the said jurisdiction as provided under Article 6(1) and should have served in his/her capacity as an Executive Council Member of any legitimate student organisation.

(8) Provided, a member contending for election and appointment to the Executive Council shall be a bona fide member of the Union.

ARTICLE TWENTY SIX: AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION

(1) One or more members of the Union may move for amending any part(s) of the Constitution by submitting a petition to the Tribunal of the Union.

(2) The Tribunal shall either accept or reject the petition. The accepted petition shall then be tabled in the General Body Meeting for necessary resolution.

(3) The amendment petition to be passed into law shall require three-fourth majority of the votes cast by the respective constituencies in the General Body Meeting.

(4) The GBM after due consideration can appoint Committee(s) to look into the complexities of the petition and shall submit its recommendation for the due consideration of the GBM.

ARTICLE TWENTY SEVEN: FORM OF OATH

(1) Oath of Office: Executive Council/ Members of the Assembly Affairs (with the exception of the Speaker)

I …….(name of the incumbent) do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of the President/Vice President/ General Secretary/…. of the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi without fear or favour, affection or ill-will and that I will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and integrity of the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi. So help me God.

(2) Oath of Office: Assembly Affairs Speaker

I, A.B, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the Naga Students’ Union Delhi; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will uphold the unity and integrity of the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will. So help me God.

(3) Oath of Office: Tribunal

I, A.B, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as __________________under the Constitution of the Naga Students’ Union Delhi; and that I will support and defend the Constitution of the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE NAGA STUDENTS’ UNION, DELHI

The Naga Students’ Union, Delhi was established on the 25th August 1963. The Union adopted its constitution on the 2nd of January 1965 under a unitary system.

The birth of the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi was the outcome of the desire to have an organization or union which would help and enhance the unity and solidarity of the Naga Students and also to promote the scope of looking after the general welfare of the Naga students in Delhi and of those to come in the future.

The formation of the union was realized after an informal meeting convened under the auspices of Dr. T. Toshi and M. Yehikhe Sema. On August 25th, 1963 a meeting was convened at the residence of Mr. Chubatoshi Jamir, parliamentary Secretary at 27 South Avenue, New Delhi, the members present were:

(1) Dr. S.T. Toshi Ao

(2) Mr. Yehikhe Sema

(3) Mr. R.T. Air

(4) Mr. Katonsen Ao

(5) Mr. Aryo Shishak

(6) Mr. Akong Jamir

(7) Mr. R. Tangkhul

(8) Mr. K. Lotha

The outcome of the meeting was the formation of Naga Students’ Union, Delhi. The elected President and General Secretary were Mr. Aryo Shishak and Mr. Khromo Lotha respectively. Mr. R.T. Aier was made the Treasure and Mr. Chubatoshi Jamir, as a Senior Advisor. The small size of the Executive Council was in keeping with the small numbers of the student community at that time. Since then, the Union has come a long way and gained in stature considerably both in numbers and activities. In course of time the Constitution was drafted, adopted and came into force on the 2nd of January 1965 with its Moto: “Strength in Unity” aimed at promoting the general welfare of the Nagas and the Naga Students’ of Delhi in particular.

The following were the members of the Drafting Committee

(1) Mr. Bendang Lamtur – Chairman

(2) Mr. Michael Zhimomi -Member

(3) Mr. Chanmayo -Member

(4) Mr. Ahu Sakhrie -Member

(5) Mr. Menukhol John Kenya -Member

However, in the course of time it became practically necessary for the Union to bring about certain changes in the working system of the Union and the Constitution, with the objective of making the Union a more effective and dynamic one. An agenda was endorsed through a General Body Meeting in the month of October 1989, stating the need for changes in the Constitution working system for a federal set-up. The issue continued to be debated for about six years, wherein views oscillated between unitary and federal system without adopting any definite resolution.

It was finally resolved through the General Body Meeting held on the 21st March 1992 for re drafting of the constitution. The resolution was handed over the succeeding tenure of the Executive Council of 1992-93 under the Presidentship of Mr. Aosenba Jamir on the 16th of March 1993. A six-month period was given for tabling the drafted Constitution before the house for scrutiny and necessary supplementation in the structure and thereafter, for the introduction in the House for approval.

The seven members drafting committee consisted of the following:

(1) Mr. Toshi Wongtong Chairman

(2) Mr. Amba Jamir Member

(3) Mr. Zhalekho Member

(4) Mr. Khekaho Sema Member

(5) Mr. Limachan Kikon Member

(6) Mr. Alem Member

(7) Mr. Veduvo Member

Further deliberations were necessary in the House to discuss as to which system i.e. the unitary or the federal Structure would be the best for the Union. An inevitable referendum was avoided in the interest of the Union and a resolution was passed in favour of Quasi-Unitary system on 9th March 1994 under the Presidentship of Mr. KedisePucho. The succeeding Executive Council of 1994-95 under the Presidentship of NeikhoKanuoappointed a new

Constitutional Review Committee for re-drafting the Constitution. The new Constitution was introduced in the House for deliberation. And it was finally adopted and approved by the House in the form of Quasi-Unitary System in the General Body Meeting held on 3rd September 1994 in Nagaland House, R.K. Puram, New Delhi.

The following were the members of the re-drafting committee:

(1) Mr. Nehemiah Panmei Chairman

(2) Mr. Toshi Wongtong ` Member

(3) Mr. Amba Jamir Member

(4) Mr. Abemo Udyuo Member

(5) Mr. Kedise Pucho Member

(6) Mr. T. Mayopam Member

(7) Ms. Lynda Yaden Member

(8) Ms. Buno Liegise Member

(9) Mr. Khakaho Sema Member

However, after experimenting with quasi-unitary set up for nearly 6 years, the union set-up an expert committee in the year 1999 to study the working of the constitution with special reference to Article six (6) Clauses 3 and 4 besides others and to report to the House whether the Quasi Unitary system is still relevant or a federal set-up would be a better option for the Union. But the committee could not work out because of many unfortunate things gripping the union during that period of time. In the year 2002, the House re-constituted a Constitution Review Committee with the following members:

Mr. Mathiupuang Gonmei – Chairman

Mr. Vikheho Awomi – Member

Mr. Keviphotsu – Member (Ex-Officio)

Mr. Ngaranmi Shimray – Member

Mr. Khumlo Warson – Member

Taking full cognizance of the prevailing situations, where respective Units of the Union, most of which have been functioning more or less like federal Units(s), without the sanction of the Union’s constitution and after having exhaustive process of consultation with all the units, the Committee finally decided for a federal-like structure in its meeting held on 1st February, 2003 at R.K. Puram, New Delhi, with the objective of making the Union’s Constitution more effective and dynamic one. While giving the Student Units, the liberty to form their own respective Union(s), the Constitution Review Committee made it a point to ensure that all the Units function/operate within the framework of the constitution of the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi.

The move for devolution of power was aimed at giving space for the Units to exercise certain autonomy within their respective affairs only for constructive and noble causes while the loyalty of the Units to the Apex is kept reckoned for the larger interest of the Nagas a whole. Special care is also taken not to use or mention the “Federation” in any part of the Constitution so as to avoid any confusion/contradiction with the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF).In the newly drafted Constitution, Special Provisions Under Article Six (6) have been incorporated to protect and safeguard the interests of the Units(s) which are not in a position to form Union(s) due to lack of numerical strength.

Constitution Review Committee 2017

In 2017, NSUD constituted a Constitution Review Committee consisting of the following members:

Amenuo Suokhrie (Convenor)
Gideon Shadang (Member)
Maivio J Woba (Member)
Hollang Ngonamai (Member)
Sachuiba Inkah (Member)
Herangia Zeliang (Ex-Officio member)
Keveko Koza (Member)

The Review Committee in fulfilment of it responsibility, after due deliberation and consideration of the past experiences, re-drafted the Constitution while integrating major amendments that were made and reasoned upon by previous Committees that were officially appointed by the NSUD. These amendments, in their totality, were presented before the General Body Meeting in October 2017, for its approval. Given the request made by the GBM and the various Units of NSUD, demanding sufficient time for review, the approval was deferred to a later date. On the 23rd of March 2018, the General Body Meeting, after due consideration, added certain amendments and was subsequently approved, paving way for its adoption by the NSUD. It is with great satisfaction that the work, which was pending for years, has been finally completed. However as with all laws, it is with conviction that in the later days, given the limited knowledge and experiences that the current members have and the evolving nature of our union, there might arise a need to review the working of the Constitution. It is up to posterity, to do what needs to be done, so as to preserve and work for the prosperity of the Naga Community.

Kuknalim

NSUD Constitution

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