DIMAPUR — The All
Nagaland Electricity Field Workers’ Association (ANEFWA) has reaffirmed to
remains steadfast in its mission of empowering lives and illuminating
communities across Nagaland.
The affirmation to this effect was made during its golden
jubilee held on December 10 at Electrical Colony, Full Nagarjan, Dimapur, on
the theme "Empowering lives through electrical excellence."
An update from the association stated that the event
commemorated five decades of unwavering service to the public, showcasing the
dedication and sacrifices of ANEFWA members, who are the backbone of Nagaland’s
power sector since 1974.
The celebration began with unveiling of a monolith by the
MLA Dr. Neisato Mero, on behalf of the minister of Power and Parliamentary
Affairs, KG Kenye, who was unable to attend due to official engagements.
The chief guest congratulated ANEFWA on its 50th anniversary
and lauded the members for their 24x7 dedication to maintaining and repairing
power lines, often under dangerous conditions.
Quoting the phrase “Service to man is service to God,” he
encouraged members to embrace this philosophy as their guiding principle.
Sharing a personal experience of witnessing a field worker
tragically electrocuted while on duty, he emphasised the need for public
awareness of the risks ANEFWA members face and appealed to the public to
recognise the sacrifices made by ANEFWA members. He also urged the public for
timely payment of electricity bills to prevent shutdowns and power outages.
Highlighting the strides made in the power sector, Dr. Mero
introduced the concept of prepaid metering, a visionary initiative by the chief
minister, minister of power, and former ministers. He stated that the system
aims to enhance efficiency, curb electricity theft and boost revenue
generation.
He further conveyed best wishes to ANEFWA for continued
success in the years ahead.
Wabanmeren Jamir, engineer-in-chief of Power department,
described field workers as unsung heroes performing one of the most hazardous
jobs. He urged members not to compromise on safety measures and emphasised the
crucial role of family support in their challenging work.
In his welcome address, ANEFWA president, Vethinu Kezo,
shared how ANEFWA was established in 1974 to safeguard the welfare of its
members. He highlighted the hardships faced by field workers including
life-threatening risks, and paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the
line of duty.
A moment of silence was observed to honour the departed
souls, underlining the association’s respect for their sacrifices.
Z Jamir, legal advisor of ANEFWA, highlighted the challenges
faced by its members, particularly those in lower-grade positions. He
emphasised their sincerity, devotion and dedication to their essential duties
despite limited resources.
He appealed to the government to increase the staff, provide
safety equipment and better benefits for work-charged employees including
pension provisions.
The update stated that ANEFWA also submitted a three-point
representation to the minister requesting to establish a rest house for its
members, provision of pool vehicles in every division along with safety
equipment and toolkits and ex-gratia support for non-regular operation and
maintenance staff (MO&S).
