EMN
Dimapur, January 30
Nagaland is infamous for having one of the most incompetent government workforces in the region. Truancy and absenteeism is a common ailment that the state services continue to suffer from. The malady was one of the chief points of discussions the government had during a high-level meeting recently in Kohima.
The bi-monthly meeting of administrative heads of departments and heads of departments was conducted on January 29 in the Secretariat in Kohima. The meeting was presided over by Chief Secretary of Nagaland CJ Ponraj and Principal Secretary and Home Commissioner Pankaj Kumar.The officials deliberated on the poor attendance of employees in offices. Views were expressed regarding the issue of absenteeism. Circulars and orders in this regard, have been issued on several occasions but they had not been effective in making workers attend to their work.
Likewise, bio-metric attendance systems introduced in some directorates were also ‘not successful completely.’ The discussions revolved around implementing concrete measures and strengthening of the current system including strict enforcement of the principle of ‘No Work No Pay’ to curb the menace of absentees.
In regard to the issue, Chief Secretary C. J. Ponraj said that it was not only a day-to-day problem but was a ‘structural problem’ which needed a holistic approach and the attitude and mindsets have to be changed towards work, he added.
The chief secretary expressed a serious note of concern. He said, ‘We are to continue to struggle, habit is not easy to change and correcting image is a serious issue’. He further said that a regulating system has to be introduced and implemented in totality in which quantum services has to be delivered. The state administrator urged the heads of departments to give extra effort to bring ‘things into proper shape’ stating that one has to start somewhere.
On traffic management, the chief secretary said that the regularity and responsibility rest with the police. He also reiterated about MOU and MOA that every Department has to go through the Finance, Planning and Law Departments before singing of MOU and MOA. The departments have to have consultation with the concerned departments in accordance with the laid down rules and that no department should have done it in its departmental level alone.
Principal Secretary and Home Commissioner Pankaj Kumar also expressed concern at the absenteeism of government employees. He said that the government has to formulate how best to deal with the issue in order to ‘bring back the moral ethics.’ Efforts should be given to do away with the deterrent present form while also opting for futuristic strategy, he said.
He informed the meeting about the power pending bills which will be reviewed by March 2015. For MOU & MOA Home Commissioner said that consultation should be done as clearance is needed for protection.
The official also reiterated that the departments which have not done the requisition of filling up vacancies to NPSC should review the position of its Department and do so. Setting up of fixed pay employees’ welfare fund was discussed as one of the agenda on which suggestions for voluntary financial contribution of nominal amounts etc. which would be taken care of by the Secretariat Management Board.
On traffic management at the State Capital Kohima, suggestions were made as ordinances are to follow for proper functioning and dedicated, proactive and senior and professional is needed to activate the Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority Kohima (UMTAK) has to revive.
