Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, DECEMBER 15
The state department of Industries & Commerce, which was established in the year 1965, today celebrated 50th anniversary in the premises of the Directorate of Industries & Commerce, Kohima.
In commemoration of the occasion, the department launched a souvenir titled ‘Industries- The Wheel that Changes the Fortune of a Nation’, a compact record of the growth of the department and its potentialities, and an acknowledgement to those who played a leading role in its progress over the years. Parliamentary Secretary for Industries & Commerce, Amenba Yaden, who graced the celebration as the chief guest, released the souvenir.
In his address on the occasion, the legislator said the theme ‘Industries- The Wheel that Changes the Fortune of a Nation’ is significant and true in its context, however, he stressed the need for all the officers and staff of the department to ponder on whether “this wheel” has brought about any changes to the fortune of the state. While acknowledging that some progress were made despite the odds and challenges under which the state is working today, he feels that it is yet to tap the real potentials of the wheel- the industry.
“The precarious economic condition of our state, increasing unemployment and social unrest are issues that need to be addressed urgently. The development of industry can play a pivotal role in addressing these issues,” Yaden said.
At this juncture, he maintained, an introspective relook at the approach to development of industry in Nagaland is much needed, starting with the analysis of strength and weaknesses, opportunities and threat, holistic planning and focused approach so as to tap potentials and implement them in right earnest. He called upon all the officers and staff of the to step forward and contribute to building on the foundations laid by their predecessors with newer ideas and initiatives, and work with zest for the upliftment of the state and its people.
Recently inducted Secretary for Industries & Commerce, Hushili Sema, in her speech pointed out that 50 years of existence indicates that the department is matured enough and the time has come for all the staff to consider how much they can give to the people, the government and the state. She emphasized the need to work on an approach which is inclusive, resource based, industry conducive, investor-friendly and environmentally sensitive.
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She also shared her concern on the trend of lobbying for preferred place of posting by government employees, which is practiced in various departments. She called upon the staff of Industries & Commerce to rededicate themselves to public service and make a pledge on the occasion of 50th year anniversary of the department to give their best wherever they are posted. She encouraged them to take their place of posting as a challenge and dare to do what their colleagues could not do before.
To the officers of the department, she said as officers they are designated as team leaders and as such, they must set ideal examples for the younger generation employees and motivate them by creating positive attitude towards their colleagues, the public, their work and office.
Department director, I Bendangliba said there have been radical changes in the department since the time of its inception and is now one of the major assets of the state. He said changes do not come by chance, but by vision, planning, sacrifice and hard work of the employees. While acknowledging the contributions of the past and present officers and staff towards the progress of the department, he also read out the names of the past 17 directors and the period of their incumbency in office. The official also mentioned the achievements and upcoming projects of the department.
Short speeches were delivered by two retired directors of the department, G Keppen Rengma and Keneilel Angami. Later, the vote of thanks was tendered by Additional Director (Dev), S Temsulong Jamir and the function concluded by a mass prayer.
Marking the anniversary event, the department also felicitated outstanding entrepreneurs from all the 11 districts of the state. The selected entrepreneurs are Neihunuo M/s Ciepfu Handloom & Handicraft, and James Lotha M/s Uniqraft (Kohima), Yangertoshi Pongen M/s ACME Crafts, and Lanuakum A&L Associates, Lanu Mechanised furniture unit (Mokokchung), Sochi Khiam M/s Handicraft Unit (Tuensang), Ghuhevi M/s Cane & Bamboo Traditional Craft Unit (Zunheboto), Mhoyamo Jungio M/s Latex Goods Mfg Unit (Wokha), Y Tingkem Konyak M/s Y Tingkem Konyak Handicraft Unit (Mon), Aolemba Longkumer Country Craft, and NG Moses MD Greenfields Agro Enterprise (Dimapur), Apingbo M/s Wood Carving Unit Jalukie (Peren), Langkai M/s Lungai Handicraft Unit (Longleng), Medotsao Khape Leather Goods Mfg Unit, Pfutsero (Phek), and Korakmong Yimchunger M/s Eastern Mechanised Furniture (Kiphire).
