DIMAPUR — Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), Sharingain Longkumer, on Monday called upon the Nagaland civil servants to collaborate and contribute their valuable experiences towards shaping policies and legislation.
Addressing the 46th general conference of the Nagaland Civil Service Association (NCSA) at Niathu Resort, Chümoukedima as special guest, the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker said the role of civil servants is no longer confined to just the upkeep and maintenance of the rule of law, but is becoming increasingly development-oriented.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]The state is currently undergoing a significant transitional phase, he observed, while encouraging the officers to actively participate in the governance and policymaking of Nagaland, leveraging their expertise for the betterment of the state and its people.
On the other hand, Longkumer also expressed concern over officers compromising their integrity by seeking prized postings or political favours through lobbying, thus promoting themselves based on connections rather than efficiency and merit. He said this approach is very harmful in the long run.
He said that the NCSA has a history that predates the attainment of statehood. Constituted in 1959 when the state was known as Naga Hills Tuensang Areas (NHTA), the cadre has since grown in strength to 274 members.
Terming the NCSA as a premier association, he said many of its distinguished members have provided outstanding service to the people of the state during the most challenging times, showing unwavering dedication, and some have even made the ultimate sacrifice.
The NLA Speaker encouraged the next generation of officers to set a similar high standard so that the association will continue to be the backbone of administration in the state. Even the current state government comprises young elected members who are actively participating in critical decision-making and addressing challenges, he added.
He stated that currently, the governance in the state is truly grassroots-based and the rural areas have become the heart of government. Stressing the significance of the ‘last mile’ in delivering governance-related services, he said majority of the state’s population live in the rural areas; it is therefore, important for officers to go back to their roots and see how their brethren are doing at the village, block and district level.
To see change in the state, development should start from rural area and governance must be effectively implemented at the village-level by the village council, he added.
While delivering keynote address, Chief Secretary of Nagaland, J Alam said that the NCS is a vital institution responsible for implementing state government laws and policies, and serve as agents of social change and economic development.
He stressed the need for NCS officers to create a culture of innovation, upgrade their skills, and embrace values of integrity, transparency and accountability, asserting that the time for generalists is over, and specialists should take the lead. He also encouraged self-reflection and problem-solving.
The inaugural programme included a tribute to deceased officers, a short film highlighting NCS officers’ community service, a special performance by the NCSA Band, and felicitation of retired officers.
The general conference featured interactive and business sessions, themed ‘To Greater Heights’, with Advisor to Chief Ministe of Nagaland, Abu Metha, as the special guest. It also hosted the 2nd Edition of the NCSA singing competition, which included Inter-District solo and Inter-Group singing competitions, with Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Kevekha Kevin Zehol, as the special guest.