Nagaland Chief Secretary calls for coordinated efforts to address public resistance to smart meter installation under RDSS
Sentiyanger Imchen directs Power department to prepare Cabinet memorandum; project faces delays amid public opposition
DIMAPUR — Nagaland Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen has directed the Department of Power to prepare a Cabinet memorandum outlining measures to address public resistance to the installation of smart meters under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
The direction was issued during a meeting of Administrative Heads of Departments (AHoDs) and Heads of Departments (HoDs), chaired by the Chief Secretary at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Conference Hall in Kohima on Friday.
According to a DIPR report, the Department of Power informed the meeting that the smart meter installation project, scheduled for completion by February 2027, has made slow progress due to continued public opposition.
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) across districts have been spearheading the resistance, with concerns centred on possible increases in electricity bills, the existing practice of paying fixed minimum or average bills, and demands for reliable power supply.
The department sought the support of the state government, district administrations and law enforcement agencies to facilitate the implementation of the scheme and prevent obstruction.
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Taking note of the concerns, Imchen asked the department to incorporate suggestions from all concerned departments, district administrations, police and other relevant agencies while preparing the Cabinet memorandum.
He stressed the need for a coordinated approach, stating that the rule of law must prevail and that all departments should work collectively towards the effective implementation of government programmes.
The meeting also discussed the upcoming state-wide mass social work scheduled for November 13. The Chief Secretary called for active participation from all departments, stressing that the cleanliness drive should cover not only Kohima and district headquarters but also villages across the state.
He directed district officers, including those posted at the sub-divisional level, to coordinate with their respective district administrations to ensure the effective conduct of the programme.
Departments were asked to mobilise manpower and resources and undertake cleaning activities in their allotted stretches.
The Chief Secretary further instructed all HoDs to communicate the directives to their district and subordinate offices.
He called for special attention to the removal of construction materials and other obstructions along highways and roads, particularly in Kohima, Dimapur and Chümoukedima.
The mass social work will be closely monitored by the Commissioner’s Office.
On infrastructure development, the meeting deliberated on a proposal by PWD (Housing) for the construction of ramps and covered walkway sheds at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat at an estimated cost of INR 561.23 lakh.
Imchen highlighted that the proposed facilities would improve public accessibility and provide greater convenience to pedestrians visiting the Secretariat, particularly during the rainy season.
The Chief Secretary also drew attention to guidelines issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on diplomatic protocol and engagement with foreign diplomatic missions.
He advised departments to strictly follow the prescribed procedures, stating that official engagements and proposed visits by foreign diplomats or representatives of diplomatic missions must be routed through the MEA and undertaken only with its express approval.
He clarified that visits by foreign nationals in their individual capacity would be treated differently from official visits undertaken as representatives of their respective countries, which must adhere to diplomatic protocol.
The meeting was also briefed on the PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) platform and the review mechanism chaired by the Prime Minister.
The presentation highlighted monthly reviews at district, state and central levels, followed by action tracking through eSamiksha.
Departments were urged to ensure timely submission of responses and Action Taken Reports (ATRs), strengthen inter-departmental coordination and address implementation bottlenecks promptly.
Development Commissioner Y. Kikheto Sema also made a PowerPoint presentation on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Viksit Nagaland@2047 and distressed projects, underscoring the importance of coordinated departmental efforts, effective monitoring and timely implementation to achieve the State's development objectives.