EMN
DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 27
A farewell programme in honour of the outgoing Chief Secretary, Nagaland, C.J. Ponraj IAS was held at the Secretariat Plaza, Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima on Friday. C.J. Ponraj in his speech said that he was equally happy and sad as many have spoken good things about him of which he felt he did not deserve it. He said that he was overwhelmed for the love and care shown in honour of him. He also expressed his gratitude to Almighty God for bestowing him abundant blessings throughout his life, be in social, family or spiritual life. He went on to say that truth and honesty could be a powerful message of which one could leave as a legacy for others to emulate.
C.J. Ponraj also expressed his appreciation to his seniors of whom he was deeply associated during his illustrious career as a civil servant like Obed, Vinod Kumar, R.S. Pandey, TCK Lotha, P. Talitemjen, Alemtemshi Jamir and Banuo Z. Jamir etc. of whom he described some as an all-rounder, some critical and insightful and some, man of so much commitment who gave others inspiration. He also said that he was fond of working with the NCS officers and expressed his sincere thanks for being cooperative all the time. However he said he could not do much on working out an atmosphere of professional ambiance for NCS adding it was a challenge to create a professional lively for NCS. He was happy to recollect his days as district administrator where he also mentioned his senior and colleagues Toshi, Khulu, Khekiye etc saying there was all competitive spirit amongst themselves. He also stated that he has the privilege of working with the local professionals from which he really enjoyed and benefitted a lot by working with them. He also expressed his appreciation that the state has high quality of engineering wing.
During his career as an IAS officer in Nagaland, he was impressed to see the organisational skill, leadership skill, highly motivated youths of Nagas on whom we could have a lot of investment so as to mould and guide them into right channel. He also expressed his fascination on working at the grassroot level of where he spent bulk of his service career. On the agricultural sector, he lauded the agriculture department and said that horticulture is now visible during the last 5 years. Therefore, he asked the department to explore new and innovative ideas by identifying the pockets where it can be extended.
He thanked the senior officers for organizing the programme in a successful manner. He said he was touched by the words spoken by various organisations and affectionate shown to him and his family members.
Additional Chief Secretary and Home Commissioner, Pankaj Kumar while speaking on behalf of the Government said that the outgoing Chief Secretary has served in different capacities in different districts. However, he said that he has spent a significant period of time in the departments of Law & Justice and P&AR thereby brought a radical change in the departments during his stint. He described him as an honest sincere, kind and interacting with him was something like sharping a stone as he is an excellent mentor. He also headed different commissions like the Work-charge Commission. The Nagaland Retirement from Government Service Act 2009 was enacted under his guidance training of Secretariat employees was initiated during his time, he added.
Farewell speeches were also delivered by the representatives from IAS Association, NCS Association, NSS Association, IPS Association, NPS Association, IFS Association, Directorates, on behalf of District Administration and Grade-IV Association. Commissioner Excise & Taxes, Moangwati Aier and DGP Nagaland, L.L. Doungel also spoke on the occasion. The function was chaired by Principal Secretary and Finance Commissioner Temjen Toy IAS who also delivered the welcome address. A special number was also presented by lady NCS Officers.
The Khiamniungan tribe from Tuensang district presented folk song and dance as a sign of their love and appreciation to the outgoing Chief Secretary.
