Kohima: Nagaland Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen, an IAS officer of 1991 batch, reviewed preparations for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations and called for stricter implementation of the state’s Plastic-Free and Green Office initiative during a meeting of Administrative Heads of Departments (AHoDs) and Heads of Departments (HoDs) at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat.
The meeting, held at the Secretariat Conference Hall on July 29, covered a wide range of administrative issues, including Independence Day arrangements, environmental sustainability, financial management, manpower rationalisation and implementation of development projects.
Focus on Independence Day Arrangements
During the meeting, Home Commissioner Abhijit Sinha reviewed preparations for the state-level Independence Day celebrations and briefed officials on departmental responsibilities and logistical arrangements.
Expressing concern over declining attendance at Independence Day functions in recent years, Sinha directed all Administrative Heads of Departments and Heads of Departments to ensure the compulsory participation of their officers and staff.
He also informed departments that attendance reports would have to be submitted after the state-level programme to monitor compliance.
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Push for Plastic-Free Government Offices
A major focus of the meeting was the government’s Plastic Free and Green Office initiative.
The Home Commissioner urged all departments to eliminate the use of single-use plastic materials during official programmes and office events.
He called upon every department to strictly follow the initiative and work collectively towards making government offices environmentally sustainable.
Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen also directed departments to prepare practical and implementable action plans to strengthen the plastic-free campaign, beginning with the Nagaland Civil Secretariat.
He encouraged government departments to lead by example in promoting eco-friendly administrative practices.
Review of Financial and Development Projects
Finance Commissioner Kesonyu Yhome briefed the meeting on the state’s Special Means Advance (SMA) balance account and reviewed the progress of SASCI projects being implemented by different departments.
The review focused on the financial status of ongoing government projects and measures to ensure their timely execution.
Presentation on Administrative Reforms
The Personnel & Administrative Reforms (P&AR) Department made a detailed presentation on the roles and responsibilities of departmental secretaries and briefed officials on amendments to departmental service rules.
The presentation aimed to strengthen administrative efficiency and improve governance across departments.
Timely Completion of State Plan Projects
Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner Y. Kikheto Sema urged all departments to complete activities under the State Plan in accordance with the prescribed Calendar of Action, stressing the importance of timely implementation of government programmes.
He called upon departments to adhere to project timelines to ensure efficient delivery of development initiatives.
Emphasis on Manpower Rationalisation
Secretary and Chairperson of the Comprehensive Manpower Rationalisation Committee, Akubu Meyase, explained the objectives of the government’s manpower rationalisation exercise.
He highlighted the need to optimise human resources across government departments to improve administrative efficiency and ensure better utilisation of available personnel.
Other Key Issues Discussed
The meeting also deliberated on several administrative and governance-related matters, with senior officials sharing suggestions and discussing issues requiring immediate government attention.
The review underscored the Nagaland government’s focus on strengthening administrative coordination, ensuring successful Independence Day celebrations, promoting environmentally sustainable government offices and improving governance through better financial and human resource management.
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