Nagaland Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen Reviews Independence Day Preparations, Orders Full Attendance and Pushes Plastic-Free Government Offices
With Independence Day approaching, Nagaland Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen chaired a high-level review meeting to assess preparations for the state-level celebrations and used the occasion to push for stricter implementation of the government’s Plastic-Free and Green Office initiative across all departments.
The meeting, held at the Conference Hall of the Nagaland Civil Secretariat on July 29, brought together Administrative Heads of Departments (AHoDs) and Heads of Departments (HoDs) to discuss a broad range of governance and administrative issues. Independence Day arrangements, environmental sustainability, financial management, manpower rationalisation and progress of development projects were among the key subjects reviewed during the session.
Officials who attended the meeting said the discussions reflected the government’s effort to combine ceremonial preparedness with longer-term reforms aimed at improving administrative efficiency and promoting environmentally responsible practices in government offices.
Independence Day Preparations Reviewed in Detail
A major part of the meeting focused on arrangements for the upcoming state-level Independence Day celebrations. Home Commissioner Abhijit Sinha briefed senior officials on the preparations made so far and reviewed departmental responsibilities, security coordination, logistics and programme management. He stressed the need for every department to ensure that its assigned tasks are completed well before the celebrations.
During the review, the Home Commissioner expressed concern over the declining attendance at Independence Day functions in recent years. He observed that lower participation by government employees affects the spirit of the national celebration and weakens public engagement with such important occasions.
To address this issue, he directed all Administrative Heads of Departments and Heads of Departments to ensure compulsory participation of officers and staff in the state-level programme.
Officials were informed that departments would be required to submit attendance reports after the function so that compliance could be monitored. The instruction is being viewed as a clear attempt by the government to improve participation and restore the significance of Independence Day celebrations within the administrative system.
Plastic-Free and Green Office Campaign Gets Fresh Push
The government’s Plastic-Free and Green Office initiative emerged as another major focus of the meeting. Home Commissioner Abhijit Sinha urged all departments to eliminate the use of single-use plastic materials during official programmes, meetings and office events. He called upon departments to strictly implement the initiative and contribute actively to making government offices more environmentally sustainable.
Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen, a 1991-batch IAS officer, reinforced the message by directing departments to prepare practical and implementable action plans for strengthening the campaign. He specifically asked departments to begin the process from the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, signalling that the state’s top administrative headquarters should lead the transition towards greener office practices.
Officials were encouraged to adopt eco-friendly alternatives for routine office activities, reduce plastic waste generation and promote sustainable habits among government employees.
According to senior officials, the Chief Secretary emphasised that government departments must set an example for the public by demonstrating responsible environmental behaviour through their own administrative practices.
Financial Position and Project Progress Reviewed
The meeting also reviewed the state’s financial position and progress of ongoing development projects. Finance Commissioner Kesonyu Yhome briefed officials on the status of the Special Means Advance (SMA) balance account and presented an update on the implementation of SASCI projects being executed by different departments.
Discussions focused on the financial health of ongoing government programmes and the need to ensure timely utilisation of funds. Officials examined measures for improving financial discipline and avoiding delays in project execution. The review highlighted the government’s concern that development projects should progress according to approved timelines and financial allocations.
Administrative Reforms and Service Rules Discussed
The Personnel & Administrative Reforms (P&AR) Department made a detailed presentation during the meeting.
The presentation covered the roles and responsibilities of departmental secretaries and explained recent amendments to departmental service rules. Officials said the objective was to improve clarity in administrative functioning and strengthen accountability within departments.
The session also focused on enhancing governance standards by ensuring that senior officers clearly understand their responsibilities under the revised service framework. Participants were briefed on procedural changes aimed at improving efficiency in decision-making and departmental administration.
Development Commissioner Stresses Timely Project Completion
Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner Y. Kikheto Sema urged all departments to ensure that activities under the State Plan are completed according to the prescribed Calendar of Action.
He emphasised that delays in project implementation often affect service delivery and reduce the effectiveness of government programmes. Departments were asked to adhere strictly to approved timelines and complete projects within the scheduled period.
Officials said the Development Commissioner stressed that timely execution is essential for achieving developmental goals and maintaining public confidence in government initiatives.
Government Continues Manpower Rationalisation Exercise
Another important issue discussed during the meeting was the ongoing manpower rationalisation exercise being undertaken by the Nagaland government. Secretary and Chairperson of the Comprehensive Manpower Rationalisation Committee Akubu Meyase explained the objectives of the exercise and highlighted the need to optimise human resources across departments.
The review focused on identifying areas where staff deployment can be improved, reducing duplication of functions and ensuring better utilisation of available personnel. Officials said the exercise is intended to strengthen administrative efficiency while making government departments more responsive and cost-effective.
Broader Governance Issues Also Reviewed
Apart from the major agenda items, the meeting also discussed several other governance-related matters requiring attention.Senior officials exchanged suggestions on administrative coordination, project monitoring and departmental functioning. Issues requiring immediate government intervention were also reviewed during the deliberations.
The wide-ranging discussions reflected the state’s effort to address both short-term administrative priorities and long-term governance reforms through coordinated departmental action.
A Message of Administrative Discipline and Environmental Responsibility
The review meeting sent a strong message on two fronts – administrative discipline and environmental responsibility.On one hand, the government made it clear that participation in national events such as Independence Day should be taken seriously by all government employees. On the other hand, it emphasised that sustainability must become an integral part of routine government functioning rather than remaining limited to policy statements.
By linking Independence Day preparations with the Plastic-Free and Green Office campaign, the government signalled its intention to combine civic responsibility with environmental stewardship.
Officials believe that stricter monitoring of attendance, better coordination among departments and practical action plans for reducing plastic use could help improve both administrative culture and environmental awareness within the government system.
Nagaland’s Broader Governance Agenda
The meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen also highlighted the broader direction of Nagaland’s governance agenda. The state government appears focused on strengthening institutional coordination, improving financial oversight, ensuring timely completion of development projects and promoting sustainable administrative practices.
The emphasis on manpower rationalisation suggests that the government is also looking at long-term structural reforms aimed at improving efficiency across departments.
For now, departments have been asked to submit attendance reports after the Independence Day programme and begin implementing concrete measures under the Plastic-Free and Green Office initiative.
As Nagaland prepares for the national celebrations, the government is simultaneously using the opportunity to push a wider message – government offices should not only function efficiently but should also become models of environmentally responsible administration.
