Dimapur, January 4 (MExN): The Governor of Nagaland, K Sankaranarayanan today addressed the first meeting with senior officers of state government at the new secretariat complex, Kohima after the recent imposition of President’s Rule in Nagaland. The Governor remarked that Imposition of President’s rule should not be construed as Army Rule since and it is as per Constitutional Provisions of Article 356 under the Constitution of India according to a press handout from Abhishek Singh, Secretary to Governor, Nagaland.
Wishing all a happy new year 2008, the Governor implored on the gathering of state officials to continue giving their very best in order to ensure that the Governance in the State is more effective and efficient during the President’s rule.
While strongly emphasizing the need to ensure that Peace Process in the state goes forward, Governor impressed upon the officials terming them as a major stake holder in the peace process by citing the initiative demonstrated by joint forum of Nagaland GB Federation and Nagaland DB to reduce violence and bring sustainable peace and reconciliation in the state. Governor also acknowledged that with active support from all quarters, specially, government servants, NGOs, Hohos and student bodies, the long cherished dream of a peaceful and vibrant Nagaland will be achieved.
The Governor stressed with urgency the need “to ensure maintenance of law and order, improve implementation and monitoring of developmental schemes and improve collection of revenue” with the elections soon due and as part of the intervening period of President’s rule “to elect a democratic government”. Spelling out that the entire responsibility of running the Government lies on the bureaucracy under the present situation, Governor cautioned the state officials to be responsible for their acts of omissions or commissions or efficiency and inefficiency, in the absence of a ministry with sans political interference. The Governor also challenged stating that “people must feel that government servants are actually serving the people and not themselves.” Reminding the crowd that he had already shared his commitment to the people of Nagaland through the media, Sankaranarayanan encouraged the officers to “endeavor.. to give to the citizens a Government that is SMART - Simple, Moral, Accountable, Responsive and Transparent” and to work towards redeeming this promise.
In order to realize this K Sankaranarayanan strongly insisted on the need of Proper Planning and for an integrated approach for all departments with the overall State Plan to increase our per capita income besides conducting socio-economic impact analysis of our activities.
Giving infrastructure development a top priority, the Governor lamented on the deplorable condition of the state roads and stated “good roads are essential for rapid economic development anywhere, more so in Nagaland where hilly terrain does not allow other modes of transport” besides bringing more discipline amongst the engineers to eliminate leakages focusing on quality.
The Governor also stressed on various other crucial areas such as providing clean drinking water to all district though out the year; make plans for bringing in self sufficiency in vegetables, meat and milk through agriculture and it allied sectors; improving the quality of life of citizens through conscientious education and humane health programme; the need to have Professional Education in the State; to inculcate a culture of Proper Financial Management and Discipline; streamline the system of Appointments that are made in Government Departments; etc.
Focusing on discipline the Governor succinctly informed the bureaucracy “Elections are round the corner and I would not like any Government Employee to indulge in any kind of politics or show favour to anyone. You all have to be impartial and upright in your conduct.”
Concluding his address, the Governor remarked “I have always given time and have been most accessible. In President’s rule in Nagaland, I will be giving more personal attention to Government Work. My only requirement is Work, Efficiency, Dedication and Results. Good Results will make me Happy. This is the real opportunity and challenge for all of you to prove your worth.”
