DIMAPUR, APRIL 3 (MExN): The Chief Secretary of Nagaland, Alemtemshi Jamir, has called for austerity measures on the part of Nagaland government officials. With an aim to instill a sense of “stewardship and prudence”, he stated, certain measures to cut down on avoidable expenditure both by the government as well as various organizations are needed.
Pointing out that it has been the experience of Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries to be invited as chief guests for various events, “some of which may not be commensurate with the status of such VIPs,” the Chief Secretary, in a press statement, advised the Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries to use their discretion in attending such functions. However, when attending such public functions, he said “no presents or gifts may be accepted.”
The Chief Secretary further urged “such Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries and Advisers” that “care needs to be taken to restrict the size of their entourage” so as to reduce expenditure. It was also stated that “official ex-India” tour on Government expense will be discouraged except in the rarest of cases.
While discouraging the serving of wild animal or bird meat during such public functions, the Chief Secretary stated that “special hunting” expeditions for such occasions “should not be allowed.” He added that except for traditional fishing, organizers should be discouraged from indulging in special fishing expeditions using explosives and chemicals. The Chief Secretary stressed on the need to educate the people “for conservation and protection of biodiversity as a means of sustainable development of Nagaland in the wake of global warming and climate change.”
