Nagaland’s former Principal Secy Menukhol John laid to rest

Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 1

A former bureaucrat Menukhol John, (IA & AS), Retd Principal Secretary to the Government of Nagaland passed away on October 31 at Lerie, Kohima after prolonged illness. The funeral service was held at Z. Khel, Viswema village in Kohima district on October 31.

Menukhol was entry into government service on December 5, 1988. During his service, he served as Deputy Accountant General, Meghalaya, Deputy Accountant General, West Bengal, deputation to United Nation as U.N Auditor in Thailand, New York (USA) and Doha (Qatar), Senior Deputy Accountant General, Nagaland.

He was  OSD, Finance Dept, Govt of Nagaland (13.10.2000), nominated as the Nodal Officer by the state government for interaction with 12th Finance Commission. His service was absorbed to the state government on 01.05.2006 as OSD Finance.

He served as Commissioner & Secretary to Govt of Nagaland, Health & Family Welfare Department (2007), Commissioner & Secretary to Govt of Nagaland, Land Resources Department and Team Leader, NEPED (2012), Commissioner & Secretary to Govt of Nagaland, Youth Resources and Sports Department (2014), Commissioner & Secretary to Govt of Nagaland, Municipal Affairs Department (2016).

He was promoted to Principal Secretary on 13.12.2016, posted as Principal Secretary to Govt of Nagaland, Health & Family Welfare Department (May 2017), Principal Secretary to Govt of Nagaland, Industries & Commerce Department (November 2017), Principal Secretary to Govt of Nagaland, School Education & SCERT Department (March 2018), Principal Secretary to Govt of Nagaland, Works & Housing Department (January 2021).

He was retired on 30.11.2021. He served as Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland and Chairman, 12th State Finance Commission, Govt of Nagaland.

He launched digital initiatives like the CDAC SMS Service for pensions and GPF benefits for government employees. He actively led state departments like Health & Family Welfare, and School Education through policy reforms and public engagement, particularly during public health campaigns.

In condolence message, Abu Metha, Advisor to Chief Minister and Chairman Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) described Lt. Menukhol John as an efficient officer “whose professionalism and dedication set high benchmarks for all.”

Beyond his bureaucratic responsibilities, John played contributory roles in many sectors of society. He had a keen interest in youth activities, sports, and charitable causes, and his feet were always firmly on the ground, Metha stated.

Metha reminisced working closely together at the Chief Minister's Office and standing shoulder to shoulder in the COVID War Room.

Angami Gazetted Officers' Krotho (AGOK) stated that Lt. Menukhol John was a well-known figure of AGOK since he entered into service, was reckoned as a mentor, guider, and uplifter to the Association on all fronts owing to his valuable insights and acquaintances about the prevailing system and situation of the government.

Lt. Menukhol John had an illustrious career in the government, holding different positions in different capacities at the highest levels that truly manifested competency, efficiency, sincerity, and integrity towards his profession, AGOK stated.

Lt. Menukhol John will always be in our hearts for his good personality, exemplary services and magnanimous contributions to the society, it added.