Capacity Building package makes PHED officers wiser

Minister for PHED Dr. Ngangshi K. Ao seen here addressing officers of the department at the PHED Technical Officer’s Training held at the Zonal Council Hall, Kohima on Tuesday.

Kohima | October 14: In a welcome step, the ongoing capacity building programme in Nagaland has made the officers of PHED “wiser and more committed” towards discharging their duties. This was revealed at the PHED Technical Officer’s Training Phase- 3 under the “Year of Capacity Building” here today at the Zonal Council Hall. Speaking on the occasion, minister for PHED Dr. Ngangshi K. Ao said the government has started capacity building programme with good intention.
“I believe PHE is one department which has imbibed the idea and launched the programme with sincerity,” he said and at the same time asked the officers to make good use of the training programme imparted to them by learning as much as they can in a pragmatic, “that is, realistic way.”
“We are all here to serve our people in our own limited capacity and we are equally important in implementation of the plan and programme of the department,” he told the officers. On the other hand, the minister expressed his concern over lack of supervision in Nagaland in most of the technical departments to ensure quality works, be it in construction of road, building or anything.
“There seems to be a tendency to delegate responsibility to a junior down the line without proper technical guidance and supervision from senior in the hierarchy,” Dr. Ngangshi said. Urging the officers to make a new beginning at least in PHE department, he also stated that they should make an effort to supervise and inspect the quality of the work assigned to them on the ground.
“Our works should not be a liability at all. They should not be museum pieces but an asset to the people. A poorly executed piece of work can be a nuisance; it can neither be used nor disposed off. We should never compromise quality,” the minister said. Terming the performance report of PHE departments as “pretty good,” he informed , “the Government of India, Rural Development Ministry also acknowledged the department performance by giving us a bonus.”
GoI acknowledges Nagaland PHED’s performance
“However, we are not going to remain complacent with reports alone. We have informed you in earlier meeting that we shall evaluate and assess our performance by conducting physical and spot verification during November/December 2008,” he said. Dr. Ngandshi said that such step will actually give the department a picture of its performance/ efficiency level.  “After this training sessions when you go back to your respective place, visit the sites before verification team come,” he told the officers.
“In Nagaland false and fictitious reporting is very common and rampant,” he added. Referring to e-governance, the minister said that after the training the department is planning to start giving practical lessons on use of computers in all the offices. Earlier, the minister released a documentary film on quality water brought out by the department.
Zhaleo Rio, IAS, secretary PHED in his speech said the department has completed 2nd phase of training under capacity building programme and it had made the officers wiser and more committed towards discharging their duties.
He also urged upon the officers at the ongoing training to be attentive and go back wiser and at the same time asked them to be committed and dedicated sothat the benefit reach the targeted group. An accurate and timely submission of reports should be focused upon seriously during the training programme, Rio said.
Also asking the officers to be present in their place of posting, he reminded that the government is maintaining “No Work No Pay” on the government employees. This area should also be focused during this training programme, he said. Earlier, the programme was chaired by Er. Kevisakho Kruse, executive director, CCDU while K. Khetovi Sumi, Chief Engineer, PHED gave a power point presentation on general accounts practices and codal formalities. Additional Chief Engineer, PHED Er. Mhondamo Ovung also highlighted a video extract of appraisal seminar with WATSAN Committee. The training programme will go on till October 15.