Kiphire, June 24 (MExN): The United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC) has expressed concern over the “widespread culture of administrative absenteeism” in Kiphire District, cautioning that the prolonged absence of key government officials is crippling governance and development in one of “Nagaland’s most remote districts.”
Following surprise inspections conducted on May 25 and 26, the USSC observed “alarming levels of absenteeism among several senior government officials” and has formally petitioned the Deputy Commissioner of Kiphire, urging the Government of Nagaland to “initiate immediate verification and appropriate action against officials found to be violating service rules.”
The student body identified two particularly concerning patterns that it said were undermining public service delivery. It noted that several Heads of Departments (HoDs) appear to reside outside the district, primarily in Dimapur and Kohima, visiting Kiphire only during monthly District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meetings and other official events. Additionally, subordinate staff are frequently compelled to travel outside the district to obtain signatures and approvals from absentee officers, a practice the USSC said wastes public resources, burdens lower-ranking employees, and causes avoidable delays in government services.
“Public office is a position of trust, responsibility and service,” the USSC stated in its release. “The development of Kiphire cannot and must not be held hostage to the convenience of a few,” it added.
The Conference reiterated that under Fundamental Rule 17(1), unauthorized absence from duty warrants the application of the principle of “No Work, No Pay.” Should the issue remain unaddressed, the USSC reserved the right to pursue appropriate legal remedies, including seeking judicial intervention under Article 226 of the Constitution of India through a Writ of Mandamus to ensure the discharge of public duties by the concerned authorities, it added.
While firmly demanding accountability, the USSC also recognized the infrastructural challenges faced by officials posted in remote districts and proposed a series of reforms. It called for the implementation of technology-driven attendance monitoring linked to salary disbursement to ensure transparency and accountability. The Conference also urged the authorities for the early commencement and timely completion of the proposed officers' residential colony to provide suitable housing, while cautioning that accommodation-related issues do not justify the rampant absence and inefficiency.
The USSC further proposed the establishment of a quarterly oversight committee comprising representatives of the district administration, civil society organizations, and student bodies to review attendance, service delivery, and governance outcomes. It reiterated its commitment to work in close coordination with all departments and stakeholders for the welfare, progress, and overall upliftment of the people of Kiphire.
“We believe that only through collective responsibility and mutual cooperation can the aspirations of the people be fulfilled and its meaningful contribution be seen by the people,” the Conference said, adding that it remains committed to addressing any local grievances or challenges faced by officers to facilitate efficient public service delivery.
