Zhaleo Rio, IAS (Rtd) addressing the departmental review meeting of the Directorate and District Officers of the Excise & Prohibition Department in Dimapur on June 30.
Dimapur, June 30 (MExN): “The issue of check-gates needs to be further deliberated and taken up with the concerned authority,” observed Zhaleo Rio, IAS (Rtd), Advisor for Sericulture, Excise & Minority Affairs during the departmental review meeting of the Directorate and District Officers of the Excise & Prohibition Department at the Excise Directorate Conference Hall, Dimapur on June 30.
The meeting was convened to discuss pertinent matters relating to the closure of excise check-gates, field related activities and service matters, stated a press release from Commissioner of Excise & Prohibition, Nagaland.
At the same time, Zhaleo stated that regardless of the situations and circumstances, the enforcement aspect of the existing Acts and Laws needs to be implemented. “The flow of liquor in the State can be curbed to a great extent by exploring the best possible ways by optimally using the available resources of the department,” he said.
Zhaleo also underlined that “So long as the state of Nagaland remains under the Prohibition regime, the importance of check-gates cannot be ignored. The check-gates had been instrumental in the seizure of a large number of quality cases which had given high visibility to the department of its presence and field activity.”
Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Excise & Prohibition department, Kevekha Kevin Zehol, NCS, stressed on the importance of following the laid down government rules and regulations in service matters and general office administration. He also emphasized on the proportionate staffing of personnel at the district outposts.
Deputy Commissioner of Excise (HQ), S Chanlei Angh gave a paper presentation on the various field activities of the department. T Arilong Longkumer, Superintendent of Excise, Narcotic Cell, also gave a presentation on the issue and ramifications of post-closure of the excise check-gates. He stated that with the closure of the excise check-gates, there is every possibility of the abundant flow of liquor. As per the raids conducted and the investigations thereof, it has been reported that liquor rates had drastically reduced in the far flung district areas.
A brief interaction with the outpost Officers pertaining to enforcement issues was also held. The meeting was chaired by H Atokhe Aye, NCS, Commissioner of Excise & Prohibition and attended by Kevekha Kevin Zehol, NCS, Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Excise & Prohibition Department. Vote of thanks was given by S Phyobemo Kikon, Assistant Commissioner of Excise (Admn).
