Nagaland PHED & Co-operation Minister Jacob Zhimomi addresses the Thanksgiving programme celebrating the 50th anniversary of PHED Nagaland (1974-2024), at JP Park Nagaland United Village, Chümoukedima on February 8.
Morung Express News
Chümoukedima| February 8
The themes of service to humanity and accountability took centre stage during a Thanksgiving programme celebrating the 50th anniversary of PHED Nagaland (1974-2024), held today at JP Park Nagaland United Village, Chümoukedima.
Speaking at the event, organised by the Association of Public Health Engineers Nagaland (APHEN) under the theme, “Engineering Humanity with the Universal Solvent,” top echelons from the department emphasised that the challenges and scrutiny faced by the department only strengthened their resolve to serve the people with greater dedication.
Addressing the issue of accountability, Special Guest and PHED & Co-operation Minister Jacob Zhimomi acknowledged the recent scrutiny directed at the department, noting that despite progress, “many hands were pointed at the department.” However, he insisted that such criticism should not deter the department but instead "encourages us to work more for our people," urging the PHED engineers present to remain committed to the welfare of the people, irrespective of the challenges.
In his exhortation, Chief Engineer and Head of Department PHED, Er Leyang Khiamniungan also emphasised that such developments called for reflection. If any areas were found lacking, he urged the department to rectify them and renew its commitment to serving the people.
Continuing the theme of transparency and accountability in all development works, Zhimomi urged the department to adhere to clear guidelines, stating, "Every work must be GEO-tagged and every completed project certified by the administration," referencing professional management information systems as essential tools for ensuring accountability.
Acknowledging the department’s crucial role as a public utility, the Minister reminded all personnel that the department is always under the scrutiny of social organisations and the public.
If something does not meet expectations, the public has the right to question the government, he affirmed, reinforcing the importance of accountability.
Zhimomi further stressed the need for community participation in the implementation of government projects, noting that development efforts should be “percolated down to the grassroots,” with communities actively involved.
He highlighted that this approach aligns with the central government’s guidelines for various ministries, including PHED.
He also reiterated that as long as officials adhere to government guidelines, they would have the full support of both the State Government and the Government of India, encouraging them to continue working hand in hand to achieve the state’s full potential.
Reflecting on the state's evolution, Zhimomi acknowledged the sacrifices made by leaders and citizens from the inception of statehood to the present day, including from the firstto the current Chief Minister.
However, he also noted that while Nagaland has made progress, much remains to be done to realise its full potential, and many issues are unresolved.
The Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by the State Government, particularly concerning resources, and stressed the need for collective effort to address the pending issues.
He also highlighted the role of education and professionalism in driving development, recognising the contributions of engineers, doctors, political leaders, and church leaders who have served in various capacities.
Zhimomi, who is not from a technical background, shared his personal experiences working with engineers in the department and lauded dedication of retired engineers and credited the department’s leadership for guiding it through several key innovations that have been emulated by other states in India.
He expressed his gratitude to the Almighty for the opportunity to serve the people of Nagaland and praised the department's journey over the last five decades.
The Minister also addressed the growing expectations of the current generation, urging the department to collaborate closely with the community to ensure the successful implementation of government projects.
CE & HoD Er Khiamniungan, in his exhortation, added that the department deals with the sustenance of life—water. Alluding to the Biblical notion of service to humanity as service to God, he urged the department personnel to undertake their duties with sincerity and humanity. "By status, we may hold certain positions, but as human beings, we are all equal," he added.
The CE & HoD viewed scrutiny faced by the department in recent timesan opportunity for retrospection. If the department is lacking in any area, it must rectify and renew its resolve to serve the people, he said,.
At the Thanksgiving, a chronology and history of PHED was presented by SE Er Yanger Pongen, while Chief Engineer (Retd), PHED Er KG Sumi also shared his insights.
