Nagaland Chief Secretary, Sentiyanger Imchen (middle) chairs the meeting of AHoDs and HoDs at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Conference Hall, Kohima, on November 11. (DIPR Photo)
AHoDs & HoDs discusses accessibility works at Secretariat, cleanliness drive
Kohima, November 11 (MExN): Public resistance to the installation of smart electricity meters under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and the slow progress of the project came under focus at a meeting of Administrative Heads of Departments (AHoDs) and Heads of Departments (HoDs) chaired by Chief Secretary (CS) Sentiyanger Imchen at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima, on November 11.
The Department of Power, while making a presentation, highlighted public concerns over possible increases in electricity bills, the existing practice of paying fixed minimum or average bills, and demands for reliable power supply.
It also informed that Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) across districts have been spearheading opposition to smart meter installation.
Stating that the progress of the project, scheduled for completion by February 2027, has been progress remained slow due to public resistance, the department sought support from the State Government, district administrations and law enforcement agencies to facilitate implementation ahead of the deadline.
Taking note of the challenges, the CS directed the Department to prepare a Cabinet memorandum incorporating suggestions from concerned departments, district administrations, police and other agencies to ensure a coordinated response.
He stressed that the rule of law must prevail and called upon all departments to work collectively towards the effective implementation of government programmes.
Secretariat accessibility works
As per the State DIPR, the meeting also deliberated on a proposal by PWD (Housing) for constructing ramps and covered walkway sheds at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat to improve public accessibility, at an estimated cost of Rs 561.23 lakh.
Imchen emphasised that the proposed infrastructure would provide greater convenience to the public, particularly pedestrians accessing the Secretariat during the rainy season.
He clarified that the expenditure was proposed to be met from the unspent balance of the one-day salary contribution made earlier by government employees towards relief efforts, rather than from the regular government budget, and sought the concurrence of members for utilisation of the available funds.
November 13 mass social work
Regarding the mass social work scheduled for November 13, Imchen called for active participation from all departments in the statewide cleanliness drive, stressing that it should extend beyond Kohima and district headquarters to villages.
District officers, including those at the sub-divisional level, were directed to coordinate with their respective district administrations. Departments were asked to mobilise workforce and resources for cleaning their allotted stretches, while those having heavy vehicles and other equipment were requested to make them available to Deputy Commissioners for waste collection, transportation and disposal.
He also directed all HoDs to communicate the instructions to their subordinate offices, with particular attention to removing construction materials and other obstructions along highways and roads, especially in Kohima, Dimapur and Chümoukedima. The drive will be monitored by the Commissioner’s Office.
Meanwhile, Imchen has reminded all government departments to strictly adhere to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) guidelines on diplomatic protocol, particularly concerning official engagements and visits by foreign diplomatic representatives.
The meeting also reviewed the PRAGATI platform and the Prime Minister’s review mechanism, including district, State and Central-level reviews and subsequent action tracking through eSamiksha. Emphasis was laid on timely submission of responses and Action Taken Reports (ATRs), inter-departmental coordination and prompt resolution of implementation bottlenecks.
Development Commissioner Y Kikheto Sema also presented on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Viksit Nagaland@2047 and distressed projects, stressing coordinated departmental efforts, effective monitoring and timely implementation.
Earlier, the meeting began with a review of the minutes of the previous meeting, during which the CS assessed decisions taken, pending action points and progress made by the concerned departments.
