Nagaland CM Rio for expanding avenues for NCS officers to join IAS

November 13, 2024 7 Views No Comment

NCSA hosts North East Regional Civil Service Conference

KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 13 (MExN): Pointing to the shortage of IAS (Indian Administrative Services) in the Nagaland, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today advocated for expanding opportunities for state civil service officers to join the IAS.

“Our state civil service officers, deeply rooted in the local culture, are uniquely qualified to serve the needs of Nagaland,” he noted.

“Increasing their representation in the IAS would strengthen our administrative capacity and improve governance outcomes,” he added, delivering the delivered the keynote address of the North East Regional Conference organised by the All India Federation of State Civil Administrative Service Associations, on November 12 at the Regional Centre of Excellence for Music & Performing Arts (RCEMPA) in Jotsoma, Kohima.

Hosted by the Nagaland Civil Service Association (NCSA), the event brought together civil service officers from across the North-East states, marking a significant milestone in regional collaboration and shared governance, a DIPR report stated.

CM Rio further stressed on the importance of unity among NE states and recognising the crucial role of civil servants in addressing the unique challenges faced by the region and lauded the resilience and dedication of the officers.

“Your presence here symbolises the unity and resilience of our northeastern states,” he added.

CM Rio further highlighted that like others in the region, Nagaland has unique challenges and a rich cultural heritage, with 17 recognized tribes and many sub-tribes.

This diversity is a source of strength but also adds complexity to governance, he maintained.

He pointed out that the Inner Line Permit system, established by the British in 1873, and Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution continue to protect the state’s customs, including land ownership and resource rights, which are central to Nagaland’s identity.

Rio also highlighted Nagaland’s unique governance model, which operates under a Village Council system exempt from the Panchayati Raj Act.

“This system allows us to preserve our tradition of consensus-based governance,” he explained, adding that it fosters unity and transparency by avoiding the divisions that can arise from competitive elections.

He also acknowledged the role of civil servants in implementing this model, as they connect government initiatives to local communities and address grassroots issues.

Rio also expressed hope that the conference would provide a valuable platform for addressing the region’s common issues, from administrative bottlenecks to socio-economic challenges.

Bridging gap
Chairperson of the event, Sharon Longchari highlighted the importance of civil services in bridging the gap between government and people across the country.

“The civil services are the primary bridge between the government and the people. This conference provides us an invaluable opportunity to discuss, share challenges, gain insights from each other, and strengthen collaboration across our states and the country,” she stated.

S Tainiu, President, NCSA described the All India Federation of State Civil Service Associations as a cornerstone for collaboration and support among civil servants across the country.

Sharing his experience working in Nagaland, Shanavas C, Secretary, Industries & Commerce, commended the commitment of the Nagaland Civil Service (NCS) officers who often serve in remote areas for decades.

Reflecting on their contributions, he noted that NCS officers have been instrumental in upholding this frame despite unique challenges.

Gaurav Bajad, President of the Federation, highlighted the challenges faced by civil servants in today’s rapidly changing world.

“Our civil servants are the backbone of the states, tasked with bridging the gap between government and the people while addressing complex issues like climate change, economic inequality, and technological disruption,” he said. Bajad reiterated the Federation’s commitment to supporting civil servants by fostering unity, promoting professional development, and safeguarding their interests.

With guests, including state ministers, senior civil servants, and representatives from NE states like Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh, the event underscores a shared commitment to fostering regional solidarity and improving governance across region, the DIPR report added.