Officers urged to prioritise service, avoid unethical conduct

May 18, 2024 10 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Kohima | May 18

Advisor for Social Welfare, Wangpang Konyak on Friday emphasised on the crucial duties and responsibilities of the Department of Social Welfare in serving the most vulnerable populations.

Speaking at the department’s annual officers’ conference at NBCC Convention Centre as the special guest, he reminded the officers of the department’s sole aim, which is to uplift the most vulnerable sections of the state’s population through the implementation of social welfare schemes.

The department, Konyak asserted, has to be at the forefront when it comes to enhancing the lives of the weaker sections of society as according to him, ‘the department is basically taking responsibility for the whole aspect of a life.’

While reiterating the department’s responsibilities towards ensuring that these different groups of state’s population receive all attention and care they need, the Advisor strongly advised that the officers must ensure that every scheme implemented by the department reaches the targeted beneficiaries at any cost, and, in fact, at the cost of the state exchequer.

“It is a huge responsibility for everyone working in the department to ensure the beneficiaries receive their share of aide to lead respectable lives,” stated Konyak and urged the officers to give their best for the implementation of its humanitarian programmes.

Meanwhile, the Advisor also cautioned against unethical behaviour and practices asserting that they must maintain the highest standards of professional ethics and discipline.

With huge responsibilities being tasked upon the department, Konyak observed that “some officers are winning accolades for achievements outside the professional space, which is commendable but unethical for a government servant.”

While acknowledging that social obligations are unavoidable being in a society, he however, stated “your top most priority and commitment must be in the department’s interest and perform duties in the greater interest of the state government.”

“You are being paid by the state government during your tenure of your service, and you even have guaranteed pay after retirement,” Konyak reminded the officers.

Konyak strongly discouraged any officers from ‘devoting their time to NGO-based activities and not towards their profession’ adding that officers should be ‘non-disposable’ rather being ‘liabilities’ for the department.

The Advisor also expressed the need to revise the department’s Service Rules, which have remained unchanged for 27 years, to prevent ‘unwanted and unnecessary elements/litigations’ from impacting the department’s functioning.

Secretary, Sarah R. Ritse reminding the officers of the vital importance of the department urged the officers to avoid complacency and dereliction of duty. She also emphasised on the need for the officers to keep up with the times and embrace technology and upgrade their skills lest they become ‘redundant and obsolete.’

Ritse also underscored the need for commitment to strengthen the social welfare system to ensure that the benefits of various schemes reach the intended beneficiaries asserting ‘it is crucial to ensure that our services reach the last mile.’ The inaugural programme was followed by the business hour with discussions on various schemes being implemented by the department.

Meanwhile, in an awareness programme, Dr. Sungtimen, MO, NHAK, Kohima and Apila, Legal Consultant as resource persons spoke on the ill effects of alcohol and drug abuse and etiquette of a driver. The programme was held at the conference hall of the directorate.