Social Welfare officers urged to prioritise professional duties

KOHIMA — State advisor for Social Welfare, Wangpang Konyak on Friday urged officers to prioritise their professional duties and maintain ethical conduct.

Stating that the department was established with the sole aim of uplifting the most vulnerable sections of society, he urged officers to focus their efforts on fulfilling their responsibilities to the state.

Addressing the Social Welfare department’s annual officer’s conference at NBCC Convention Hall in Kohima, Konyak expressed concern over instances where officers are receiving recognition for achievements outside their professional capacity. He said that while the achievements are commendable, ‘but unethical for a government servant’, and can negatively impact the department’s overall performance.

He went on to say that officers are entrusted with significant responsibilities and are paid by the state government for their service in addition to guaranteed pay after retirement. Therefore, their top-most priority and commitment must be in performing duties in the department’s interest and the greater interest of the state government.

Underscoring the need for officers to maintain the ethics and discipline expected of government employees, he strongly discouraged officers from dedicating time to NGO-based activities, stating that their primary commitment should be to the department and the people of the state.

Moots for revision of service rules

Pointing out the department is still guided by the Service Rules of 1997, the advisor voiced the need for a revision. He argued that after 27 years, these rules are outdated and require updating to address potential issues and prevent unnecessary litigation.

“Unless the department amends it, we are leaving the window open for unwanted and unnecessary elements/litigations to creep in, which will have cascading impacts on the establishment,” he noted.

In this connection, he said that the department can address the issue by moving forward with a cadre-review exercise. 

Be at forefront to enhance lives if weaker sections

Turning to the department’s core function, Konyak stressed the need to prioritise the well-being of vulnerable groups, including children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, the physically and mentally challenged, and senior citizens.

 “This very nature, the scope and role played by the Department of Social Welfare forges a unique identity and responsibility compared to other departments in the state, and we are all here to ensure that these different groups of our state’s population receive all the attention and care they need,” he underscored.

He also emphasised the importance of ensuring that all departmental schemes reach their intended beneficiaries, while urging the officers to be at the forefront with sincerity and responsibility, dedicating themselves to the implementation of humanitarian programmes and ensuring that beneficiaries receive their due share of assistance.

Additionally, Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Department of Social Welfare, Martha R Ritse, asked the officers to ensure that the services implemented by the department reaches to the ‘last mile.’

She also asked the officers to stay updated and keep evolving with the technology and skills needed to deliver services efficiently.

The inaugural session, led by Director of the department of Social Welfare, Tosheli Zhimomi, was followed by ‘business hour’ presentations on various ongoing departmental programmes.

Awareness on substance abuse, office etiquette for drivers

Simultaneously, the department also organised an awareness programme on substance abuse at work places including corporate offices and etiquette for drivers under the department of Social Welfare– supposedly a first-of-its-kind among the state departments.

The event took place at the Directorate Conference Hall in Kohima with over 90 participants.

Dr. Sungtimen, a medical officer at the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) spoke on the ill effects of alcohol and drug abuse while Apila, a legal consultant, spoke on etiquettes for drivers.