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Members of FONSESA seen during its general conference held in Kohima on August 23. (EM Images)[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Aug. 23 (EMN): Engineers were urged to become agents of social change and earn the respect of the people through sincere work at the Federation of Nagaland State Engineering Service Association (FONSESA) General Conference held in the conference hall of PWD Rest House in Kohima, on Friday.
Speaking at the event, retired chief engineer, PWD (National Highways) & advisor FONSESA R Temsutemjen Aier told the gathering that engineers can do great things that will impact the lives of the people through their engineering dedication.
Describing engineers as professionals who possess versatile minds; build bridges between sciences, technology and society; and contribute to a states or country’s technological and industrial progress, he stressed on the need to be critical yet creative, curious yet capable and ever-ready to handle the needs of a very fast-changing world.
Aier observed that a lot need to be in terms of infrastructure in the state and that it is unable to meet the needs of the people. While admitting that change cannot be brought overnight, he emphasised on the need for all to start working towards improving prime requirements.
“It is time to realise that it is our responsibility to provide good connectivity, adequate and sufficient electricity and water supply and improved communication system so as to improve the living conditions of our people including those in the remote parts of the state,” he added.
As a group of people mandated to implement various developmental works of the government in various sectors, Aier said it is the responsibility of the engineers to ensure that equitable and sustainable development is effected everywhere at all times in all possible manner. At the same time, he reminded the gathering on the importance of adhering to professional responsibility and engineering ethics for the safety and welfare of the public; environmental responsibilities as well as quality aspects.
Citing that engineers are looked down upon as creators of problems and difficulties in the form of liabilities, overdrafts, financial mismanagement etc., FONSESA vice president Er. Limanaro asked the engineers to earn the good opinion of the society, reverse the trend and gain their rightful place in the society.
Pointing out matter-of-factly that instead of delegating authority to the engineers commensurate with the responsibilities entrusted to them by the government, she expressed regretted that all the delegated powers have been systematically stripped off. Towards this, she called upon the engineers to be more committed and truthful to the responsibilities assigned to them.
On the issue of amendment of policy relaxation of qualifying years of service for promotion, wherein FONSESA has submitted a representation on July 23, Limanaro expressed hope that the committee will bring out a favourable proposition to solve the imbroglio in the departments. She added that it will continue to rigorously pursue the matter with the government till its demand for revocation/review is fulfilled.
Limanaro also iterated that the federation should continue the demand for manning of the engineering department by technocrats; for which several representations have been submitted to the government without any positive outcome till date.
She informed that FONSESA was formed in 1985 with an aim to provide a common platform for discussion and exchange of ideas among engineers as well as address issues to maintain and uphold all the rules, regulations and code of engineering practices in the working system of the engineering departments, and also to safeguard the career of its members.
Special guest of the event, retired chief engineer PWD (Mechanical) and former president of FONSESA, Er. F Putsure noted that the scope for engineers to thrive is very limited in Nagaland because of the stiff competition in all aspects of life. While expressing delight over many talented young engineers being produced every year, Putsure also emphasised on the need to create ways and avenues to accommodate them (upcoming engineers).
The programme was followed by business session, wherein a new team of office bearers was elected. According to a statement issued by FONSESA, the newly nominated executives are: President - Er. Moatemsu Air (APEN); vice president (two posts) - Er. Hutoi Sumi (WRDEAN) and Er. T Sangtam (APHEN); secretary general - Er. Chengato Kath (AOE, NPWD); secretary (finance) - Er. Semasie Katiry (AOE, NPWD); joint secretary (seven posts) - Er. N Myingthungo Ngullie (APEN), Er. Zhasar Nihu (AOE, NPWD), Er. Kekhriezhalie Sorhie (EANRE), Er. Dzuvichuto Angami (NST), Er. Phutheguo Khawakhrie (WRDEAN), Er. S Kihola (AOME) and Er. Toshiakum L Imchen; PRO - Er. Wapangnaro (AOE, DGM), and advisor - Y Tep (outgoing president of FONSESA).