Outgoing Governor of Nagaland, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, on Friday called upon the government and the people to jointly fight corruption, which he termed as “the enemy of development and good governance”.
He also urged everyone to continue strengthening the state to raise it to a higher level.
Mukhi was speaking at the farewell programme accorded to him at Dr. Imkongliba Ao Hall, Raj Bhavan, in Kohima, which was attended by several dignitaries including former Nagaland Chief Minister SC Jamir, Chief Secretary, J. Alam, senior government officials, and officers and staff of Raj Bhavan.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio and his wife called on the governor and his wife to bid farewell at Raj Bhavan in Kohima, informed an update from the PRO Raj Bhavan. The CM also took to social media to thank him.
“A heartfelt send-off for Prof. Jagdish Mukhi. On behalf of the Government of Nagaland and its citizens, I convey our gratitude to him for serving the State with excellence. Best wishes to him for all his future endeavours,” he tweeted.
The send-off programme was held just 10 days before the general election to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly and when the model code of conduct is in force in the state.
Mukhi, who is also the governor of Assam, was appointed 20th Governor of Nagaland as additional charge and assumed his office on September 17, 2021.
Speaking at the farewell programme, Mukhi, who was accompanied by his wife Prem, said that he was aware of the enormous responsibility he would be assuming when he took the decision to accept the additional post of Governor of Nagaland, and that task “consisted essentially in protecting and strengthening its institutional capital”.
He said it was a major task “that started precisely by introducing transparency and efficiency that would protect the state’s autonomy”.
The outgoing governor stated that he was inspired and energised by his interactions with citizens during his visits across the state, and that he received full cooperation, support and blessings from all sections of society, according to the update received here.
He thanked the people of Nagaland for the respect, affection and support given to him during his stay. He also expressed gratitude to the legislators, head of departments and staff, and the Raj Bhavan officers and staff for their support during his tenure.
Mukhi also greeted La. Ganesan, the new Governor of Nagaland, who he was confident will “lead the state through the roads of professionalism, independence and strength that the state requires for the good of the country and all Nagas”.
The President of India had on Sunday appointed La Ganesan as the 21st Governor of Nagaland. He was serving as the Governor of Manipur since August 27, 2021 prior to his new assignment.
Speaking on behalf of the state government, Chief Secretary Alam said during the farewell programme the governor’s tenure of about one and half years seemed relatively short but was very significant in terms of impact made on many key aspects of governance of the state.
“His wisdom, vast experience and knowledge of finance was instrumental in guiding the affairs of the state towards greater efficiency and effectiveness,” he was quoted as saying.
The chief secretary credited the governor for accelerating the pace of infrastructure projects such as the 4-lane Dimapur-Kohima road project, which he said had immensely benefitted from his intense monitoring and regular review.
He further said that the governor showed deep concern for the people living in border areas during his tour to various districts of the state.
Also speaking at the programme, Commissioner, Nagaland, T. Mhabemo Yanthan, said it was an honour to work closely with Mukhi when he was the commissioner and secretary to the Governor.
He said the governor had extensively toured the state and personally interacting with different sections of society, adding that he was a big encouragement to every sector, particularly defense personnel manning the international border.
Lauding the governor for promptly closing down the illegal check gates run by unauthorised elements immediately after assuming his office, he said it helped in reducing burdens faced by the business community.
He went on to say that the governor was a strong advocate of self-reliance in agriculture, women empowerment, youth entrepreneurship and connectivity.
Later in the day, the outgoing Governor was accorded rashtriya salute by the Nagaland Police contingents at Assam Rifles Helipad, Kohima, before his departure for Assam.
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