Finance Commissioner Kesonyu Yhome urges members of the NSSA to revive their work culture at the Nagaland Secretariat Service Association's 2025 triennial conference in Kohima
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DIMAPUR — Commissioner & Secretary to the Chief Minister and Finance Commissioner, Kesonyu Yhome, called upon members of the Nagaland Secretariat Service Association (NSSA) to revive their work culture, strengthen commitment to public service, and reclaim their important role in policy formulation.
The finance commissioner was addressing the NSSA’s 2025 triennial conference held on the theme ‘Public service: More than a job, a calling,’ as the special guest at Capital Convention Centre, Kohima, on December 12, a DIPR report stated.
Yhome underscored the indispensable role of the NSSA in the functioning of the state’s administrative machinery. He noted that while the Nagaland Civil Service Association (NCSA) forms the “backbone” of the state bureaucracy, the NSSA serves as the “engine that keeps the state administrative system running.”
He emphasised that the NSSA operates at the highest office of the state government, working parallel to central services in delivering efficient governance.
“As long as the engine is up and running, the state machinery continues to function,” Yhome said, highlighting the seriousness and gravity of the responsibilities carried by NSS members.
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Additionally, he described the NSSA as the institutional memory of the state. While IAS officers and other officials may come and go, he said, it is the NSS personnel who provide continuity and stability across the departments and institutions.
He further stressed the critical role of NSS officials in policy formulation, calling it one of their most important contributions to the governance system.
The commissioner expressed concern over the perceived decline in work culture compared to earlier decades, reminding government employees that the security and privileges they enjoy must be matched by duty, sincerity, and discipline.
He emphasised that in meetings and administrative processes, NSS officers should prioritise solution-oriented thinking instead of focusing only on obstacles.
Touching on broader governance challenges, he encouraged the association to deliberate during the business session on two key issues affecting the state — restrictive land laws that hinder development and the need for improving revenue generation.
Theme speaker of the event, Addl. Secretary (Retd.) and former president of NSSA, H Lungalang highlighted the unique privilege of NSS officers who remain posted in Kohima throughout their career, staying close to their families, an advantage many other services do not enjoy.
He recalled key contributions made during his tenure, including preventing casual LDAs from entering the cadre without proper recruitment, securing the cadre review that benefitted many members, and supporting officers affected during the mass retirement of 2009.
Lungalang reminded officers of the intense effort they put into joining the service, emphasising that many equally qualified youth could not make it.
He urged members to value their positions, work sincerely, and dedicate themselves fully to their duties. He spoke strongly about work culture, urging officers to be present at their desks so that people travelling long distances for official work do not suffer. He encouraged introspection, stating that true satisfaction at retirement comes not from salary or personal comfort but from the service rendered to people.
Delivering the presidential address Chubasangla Longkumer highlighted the commitment and collective efforts of the NSSA community, while also acknowledging the milestones achieved by the association.
Highlighting the NSS’s growth in strength, stature, and professionalism, Longkumer noted that members have been privileged to work closely with the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Nagaland Civil Service (NCS). She said this collaboration has boosted morale, instilled the best work culture, and enabled members to contribute meaningfully to the functioning of the state machinery at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat.
A highlight of the event was the felicitation of NSSA achievers, celebrating individuals who have excelled in their respective fields and contributed significantly to the service.
During the event, the NSSA honoured award-winning (Governor's Gold Medal and Governor's Commendation Certificates) members for their exemplary service.
The first session was followed by the business session, which concluded with the selection of the new office bearers of the association.