Top bureaucrat and cop hang up boots after decades of service

Hard work won’t kill you: Outgoing Chief Secretary

Principal Correspondent/DIPR Kohima, September 30 At the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Chief Secretary Banuo Z. Jamir relinquished office after 37 years of service. Speaking at a farewell ceremony, Jamir encouraged the gathering to work hard, saying “hard work doesn’t kill”. She urged the officers to give their best in whatever they do and to encourage one another. Never one to have suffered discrimination in her works, her advice to young officers was that sentiments of ‘good or bad posting’ or notions of being ‘sidelined or discriminated’ is only in the minds. She advised them to take their families to their posting places as there is no better support than their wives or husbands. Jamir said she never dreamt to be Chief Secretary. But it was God’s grace and the generous and magnanimous act of her husband, the former Chief Secretary Alemtemshi who demitted office voluntarily, that paved the way for her to become Chief Secretary. She thanked God and her husband for giving the opportunity. Jamir said she was privileged to hold many important posts in different capacities in her 37 years as civil servant where she learnt many new things and met wonderful persons. Always a strong advocate for the importance of women and their roles in society, she said women have always held a special place in her life. She mentioned the names of some women in her life that inspired her as a source of encouragement to her. She also thanked her family members for their supports in different ways which enabled her to discharge her official duties successfully. Jamir also said she is content and happy to be retired but will continue to work and contribute to society and community. She thanked the gathering for their supports and encouragement throughout her tenure in service and also for organizing the farewell programme. Additional Chief Secretary and incoming Chief Secretary Toshi Aier, in his welcome remarks, highlighted the rare accomplishments of the outgoing Chief Secretary. Stating that Jamir had the distinction of being the first lady to serve in different capacities as a civil servant, he said she was the first lady IAS officer from Nagaland through direct recruit by UPSC in 1977. She was also the first lady Deputy Commissioner of Kohima and Zunheboto districts, the first lady Commissioner where she served for more than four years and the first lady Chief Secretary of Nagaland. The family lineage has so far produced four chief secretaries starting from H. Zopianga (Banuo’s late father) who was the 4th Chief Secretary followed by NI Jamir, father of recently retired Chief Secretary Alemtemshi and today Banuo Z. Jamir, the first lady Chief Secretary of Nagaland. The two family generations have together served the people in the highest capacity as the Chief Secretary for nearly 10 years. Additional Chief Secretary C.J. Ponraj described Banuo Z. Jamir as a model employee throughout her service career and termed her as the civil servant who has contributed the finest civil tradition to the government irrespective of situation. During her long career as an IAS officer, she has brought up her own vision and strategy without offending others, he said. He also highlighted her immense contribution to Education department where she introduced education to disabled children. Banuo Z. Jamir, being the Chairman of the reservation policy, showed high integrity and unbiased which continued till today and her nature of hard working and dedicated service to the people leaving a legacy for others to emulate, he added. During the function farewell speeches on behalf of IAS Association, NCS Association, NSS Association, IPS Association, NPS Association, IFS Association, Directorates, District Administration and Grade-IV Association were also delivered. In honour of the outgoing Chief Secretary, the DCs from 11 districts, various association, departments and well wishers felicitated her during the farewell programme.

Realize responsibilities: Outgoing DGP

Having served an illustrious 36 years in police department, Besesayo Kezo retired as the Director General of Police (DGP) of the State today. In his address during the ceremonial farewell parade at the Police New Reserve ground this morning, Kezo called upon the police personnel in the State to realize their responsibilities, and never to abuse their powers. He said police personnel are empowered with a unique command. Even without guns and lathis (sticks), the words uttered by police personnel are an order, he said. Kezo said the discriminatory powers ultimately lie with oneself, and policemen should realize their responsibilities without abusing power. Stating that he has a mixed feeling on the last day of holding the post, Kezo apologized for offending anybody during the discharge of his duties. He also acknowledged the cooperation and support extended to him as DGP for last two years. Kezo joined as Assam-Meghalaya cadre in 1978. He served the Meghalaya Police in various capacities till his deputation to Nagaland in November 2012 as DG, Prisons and Home Guards. He was promoted as DGP Nagaland in January 2013. Additional DGP (Ops) and DG Prisons, Home Guards and Civil Defence, Lungriading will hold charge of office of DGP Nagaland till the Union Ministry of Home Affairs appoints a new DGP.