As part of a renewed push to enforce workplace discipline in Nagaland’s government institutions, Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton carried out a series of unannounced inspections across several departments in Wokha on May 29. The move underscored the state’s stance on its “no work, no pay” policy, which has seen increasing emphasis in recent months.
The inspection drive began at the Civil Hospital Wokha, where Patton personally reviewed the attendance records and spoke with on-duty medical staff.
Of the 14 doctors posted at the hospital, one was found to be absent without approved leave. Patton directed that the absent doctor’s salary for the day be withheld and instructed officials to submit the names of all absentees lacking prior approval to the deputy commissioner for further action.
The Dy. CM also cross-verified staff presence, ensuring that those marked present were physically in their posts. Individuals falsely recorded as present were immediately marked absent, with orders issued for corresponding pay deductions.
Patton then visited the office of the Public Works Department (PWD), where similar issues of unauthorised absenteeism were observed. Several employees were missing without prior notice, leading to further instructions for pay deductions. Noting the poor physical condition of the office building, he directed executive engineer Mhathung Kikon to draw up a proposal for necessary renovations.
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“It is essential that all government employees understand the importance of regular attendance,” Patton stated. “Leave must be officially applied for and properly verified. Any staff member attending training should present formal training orders,” he added.
The Dy. CM also pointed to the situation at the Nagaland Secretariat, where out of approximately 2,700 employees, only around 800 had been attending work regularly. However, he said recent inspections had pushed that figure beyond 1,000—a sign, he suggested, that strict oversight was beginning to bear fruit.
During the visit, Patton inspected the Multi-Sports Complex at Mount Tiyi College, the only government college in the district. Responding to an earlier request from college authorities, he assessed the dilapidated condition of the facility and gave assurances that it would be repaired using the Common Pool Fund. He also reminded teaching and non-teaching staff that attendance expectations applied to educational institutions as well, warning that absent teachers would not be paid.
College staff and faculty welcomed the Dy. CM’s visit, expressing appreciation for his attention to their concerns and requesting continued collaboration to improve facilities and operations.
