Nagaland Chief Secretary, Sentiyanger Imchen has directed the Department of Power to prepare a Cabinet memorandum outlining measures to address public resistance to the installation of smart electricity meters under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), stressing the need for a coordinated approach involving government departments, district administrations and law enforcement agencies.
According to a DIPR report, the direction was issued during a meeting of Administrative Heads of Departments (AHoDs) and Heads of Departments (HoDs), chaired by the Chief Secretary at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Conference Hall, Kohima, on Wednesday.
During the meeting, the Department of Power made a presentation on the challenges arising from public opposition to smart meter installation across the State. The department highlighted concerns among consumers over possible increases in electricity bills, the prevailing practice of paying fixed minimum or average bills, and public demands for reliable power supply.
It also informed the meeting that civil society organisations (CSOs) in various districts had been spearheading the opposition to the installation of smart meters.
The department stated that the project, scheduled for completion by February 2027, had witnessed slow progress due to continued public resistance. It sought the support of the State Government, district administrations and law enforcement agencies to facilitate implementation and prevent obstruction of the scheme.
Taking note of the challenges, Imchen directed the Department of Power to prepare a Cabinet memorandum incorporating measures to address the concerns. He asked the department to seek suggestions from all concerned departments, district administrations, police and other relevant agencies to ensure a coordinated response.
Emphasising that the rule of law must prevail, the Chief Secretary called upon all departments to work collectively towards the effective implementation of government programmes.
The meeting also deliberated on a proposal by PWD (Housing) for the construction of ramps and covered walkway sheds at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat to improve public accessibility. The project is estimated to cost ₹561.23 lakh.
The Chief Secretary said the proposed infrastructure would provide greater convenience to visitors, particularly pedestrians accessing the Secretariat during the rainy season. He clarified that the expenditure was proposed to be met from the unspent balance of the one-day salary contribution made earlier by government employees towards relief efforts, rather than from the regular government budget. He sought the concurrence of members for utilisation of the available funds.
Departments directed to ensure statewide participation in mass social work
On the statewide mass social work scheduled for November 13, the Chief Secretary called for active participation from all departments in the cleanliness drive, stressing that the exercise should extend beyond Kohima and district headquarters to villages across Nagaland.
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He directed all district officers, including those posted at the sub-divisional level, to coordinate closely with their respective district administrations to ensure effective conduct of the programme.
Departments were asked to mobilise their manpower and resources and undertake cleaning activities along the stretches allotted to them. Departments having heavy vehicles and other equipment were also requested to place them at the disposal of the respective Deputy Commissioners to facilitate the collection, transportation and proper disposal of waste.
The Chief Secretary further directed all HoDs to communicate the instructions to their district and subordinate offices. He called for particular attention to the removal of construction materials and other obstructions along highways and roads, especially in Kohima, Dimapur and Chümoukedima.
He also informed that the mass social work would be closely monitored by the Commissioner’s Office.
Departments asked to follow MEA diplomatic protocol
The meeting also discussed guidelines issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) concerning diplomatic protocol and engagement with foreign diplomatic missions.
Imchen advised all departments to strictly adhere to the prescribed procedures, stating that official engagements and proposed visits by foreign diplomats or representatives of diplomatic missions must be routed through the MEA and undertaken only with its express approval.
He clarified that visits by foreign nationals in their individual capacity would be treated differently, while official visits by individuals representing their respective countries must follow the prescribed diplomatic protocol.
He urged all departments to take note of the guidelines to ensure consistency in official communication and diplomatic engagements.
The members were also briefed on the PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) platform and the review meetings chaired by the Prime Minister.
The presentation highlighted the monthly review mechanism involving district, State- and Central-level assessments, followed by action tracking through eSamiksha. Emphasis was laid on timely submission of responses and Action Taken Reports (ATRs), effective inter-departmental coordination and prompt resolution of bottlenecks affecting project implementation.
Development Commissioner Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS, also made a PowerPoint presentation on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Viksit Nagaland@2047 and distressed projects. He highlighted the need for coordinated departmental efforts, effective monitoring and timely implementation to achieve the State’s development objectives.
Earlier, the meeting began with a review of the minutes of the previous meeting, during which the Chief Secretary took stock of decisions taken, pending action points and progress made by the concerned departments.
