Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio on Friday inaugurated Police officers Mess at New Police Reserve, Phesama , Kohima; handed over Pension Payment Orders ( PPOs) to retired police personnel and group term life insurance benefits to nominees under Police Salary Package ( PSP) and also launched Nagaland Police Mess Reservation App.

Addressing the gathering, Rio expressed pride in witnessing the inauguration of the upgraded facilities, which he described as a “symbol of progress, vision, and commitment” from the government. Reflecting on the long history of the police mess, Rio acknowledged that the old officers’ mess, built in the 1980s, had faithfully served generations of officers for over 40 years.

“It is heartening to see this new building come up, marking a new chapter in the progress of our police department,” he said.

The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of efficient fund utilization under the State Annual Special Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, which helped finance the construction. “Under SASCI, it is crucial to spend allocated funds within the financial year to avoid penalties. This is unlike previous years when funds could be carried over. I’m pleased to see that the planning and execution have been carried out successfully and on time,” Rio remarked.

He also acknowledged the role of the Department of Police and the contractors involved in the construction, highlighting the importance of quality control in such projects. While noting the active role of the police force in maintaining public safety, Rio emphasized that such advancements would further strengthen the bond between the police and the community.

In his speech, the Chief Minister recalled when the government set up seven Reserve Indian Battalions, including the Mahila Battalion. “These efforts have not only created employment opportunities but also enhanced police infrastructure. The improved police-public ratio has fostered a more secure environment for the citizens of Nagaland,” he stated.

Rio encouraged the police officers to utilize the new facilities meaningfully, making it a place for both rest and engagement. He stressed that the mess is not only for uniformed personnel but can also host guests and various programs, furthering the sense of community and collaboration within the police force.

The event also focused on the welfare of retired police officers, with the CM emphasizing the importance of honoring their contributions. “Today, we are handing over PPOs and life insurance benefits to retired police personnel and their families, ensuring they continue to receive the benefits they deserve after years of service,” said Rio.

He reflected on the government’s decision to disburse salaries and other benefits through banks, helping establish a “bank culture” that would benefit not only the police force but also students and citizens across the state.

On the topic of pensioner benefits, the Chief Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by pensioners, especially widows and families of retired officers, and assured that the government was working to ensure a smoother and more efficient pension disbursement system.

“Cooperation from our bankers and the Accountant General’s office is vital to ensure that pensioners and their families receive their entitlements without delay,” he noted.

Rio commended the police for their exemplary work in maintaining law and order in the state. “Nagaland is proud to have one of the lowest crime rates in the country, thanks to the proactive measures taken by our police force. Through intelligence gathering and effective policing, we are ensuring that criminals do not have the opportunity to act. The police are the backbone of this system, and their dedication is evident in the safety and security of our state,” he said.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Rio urged the police force to continue their journey with discipline and determination, using the newly inaugurated facilities as a source of inspiration for excellence in every duty.

Director General of Police, Rupin Sharma, IPS, in his welcome address recalled that the mess was an old dilapidated facility with about 8 rooms. DGP mentioned that Rio had agreed to allocate funds and now the Mess has 21 rooms, including 11 suites. This Mess Complex, he said will now have almost 30 rooms. He also hoped that officers coming to Kohima for meetings will not have to beg around or stay with friends or relatives.

“This will help build teamwork and camaraderie among officers. We have installed pre-paid meters for all suites. l would like to request you to consider release of budget under the RRT head for all departments on a pro-rata basis every month in advance so that the pre-paid maters can be installed an run in all government offices. In the absence of advance release of budget, the payments cannot be made in advance,” the DGP noted.

DGP announces breakthrough in Pension Reforms

In a major move towards streamlining pension processes and addressing longstanding issues within the system, DGP Rupin Sharma announced significant progress in resolving pension delays and fraud.

The DGP recounted his involvement in investigating a major pension scam back in 2004-2006, when nearly Rs. 160 crores was defrauded through fake pension documents. Despite recommendations for improved checks and balances, the system continued to suffer from inefficiencies, delays, and a nexus of vested interests. Earlier this year, the issue resurfaced, with allegations of corruption and slows processing across various departments.

Determined to resolve the problem, DGP Sharma took charge again, dedicating himself to reforming the system. Over the span of 3-4 weeks, he identified the key loopholes and re-engineered the pension process. One significant change was the directive to attach all prospective retirees to their Unit Headquarters 9 months before retirement, ensuring their pension papers were completed within 3 months and submitted to the Police Headquarters (PHQ) 6 months prior to retirement. However, despite this advance processing, slow movement persisted due to a system where certain benefits like leave encashment and superannuation were only processed after retirement, causing further delays.

After discussions with officials from the Accountant General (AG) Office, DGP Sharma successfully negotiated a system where pension and gratuity documents were processed during the 5-6 month period before retirement, rather than waiting until after the officer retired. As a result, in just six months, the department achieved a remarkable 91% settlement rate for pension cases.

“We have settled almost 95% of cases for employees retiring by November 2025, and even begun processing cases for retirees in December 2025,” said DGP Sharma.

He thanked the AG Office and his own staff for the achievement, emphasizing that the workload now falls within manageable limits of 45-50 cases per month.

Despite this success, DGP Sharma pointed out that two key issues remain unresolved: leave encashment and the processing of pension papers for those retiring in the first half of the year. He urged the Finance Department to streamline the leave encashment process, especially considering that fraud is less likely if service books and records are properly maintained.

He also recommended working with the AG Office and Finance Department to align the state’s pension practices with those of the Government of India.

In addition to pension reforms, DGP Sharma highlighted the department’s new Corporate Salary Package partnership with the State Bank of India (SBI), which has converted 2,300 salary accounts in just two months. The package includes a Group Insurance Scheme that provides Rs. 10 lakh to families of police personnel who die in service, whether on active duty or otherwise. Since the implementation, 50 personnel have passed away, and 30 cases have been processed, with 10 cases fully settled.

These measures, according to DGP Sharma, have provided much-needed relief to pensioners and the families of officers who have died in service. “This is a testament to the State Government’s commitment to the welfare of our personnel and their families,” he concluded.

With the pension system overhaul and the new insurance benefits, DGP Sharma has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing the challenges faced by police personnel in Nagaland, ensuring better welfare and support for those who serve the state with dedication.

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Varun Ahluwalia, IA&AS Accountant General, Nagaland in his speech highlighted that the inauguration reflects the State’s commitment to enhancing the well-being and morale of the police force. He added that the handing over of Pension Payment Orders to retiring officers symbolises the State’s recognition of their dedication, courage and long years of service.

Er K Imnajungba Jamir, Chief Engineer, Police Engineering Project highlighted that the project ‘Upgradation of the Officers’ Mess at the Police New Reserve, Phesama” consists of a three-storied RCC Officers’ Mess building, designed to provide improved accommodation and modern facilities to our officers. The building has a plinth area of 5,767 square feet, with a total floor area of 17,375 square feet. The total project cost stands at Rs.7,02,87,000- funded under, SASCI 2023-24 (Part-l) with Rs. 5,00,00,000 only and SASCI 2024-25 with Rs. 2,02,87,000 only. The work was awarded to M/s. Guolhoulie Rio & Sons, with the work order issued on 14th August 2023, and the construction commenced on August 28, 2023. With 34 rooms, 26 toilets, and various common spaces, the upgraded facility ensures a higher standard of living for those serving in the force.

The ground floor houses a spacious conference hall, dining area, pantry, and common restrooms, while the first floor offers deluxe and single rooms. The second floor is dedicated to high-end accommodations, including DGP suites and deluxe rooms.

The event was chaired by Teisovise Metha, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Planning & Modernization). Dedicatory prayer was pronounced by Rev. Vesotsu Rakho, Pastor of the PUBC, New Police Reserve, Phesama. During the program, the Chief Minister also handed over Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) to retired police personnel and Group Term Life Insurance benefits to the nominees of deceased officers under the Police Salary Package (PSP).

In addition, the launch of the Nagaland Police Mess Reservation App was announced, marking a move toward digitalizing and streamlining the facility’s booking process for police personnel.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Renchamo P Kikon, IPS, Additional Director General of Police (Admin), who expressed gratitude to all those involved in making the project a success.