The United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC) has expressed serious concern over what it described as a “widespread culture of administrative absenteeism” in Kiphire district, warning that the continued absence of key government officials is adversely affecting governance, public service delivery and development in one of Nagaland’s most remote districts.
In a statement issued following surprise inspections conducted on May 25 and 26, the USSC claimed to have observed alarming levels of absenteeism among several senior government officials. The student body said the trend was undermining the district’s developmental aspirations despite its designation as an Aspirational District under NITI Aayog.
The Conference alleged that many Heads of Departments (HoDs) were residing outside Kiphire, primarily in Dimapur and Kohima, and visiting the district only during District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meetings and other official events.
Describing the practice as a “DPDB-centric administration,” the USSC said such absenteeism weakens governance, limits public accessibility to officials and defeats the purpose of district-level administration.
The organization also highlighted what it termed “signature tourism,” alleging that subordinate staff are frequently compelled to travel outside the district to obtain signatures and approvals from absentee officers.
According to the USSC, this results in unnecessary expenditure of public resources, places an additional burden on lower-ranking employees and causes avoidable delays in the implementation of government services and developmental programmes.
In response, the USSC said it has formally petitioned the Deputy Commissioner of Kiphire and urged the Government of Nagaland to immediately verify the attendance of officials and take appropriate action against those found violating service rules.
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The Conference reiterated that under Fundamental Rule 17(1), unauthorized absence from duty attracts the principle of “No Work, No Pay” and warned that if the matter remains unaddressed, it may pursue legal remedies, including filing a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution seeking a Writ of Mandamus to ensure the discharge of public duties by the concerned authorities.
While demanding accountability, the USSC also acknowledged the infrastructural challenges faced by officials posted in remote districts and proposed several reforms aimed at improving governance and service delivery.
Among its recommendations, the Conference called for the introduction of biometric attendance and geo-fencing systems linked to salary disbursement to enhance transparency and accountability. It also urged the government to expedite the construction of the proposed Officers’ Residential Colony in Kiphire to address accommodation challenges faced by officials.
However, the USSC maintained that housing-related issues cannot justify persistent absenteeism and urged officials to utilize available facilities while prioritizing the needs of the people.
The student body further proposed the establishment of a joint monitoring and review mechanism comprising representatives from the district administration, civil society organizations and student bodies to periodically assess attendance, service delivery and governance outcomes.
“The development of Kiphire cannot and must not be held hostage to the convenience of a few. Public office is a position of trust, responsibility and service,” the USSC stated, adding that the people of Kiphire deserve an administration that is physically present, professionally committed and accountable.
Calling upon the Government of Nagaland and all concerned authorities to take immediate corrective measures, the Conference said it remains committed to working with government departments and stakeholders to address local challenges, improve public service delivery and ensure the welfare and progress of the district.
Reaffirming its readiness to cooperate with officials and institutions for the overall development of Kiphire, the USSC emphasized that only through collective responsibility and mutual cooperation can the aspirations of the people be fulfilled.
