Marking 50 years of service, Nagaland’s Directorate employees were hailed as the backbone of state governance at NDMSA’s Golden Jubilee on November 18 in Kohima.
The Nagaland Directorate Ministerial Service Association (NDMSA) reflected on its journey from 32 directorates in 1975 to 57 today, highlighting how its members have helped shape the state’s administrative machinery over five decades. Leaders also recounted challenges faced, from ‘no work, no pay’ policies to premature retirements under the Nagaland Mass Retirement Act of 2007, and celebrated key reforms achieved with government support.
MP S Supongmeren Jamir, special guest at the event, recalled his early association with Directorate staff.
“Good governance starts from their table,” he said, describing employees as the backbone of the state government. Jamir lauded their contributions to policy, office procedures, and administration, calling on NDMSA members to serve with commitment, determination, and a sense of public responsibility.
The Jubilee also saw the release of the NDMSA Souvenir and the virtual unveiling of the Association’s Golden Jubilee Monolith.
NDMSA President T Bendangsenla, in her presidential address, said the Jubilee was a chance to honor the visionary founders who worked to establish an association that unified voices, addressed common interests, and provided a platform to express grievances and motivate members while performing their duties. She noted that NDMSA was officially recognized by the government on 30th July 1975, when there were only 32 directorates. Today, the Association consists of 57 directorates with a sanctioned strength of around 1,500, headquartered at Kohima with a unit in Dimapur.
Bendangsenla highlighted challenges the Association had faced over the years, including the ‘no work, no pay’ policy imposed in 1994 and the implementation of the Nagaland Mass Retirement Act of 2007, which caused premature retirements. She also outlined achievements secured by the Association, such as the upgradation of Office Superintendent posts, creation of Registrar positions in all directorates, amendments to service rules, implementation of High Power Committee and Cadre Review Committee recommendations, adoption of the NDMSA Constitution 2016, creation of Administrative Officer posts, reduction of Line of Service for promotion, and the allotment of land for the construction of an NDMSA building. She urged members to continue improving their work culture, serve with dedication and integrity, and uphold the motto “Serve and Progress.”
Founding member Medoselhou Keretsu reflected on the origins of NDMSA, recalling how the lack of coordination among the 32 directorates led senior officers and staff to join hands and organize formally. He praised the early leaders for drafting service rules, registering the Association, and renaming it Nagaland Directorate Ministerial Services Association. Sharing his own journey from member to president, he said that despite challenges and personal limitations, the Association provided invaluable learning experiences and fostered strong professional bonds. He called on current members to be torchbearers for the future.
The program also included a welcome address by Convenor Botovi Sema, a vote of thanks by Co-Convenor M Renthungo Tungoe, invocation and benediction by church leaders, and special musical presentations by Keziah Semy and Aosunep Jamir of Chakhesang Baptist Church, Ministers’ Hill, Kohima. A one-minute silence was observed in remembrance of the founding members of NDMSA. (With DIPR inputs)