Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Rural Development, Kevisa Kense, stated today that there has been a paradigm shift towards full digitization, making it essential for an educated individual to hold the position of Village Development Board (VDB) Secretary and other village leadership roles.
Speaking at the “Rural Development Success Year of Thetsümi Village 2024” event held at the Community Hall in Thetsümi Village, Phek district, Kense emphasized that village leaders should exhibit integrity, honesty, and a commitment to the village’s progress.
He expressed concern that elections for leadership positions like VCC and VDB Secretary are now influenced by monetary factors, which he strongly disapproved of.
Kense commended the work of Thetsümi Village, recognizing their collective efforts and unity in advancing village development, and urged them to continue these practices.
During the event, Kense announced grants for the Panchayat Bhawan, the extension and upgrading of the community hall, and pledged to approve a piggery farming initiative for the village. He also advised villagers to insure their livestock to protect against unforeseen events.
Highlighting the changes in meritocracy, he encouraged students to secure jobs through competitive exams like NPSC and NSSB by focusing on hard work and consistency.
Mesevekha Doulo, Village Development Board (VDB) Secretary, delivered a report on the village’s success, calling the occasion momentous. He stated, “Today is a proud day for Thetsümi village as we celebrate Rural Development Success Year, fulfilling the aspirations of the people through various developmental schemes undertaken by the Department of Rural Development, Government of Nagaland. These initiatives have improved rural infrastructure and livelihoods, creating a living success story for both the village and the department.”
Doulo expressed gratitude to the Rural Development Department’s officials, past and present, who have demonstrated knowledge and concern for the upliftment of rural villages. He noted that Thetsümi village has been fortunate to receive the department’s attention and support, helping bring desired projects to completion. He also thanked village leaders and the department for their cooperation during his two terms as VDB Secretary.
During the event, K Inazhe Phuleshe, Director of Rural Development, Government of Nagaland, released the Rural Development Success Year of Thetsümi Village 2024 magazine.
Kevisa Kense inaugurated several projects, including the View Tower, Main Water Reservoir Tank, and Footsteps.
Additional projects were virtually inaugurated by various officials: Vihesanuo Solo, Project Director, DRDA Phek, inaugurated the “Agri Link Road”; Keviseyieno Sale, Block Development Officer (BDO), RD Block Chizami, inaugurated the “Guest House cum Office Building”; Veduzo Sasu, Rural Development Officer (RDO), inaugurated the “Hanging Bridge”; Vizonuo Pienyü, RDO, inaugurated the “Women’s Building”; and Angam P. Longho, former BDO of Chizami, virtually inaugurated the “Horti-Plantation” (One Family One Project).
The program was led by Kevese Lasuh, with a welcome address by Vetshe Tsuzuh, Village Council Chairman, Thetsümi. The invocation prayer was offered by Lhoukhrope, Pastor TBC, and the closing prayer was led by Lhouzoü Doulo, Associate Pastor Women, TBC.