Power Department seeks government, police and district administration support as February 2027 deadline approaches
Public resistance to the installation of smart electricity meters has slowed the implementation of Nagaland’s power distribution reform project, prompting the Department of Power to seek a coordinated response from the State Government, district administrations and law enforcement agencies.
The issue came up during a meeting of Administrative Heads of Departments (AHoDs) and Heads of Departments (HoDs), chaired by Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS, at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Conference Hall, Kohima, on November 11.
During the meeting, the Department of Power made a presentation on the challenges surrounding the installation of smart meters under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). It highlighted public concerns over possible increases in electricity bills, the prevailing practice of paying fixed minimum or average bills, and demands for reliable power supply.
The department also informed that civil society organisations (CSOs) across districts had been spearheading opposition to the installation of smart meters, affecting the pace of the project, which is scheduled for completion by February 2027.
Seeking the support of the State Government, district administrations and law enforcement agencies to facilitate implementation and prevent obstruction of the scheme, the department highlighted the need for a coordinated approach to address the resistance.
Taking note of the challenges, the Chief Secretary directed the Department of Power to prepare a Cabinet memorandum outlining the measures required to address the issue. He asked the department to incorporate suggestions from concerned departments, district administrations, police and other relevant agencies.
Emphasising that the rule of law must prevail, Imchen called upon all departments to work collectively towards the effective implementation of government programmes.
The meeting also discussed a proposal by PWD (Housing) for the construction of ramps and covered walkway sheds at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat at an estimated cost of Rs 561.23 lakh. The proposed facilities are intended to improve public accessibility and provide greater convenience to pedestrians, particularly during the rainy season.
The Chief Secretary clarified that the expenditure would 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.
On the statewide mass social work scheduled for November 13, the Chief Secretary called for active participation from all departments, stressing that the cleanliness drive should extend beyond Kohima and district headquarters to villages across the State.
He directed district officers, including those at the sub-divisional level, to coordinate with their respective district administrations and mobilise manpower and resources for cleaning activities. Departments with heavy vehicles and other equipment were also asked to make them available to Deputy Commissioners for waste collection, transportation and disposal.
Particular attention was drawn to the removal of construction materials and other obstructions along highways and roads, especially in Kohima, Dimapur and Chümoukedima. The Chief Secretary said the mass social work would be closely monitored by the Commissioner’s Office.
The meeting further discussed diplomatic protocol guidelines issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, advising departments to route official engagements and proposed visits by foreign diplomats or representatives of diplomatic missions through the Ministry and obtain its express approval.
Members were also briefed on the PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) platform, including its monthly review mechanism and action tracking through eSamiksha. Development Commissioner Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS, made a presentation on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Viksit Nagaland@2047 and distressed projects, underscoring the need for inter-departmental coordination, effective monitoring and timely implementation of development initiatives.
