The General Biennial Conference of the Federation of Nagaland State Engineering Associations (FONSESA) held at Hotel Japfü, Kohima, highlighted the critical role of engineers in driving Nagaland’s development amidst ongoing natural disasters.
Minister of Power & Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye, who addressed the gathering as special guest, urged engineers and technocrats to harness their untapped potential to propel the state’s development despite financial constraints. Kenye expressed his gratitude to the builders of the state for their ongoing efforts in infrastructure development and encouraged them to persist in their work despite the challenges.
During his speech, Kenye emphasized the crucial role of communication and road infrastructure, noting that deficiencies in these areas have led to widespread social and political unrest. He pointed out that these infrastructural issues have had a cascading effect on society, impacting various sectors adversely.
Kenye also addressed the ongoing Naga political issue, which he described as a significant barrier to the state’s development. He called for citizens to prioritize resolving this long-standing issue to enable progress and urged technocrats and government officers to collaborate with politicians to move the state forward. He stressed the need for engineers to identify and address systemic issues, ensuring that future generations are not burdened by unresolved challenges.
The conference also saw Er. Hutoi Sema, President of FONSESA, highlighting the immediate challenges facing Nagaland’s infrastructure, particularly in the wake of recent natural disasters. Sema spoke about the severe impact of flash floods, landslides, and mudslides on roads, which have tested the resilience and ingenuity of Nagaland’s engineers.
A key issue discussed in his speech was the delay in finalizing the Nagaland Engineering Service Rule 2012 (NESR 2012) due to unresolved disputes with the Personnel and Administrative Department. Sema expressed hope that these longstanding issues would be resolved soon, allowing the rules to be implemented, which would improve the structure and functioning of the state’s engineering services.
FONSESA, along with partner associations, is also actively seeking justice from the state government to ensure fair representation for engineers. The president stressed the need for engineers to receive their rightful share in IAS encadrement and appointments within the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC).
He called upon his fellow engineers to remain committed to their mission and work together to ensure that Nagaland does not lag behind but stands tall with the rest of the country. He emphasized the importance of developing sustainable and inclusive infrastructure.
As the engineering profession witnesses the rapid evolution of technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), and smart infrastructure systems, Sema urged engineers to stay abreast of these developments. He encouraged engineers to embrace these innovations, which offer sustainable solutions to the state’s unique challenges, such as difficult terrains and the need for climate-resilient infrastructure.
However, Sema acknowledged that the road to innovation is fraught with challenges. Engineers in Nagaland often face limited resources and a lack of exposure to the latest technologies. He stressed the need for collaboration across departments, with the central government, and with private stakeholders to push for systemic changes that empower engineers to implement modern solutions.
Sema also highlighted FONSESA’s commitment to international collaboration as the association celebrated the 2nd edition of World Engineering Day, emphasizing the importance of engineering in sustainable development and innovation.
