In honour of the 11 retiring officers of the 1990 NSS Batch retiring in 2025, a farewell program was organized by the Nagaland Secretariat Service Association (NSSA) at the Secretariat Conference Hall on 29th January 2025.
Speaking on behalf of the retiring members, Joint Secretary of the Finance Department, Neikeduolie, expressed his gratitude to NSSA for hosting the program in their honour, and to the Government of Nagaland for acknowledging the retirees. Reflecting on their long careers, the retiring officer highlighted that the 1990 batch entered the NSS service through the NPSC examination in 1990. He shared how they were promoted from clerical posts to 1st class officers over the span of 35 years. He also noted that during their varied careers, they gained substantial knowledge through interactions with and guidance from dedicated officers of both pre-statehood and post-statehood times.
Emphasizing his wish list, the retiring officer urged the Association members to always remember that their appointments and postings are issued in the interest of the public, and that they are here to serve. He also called for mutual respect among members, stressing that there should be no sense of superiority or inferiority, as they are all qualified and entered the service through the NPSC examination. Addressing senior officers, Neikeduolie urged them to be brave and strong in their decision-making, and to overcome any feelings of inferiority as they shoulder greater responsibilities, including overseeing junior assistants. He advised them to cultivate habits of regularity, sincerity, and availability, and to ensure that papers and files are not only disposed of promptly but are also looked into sincerely. He reminded the Association members not to undermine or underestimate the role of their leaders, who work for the welfare of the Association. He emphasized the importance of discussing any issues with the leaders directly to resolve matters rather than making wide public statements. He also pointed out that, as guardians of the government’s laid-down rules and regulations, it is the duty of all members to protect them.
Johnny Humtsoe, Additional Secretary of the Rural Development Department, who spoke on behalf of NSSA, emphasized that the retirement of the 1990 batch was a red-letter day for the Association. He highlighted that it was a day to celebrate the achievements of the 1990 batch and the government’s new trend of acknowledging the services rendered by the Association by recognizing its retirees with souvenirs. He stated that many members of the 1990 batch may not have been in the forefront but were the main force behind the scenes. He observed them to be self-disciplined, honest, hardworking, courageous, motivating, steadfast, and consistent in their day-to-day dealings.
President of NSSA, Chubasangla Longkumer, while acknowledging the achievements of the 11 retiring officers of the 1990 NSS batch, called upon the Association members to use such programmes as opportunities to renew their knowledge, as the retirees share their experiences, wisdom, and knowledge. She noted that the retirees’ departure would leave a vacuum that could only be filled by the NSS members. She also highlighted an incident where the 1990 NSS batch took on a selfless responsibility to guide and advise the Association members during the Cadre Review, a key project submitted to the government. This project acted as an agent for the benefit of the Association’s members, although it did not directly benefit the retirees. She emphasized that the contributions of the retirees should not be undermined, and that their legacy and selfless hard work would stand as a testimony to all members. She encouraged the retirees to continue being assets in their new chapters of life, contributing to different organizations, societies, and communities, just as they had to the government and the Association.
Vice President of NSSA, E Longphyo Kikon, who chaired the programme, also proposed the closing remarks, while the 53rd NSS batch presented a special song.
The retiring officers of the 1990 NSS batch, retiring in 2025, were: Secretary, AH&VS, Y Renbonthung Tsopoe; Joint Secretary, Soil & Water Conservation, Tsobahu Rhakho; Joint Secretary, Finance, Zanbeni Odyuo; Joint Secretary, Finance, Neikeduolie; Joint Secretary, N&RE, Kekhrieselie Mepfhu-o; Joint Secretary, Home, Margaret Kerhu-o; Joint Secretary, Home, Senlo Tep; Joint Secretary, Land Revenue, C. Danted Phom; Deputy Secretary, Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Thupusa Nienu; Deputy Secretary, H&FW, Noune-e Keri; and Secretariat Assistant, AH & VS, Chumula Sangtam.