A high-level consultative meeting under the state-level governance framework of Reform Utsav was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Mokokchung on September 7.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner and Secretary for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs and State Nodal Officer for Districts (SNODs), Kekhrievor Kevichüsa, and Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Ajit Kumar Verma. Senior officials from Kohima and Mokokchung districts, tribal leaders, student leaders, village council members and Village Development Board (VDB) members participated in the discussions.
The meeting focused on the key objectives of Reform Utsav, including agriculture and marketing reforms, building bye-laws, VDB functioning, rural development and skill development.
In his opening remarks, Verma said the primary objective of Reform Utsav was to institutionalise citizen participation in governance and translate public feedback into actionable administrative and structural reforms for more efficient service delivery.
Kevichüsa outlined the rollout timeline, which will be implemented in three phases. September will focus on establishing governance frameworks, local sensitisation and department-level awareness campaigns. The Reform Utsav public portal and community outreach activities are scheduled for the nationwide launch on October 2.
In November, “quick win” operational reforms will be prioritised and implemented, alongside the preparation of long-term roadmaps for more complex structural changes.
Kevichüsa emphasised that Reform Utsav follows a bottom-up approach, with ideas and suggestions gathered directly from citizens at the grassroots level and taken forward for consideration at higher levels.
He also distinguished between constructive suggestions and individual grievances, urging stakeholders and the public to focus on suggestions aimed at bringing about systemic reforms.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Deputy Commissioner.