A meeting of the Administrative Head of Departments (AHoDs) and Head of Departments (HoDs) was held at Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Conference Hall, Kohima on 18th February 2026. The first meeting of 2026 was convened under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS.
During the meeting CS expressed concern that several Administrative Heads of Departments (AHODs) and Heads of Departments (HODs) have been leaving station without formally availing leave of absence.
Taking serious note of the matter, CS reminded all officers that proper procedure must be followed. He stated that AHoDs must obtain leave of absence from the Chief Secretary before leaving station, while HoDs are required to seek permission from their respective Administrative Heads of Office.
He emphasized that AHoDs and HoDs should prioritize participation in workshops that are directly relevant and beneficial to their respective departments. Officers were cautioned against attending every meeting or workshop indiscriminately, as it affects administrative efficiency and routine functioning.
The Chief Secretary highlighted the importance of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the vision of Viksit Bharat, as outlined by the Chief Minister during a recent Cabinet meeting. He stated that every department must chalk out clear strategies on how to achieve the SDG targets and contribute towards the Viksit Bharat mission, and come up with concrete proposals and action plans.
However, the Chief Secretary expressed concern that despite the State’s Vision 2030 document compiled with inputs from all departments, very few departments have actively pursued or implemented what was outlined in the vision plan.
He reminded officers that Vision 2030 was prepared after thorough consultation and contributions from all departments, and therefore its goals must be taken seriously. The Chief Secretary informed that his office will be writing to each department on the matter and directed all departments to be prepared.
During the meeting, Home Commissioner Abhijit Sinha, IAS also stressed on the importance of attendance by Administrative Heads of Departments (AHoDs) and Heads of Departments (HoDs) during Assembly and budget sessions.
He stated that when questions pertaining to specific departments are tabled in the House, inputs and clarifications must be provided promptly. In such situations, the presence of the concerned AHoDs and HoDs becomes crucial to ensure accurate, timely, and comprehensive responses.
Home Commissioner also reminded all departments to prepare Governor and budget speeches with clarity, precision, and innovation. He emphasized that budget presentations should be concise and forward-looking, incorporating fresh initiatives and innovative proposals rather than repeating matters or achievements that have already been highlighted in previous years.
Finance Commissioner Kesonyu Yhome, IAS briefed AHoDs and HoDs on the status of budget preparations and urged strict adherence to timelines. He informed that departments had been asked to submit materials for the Governor’s Address and the Budget Speech, but some are yet to comply despite the February deadline. He directed departments to clearly segregate submissions and ensure that budget inputs focus on new initiatives rather than repetitive achievements.
Yhome also raised concern, citing interactions with the Accountant General (AG) Office, that many departments are not carrying out timely reconciliation of accounts. He pointed out that as a result, several issues that could have been resolved at the departmental and AG level are being escalated unnecessarily. Yhome urged all AHoDs and HoDs to ensure that their respective Accounts Sections are kept properly informed and updated so that reconciliation of accounts is carried out in a timely manner.
All Administrative Head of Departments and Head of Departments attended the meeting.

(Esuihangle, IA)