Commissioner & Secretary to the Chief Minister, works & Housing and Finance Commissioner, Kesonyu Yhome, IAS graced the Nagaland Secretariat Service Association Triennial Conference 2025 held at capital convention centre, Kohima on 12th December 2025.
The event was held with the theme ‘Public Service: More than a Job, a Calling’ bringing together alumni, officials, and members of the association in a dignified and reflective gathering.
Special Guest of the event, Kesonyu Yhome, IAS sharing his thoughts called upon members of the Nagaland Secretariat Service Association (NSSA) to revive their work culture, strengthen their commitment to public service, and reclaim their important role in policy formulation.
Yhome underscored the indispensable role of the Nagaland Secretariat Service Association (NSSA) in the functioning of the State’s administrative machinery. He noted that while the Nagaland Civil Service Association (NCSA) forms the “backbone” of the State bureaucracy, the NSSA serves as the ‘engine’ that keeps the State Administrative System running.”
He emphasized that the NSSA operates at the highest office of the State government, working parallel to central services in delivering efficient governance. “As long as the engine is up and running, the State machinery continues to function,” he said, highlighting the seriousness and gravity of the responsibilities carried by NSS members.
Yhome further described the NSSA as the institutional memory of the State. While IAS officers and other officials may come and go, he said, it is the NSS personnel who provide continuity and stability across the departments and institutions.
He also stressed the critical role of NSS officials in policy formulation, calling it one of their most important contributions to the governance system.
Yhome expressed concern over the perceived decline in work culture compared to earlier decades, reminding government employees that the security and privileges they enjoy must be matched by duty, sincerity, and discipline. He emphasized that in meetings and administrative processes, NSS officers should prioritise solution-oriented thinking instead of focusing only on obstacles.
Touching on broader governance challenges, he encouraged the Association to deliberate during the business session on two key issues affecting the State, restrictive land laws that hinder development and the need for improving revenue generation. With their experience and frontline role in administration, Yhome said NSS members are well positioned to contribute meaningful recommendations.
Yhome also raised serious concerns over the diminishing role of NSS officials in policy formulation, calling it unhealthy for the State’s administrative future. He noted that the decline could stem from two factors, either NSS officers are not being entrusted with responsibilities, or they have voluntarily stepped back from this crucial role. Stressing the importance of their involvement, he asserted that policy formulation is not the sole domain of IAS or NCS officers, but a fundamental responsibility of NSS officials who provide continuity and institutional stability within the government system. He urged members to bring forward innovative ideas, new perspectives, and practical solutions rather than waiting for directives from higher authorities. “Do not expect all decisions to come from above,” he said, emphasizing that initiative, innovation, and policy inputs must originate from NSS officers themselves.
With a major portion of the State’s finances spent on salaries, Yhome called for government employees to uphold their moral responsibility by delivering efficient and reliable service to the public.
Theme speaker of the event Addl. Secretary (Retd.) & Ex-President of NSSA H. Lungalang highlighted the unique privilege of NSS officers who remain posted in Kohima throughout their career, staying close to their families, an advantage many other services do not enjoy.
He recalled key contributions made during his tenure, including preventing casual LDAs from entering the cadre without proper recruitment, securing the cadre review that benefitted many members, and supporting officers affected during the mass retirement of 2009.
Lungalang reminded officers of the intense effort they put into joining the service, emphasizing that many equally qualified youth could not make it. He urged members to value their positions, work sincerely, and dedicate themselves fully to their duties.
He spoke strongly about work culture, urging officers to be present at their desks so that people travelling long distances for official work do not suffer. He encouraged introspection, stating that true satisfaction at retirement comes not from salary or personal comfort but from the service rendered to people.
Lungalang urged members to introspect on their roles and responsibilities, emphasizing that the opportunity to serve people is limited to one’s tenure in the service. He stressed that government employees are not working for personal gain but to serve the public in whatever capacity they hold be it clerical or otherwise. Lungalang warned that failing to deliver effectively could lead to regrets upon retirement, and encouraged juniors to take every opportunity to contribute meaningfully so that they can leave their service with the satisfaction of having served the people.
He concluded with a biblical reminder from Colossians 3:23–24, urging officers to work with sincerity as if serving God, and to avoid regrets at the end of their careers.
Delivering the Presidential Address Chubasangla Longkumer highlighted the commitment and collective efforts of the NSSA community, while also acknowledging the milestones achieved by the association.
Highlighting the NSS’s growth in strength, stature, and professionalism, the President noted that members have been privileged to work closely with the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Nagaland Civil Service (NCS). She said this collaboration has boosted morale, instilled the best work culture, and enabled members to contribute meaningfully to the functioning of the State machinery at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat.
The President expressed confidence in NSS members’ ability to shoulder higher responsibilities and urged them to work diligently, uphold integrity, and serve as a pillar of support wherever they are posted. She also acknowledged the continued guidance and inspiration of retired officers through the NSS Retired Forum, calling their mentorship invaluable to the Association.
Beyond office work, the President highlighted the NSSA’s initiatives to foster personal growth through clubs' activities such as the Eco Club, Literary Club, Music Club, Sports Club, and Cultural Club.
She also outlined key welfare projects. The NSS Cooperative Society Ltd., registered in 2023, aims to promote economic upliftment among members through collective ventures. Addressing accommodation challenges, she announced that the government has approved land at Kohima, for NSSA residential quarters and recreational facilities.
The President praised the active participation of women members of the Association, describing them as an extension of the NSSA family, and emphasized collaboration with other service associations to address common issues.
Concluding her address, she reminded members to maintain empathy and human values in an increasingly mechanized work environment, quoting American author H. Jackson Browne Jr.: “Earn your success based on service to others, not at the expense of others.”
Other key highlights of the event was the Felicitation of NSSA Achievers, celebrating individuals who have excelled in their respective fields and contributed significantly to the service. Special songs titled “Final Tribute” was presented by the 1993 senior most Batch of NSS and Immortality by Adela Seth Sangram. Chumdiakum Sangtam chaired the event, while Khonthungo Lotha led the invocation.
General Secretary NSSA, Benito K. Swu, delivering vote of Thanks expressed gratitude to all participants and attendees for making the programme meaningful and memorable.
The Nagaland Secretariat Service Association (NSSA) during the event facilitated the following award winning members Governor’s Gold Medal- Meripeni Ngullie, Governor’s Commendation Certificates- Nusieta Rhakho, Ketoulhou Metha, Veduta Thira, P. Nungsangwapang Jamir, Khonthungo Lotha, T. Liemnon Konyak and Asela Seth Sangtam for their exemplary service and contributions by awarding Certificates of Recognition.
The first session was followed by the Business Session, which concluded with the selection of the new office bearers of the Nagaland Secretariat Service Association (NSSA).
(Esuihangle IA)
