Appoint right person as chief secretary of Nagaland — NPRAAF

Dimapur, Nov. 2 (EMN): The Nagaland Public Rights Awareness and Action Forum (NPRAAF) has appealed to the state government to appoint the right person as the chief secretary of Nagaland without discrimination and bias.

In a press statement issued on Monday, the NPRAAF stated that after the former chief secretary Pankaj Kumar, IAS (NL-87 batch) left for Delhi on Central deputation, R Binchilo Thong, IAS from the same batch was supposed to be the next chief secretary and was rightly appointed for the same. However, it said, in place of him, Tali Temjen Toy, IAS (NL-89) batch was brought in and occupied the chair and Thong was removed and posted as director general, ATI without good reason.

“Now, it is learnt that Toy is undergoing medical treatment and require replacement. It is a myth, as to why Thong was removed. It is opined that when Kumar left for Delhi on deputation, Thong was on medical leave, undergoing medical treatment for his heart surgery and was frequenting to Delhi, which could be one of the reasons for his removal, however, the reason is unclear.

“Reliable source informed that Thong’s health is now fully recovered and fit. Another important factor to be considered is that he is the senior-most Nagaland IAS cadre (NL-87) batch and a bonafide citizen of Nagaland having good credential, majority of the Nagas would prefer him to hold the chief secretary post without discrimination and bias,” it statement read.

The NPRAAF said as the Nagas are passing through a crucial political settlement, it is of paramount importance to have a Naga chief secretary at the helm of state bureaucracy at the interest of the Naga people.

“Thong and juniors who may fall in the panellist are; Rajiv Bansal, IAS (NL-1988 batch) is on Central deputation; Temjen Toy, IAS (NL-89 batch) and the present chief secretary on medical treatment; Joyti Kailash, IAS (NL-1990 batch) is presently posted as ACS and resident commissioner, Nagaland house Delhi; Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS; and Jan E Alam, IAS – current CS,” it read.

The forum urged the government to examine the matter properly and take just decision in all fairness without floating conventional norm of seniority while appointing chief secretary in future.

It also stated that the unfair appointment of the chief secretary would set a wrong precedence for the future government and it will demoralise the state bureaucracy as well as the sincere government servants.

The NPRAAF requested the state government to consider the appeal and act justifiably, putting the matter to rest instead of dragging it further.