North East coordination panel formed at NESGETUF meet

A two-day conference of the North East State Government Employees & Teachers United Forum (NESGETUF) was held at Aizawl, Mizoram, on March 12 and 13, hosted by the Federation of Mizoram Government Employees & Workers.
A five member delegation from the Confederation of All Nagaland State Services Employees’ Association (CANSSEA), led by its president Zubemo Lotha Tsanglao, attended the conference which aimed to bring a collective approach for justice, equality and better service in the North Eastern states.
One of the key highlights of the meeting was the formation of the North East Coordination Committee. It was decided that all eight sister states would nominate three members each to the committee. The body will be headed by Purujit Lairikye as coordinator, with the president of Assam State Employees Federation as co coordinator, and its headquarters based in Guwahati, Assam. The formation of the committee was described as a long felt need to present a unified voice on issues unique to the region.
In his address, CANSSEA president Zubemo Lotha Tsanglao called upon the Central Government to understand the uniqueness of the North East region comprising Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. He highlighted challenges faced by the region such as mountainous terrain, remoteness and limited connectivity, which hinder development, administration and infrastructure. He stressed that government employees play a crucial role in delivering governance, implementing programmes and maintaining administrative stability, yet often face service disparities, limited career progression and inadequate representation at national platforms. He urged for collaboration among the sister states to share administrative innovations, policy approaches, welfare measures and to strengthen NESGETUF as a common platform to safeguard employees’ rights and address grievances. Mizoram minister for Rural Development, Prof. Lalnilawma, who was chief guest at the cultural programme on March 12, called upon government employees to give their best service during their tenure. He reminded officers that they are among the most privileged groups and urged them to create a good legacy through selfless service that would be remembered even after retirement.
The keynote address was delivered by Subhash Lamba, president of the All India State Government Employees Federation (AISGEF), while AISGEF general secretary A. Sreekumar presented the inaugural speech and outlined future tasks and programmes.
Delegates were also treated to a colourful display of Mizo cultural performances and hospitality during the two day conference. The programme concluded with participants attending the Chapchar Kut celebration, the biggest festival of the Mizos, held at Lammual, Aizawl, on March 13.