Nagaland 11th Peren district inter-departmental tourney begins

The 11th Peren District Inter-Departmental Tournament, organized by the District Planning & Development Board (DPDB), Peren, commenced on November 12 at the Indoor Badminton Stadium, Jalukie Town. Deputy Commissioner of Peren, Hiazu Meru, graced the opening ceremony as the special guest, while SDO (C) Peren HQ, Sentilong Ozukum, chaired the programme.
According to a DIPR report, delivering the inaugural address, Meru underscored that Nagaland’s economy is largely driven by government employees, with limited industries and private enterprises. Citing the 2011 Census, he noted that Nagaland, with a population of about 19 lakh and approximately 1.25 lakh government servants, has the highest ratio of government employees in the country.
Drawing comparisons with Meghalaya, where fewer government servants are employed despite a similar population and where many locals are engaged in farming and entrepreneurship, Meru encouraged government employees in Nagaland to emulate such examples. He urged them to perform their duties with sincerity, accountability and dedication to ensure progress for the state.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, Meru emphasized India’s trajectory toward becoming one of the largest economies in the world and called upon government servants to contribute meaningfully to both national and state development.
He reminded that government employees are key stakeholders in district progress and appealed for discipline and sincerity in official duties, while advising that social obligations should not hinder workplace responsibilities.
Highlighting the values of sports, Meru said the discipline, teamwork and hard work demonstrated in tournaments should also be reflected in professional conduct.
On the occasion, he handed over sports materials provided by the District Sports Officer, Peren, to the Principal of Peren Government College.
The opening programme featured an invocation by pastor Nlumbui of District HQ Fellowship, a welcome address by Additional Deputy Commissioner Peren, D. Robin, and a special musical number by the District HQ Choir. District Sports Officer, Wutsutho, administered the oath-taking to participants before the special guest declared the tournament open.
The three-day tournament, scheduled from November 12 to 14, will see participation from 41 departments competing across various disciplines.