Advisor for IPR and Soil & Water Conservation, Imkong L. Imchen, along with IPR Director Dzüvinuo Theünuo and other DIPR officials, during the virtual inauguration of the DPRO offices of Longleng and Zunheboto and the APRO office of Pungro, held at the DPRO Office, Mokokchung, on May 31. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | May 31
The Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Nagaland, virtually inaugurated newly constructed office buildings of District Public Relations Offices (DPROs) in Longleng and Zunheboto, and an Additional Public Relations Office (APRO) in Pungro.
The inauguration was officiated virtually by Imkong L Imchen, Advisor, Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation, Government of Nagaland, from the DPRO Office conference hall, Mokokchung on May 31.
The newly inaugurated buildings were constructed at a cost of Rs 70 lakh for the Zunheboto DPRO office, Rs 140 lakh for the Longleng DPRO office, and Rs 60 lakh for the Pungro APRO office.
Addressing the gathering, Imchen spoke candidly about the limitations of his role as an Advisor in the government structure. “Legally speaking, an Advisor doesn’t have the constitutional mandate to sign government files,” he stated, clarifying that doing so could result in disqualification from the legislative assembly. “With much difficulty, we got elected,” he stated.
The Advisor however expressed optimism and commitment. “I could not afford to be a pessimist. This is a fast-changing world, and I had to reconcile myself and try to work out something—even out of nothing.”
Expressing his regret for not being able to attend the inauguration ceremonies in person, Imchen cited the obligations related to Operation Sindoor, a national program, as the reason. “I was really interested to go down to Longleng and Zunheboto to interact with our people. But I was directed to organize this rally and my physical presence was required,” he said.
Reflecting on the construction of the DPRO Office in Zunheboto, Imchen acknowledged the contribution of other departments and officials. “At that time, my esteemed colleague, the Advisor from Aghunato, proposed the outright purchase of the property. The government agreed, and the Department of Information and Public Relations became the owner of that land,” he noted.
He emphasized the need to complete ongoing construction projects within the current financial year to avoid cost escalations. “Henceforth, we will push our district offices and contractors to complete all development quarters and buildings on time, without compromising quality. Market escalation and price escalation are causing extra burden to the state,” he added.
Concluding his address, Imchen lauded the dedication of departmental officers both at the directorate and district levels.
Speaking on the occasion, Director of the Information & Public Relations (IPR) Department, Dzüvinuo Theünuo, emphasized the indispensable function of district offices in disseminating verified information, particularly in far-flung areas. “The role played by our district offices in the remote and far-flung districts cannot be overstressed,” she stated, noting that such offices serve as vital channels between the government and the public.
In a digital era marked by rapid information flow, she cautioned against the spread of misinformation. “Social media has made information easy, but with that comes the risk of misinformation,” she said.
Acknowledging the non-implementing but foundational role of the IPR Department, Theünuo asserted, “We may not be an implementing department, but we are the driving force of the government. We cannot be caught napping — our officers must always be available to support the district administration.”
She also highlighted the importance of coordination between district officers and local media. “Where the press club is active, the DPRO and the press must be in close coordination. I’m very happy that in Mokokchung, the MPC has been accommodated in the DPRO building — this is the model we should follow in other districts,” she said.
Expressing gratitude to the department’s leadership, she credited Advisor Imchen for revitalizing the department’s focus and infrastructure. “He meant business from day one.
With his experience and connection to the people, he immediately prioritized the newly recognised districts and addressed mobility issues for district officers,” she noted.
