DIMAPUR, JULY 23 (MExN): In what was officially described as a “major step” towards improving the functioning of government offices and management of staff across departments, the Nagaland Government has constituted a ‘Working Group on Comprehensive Manpower Rationalisation’ to review staffing across government departments.
The State Government has also imposed interim restrictions on the creation of new posts and recruitment against existing vacancies while the exercise is underway.
According to the State DIPR, Finance Commissioner Kesonyu Yhome notified the constitution of the Working Group under the State Level Committee on Expenditure Rationalisation and Revenue Mobilisation (SLC-ERRM), pursuant to a Cabinet decision taken on June 6, 2026.
The Working Group will be headed by Akunu Meyase, Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, as Chairperson, while Abeinuo Jasmine Ashao, Under Secretary, Finance Department, will serve as Member Secretary.
Other members are Vechotsiyi Neinu and Thejangulie from the Finance Department; Celine Asino Kulnu from the Law & Justice Department; and Phajathung Ovung, JSO, Personnel & Administrative Reforms (P&AR) Department.
What the Working Group is tasked with
The Working Group has been mandated to undertake a comprehensive assessment of staffing across government departments, including the exact number of sanctioned posts, personnel in position and existing vacancies.
It will identify surplus, overlapping or redundant posts and recommend measures for their rationalisation.
The group will also examine existing organisational structures and recommend norms for the creation and upgradation of posts as well as filling of vacancies.
It will further assess the impact of technology and computerisation on staffing requirements and suggest measures for multitasking, redeployment and upskilling of existing employees.
The Working Group has been given a ‘strict’ three-month timeline from the date of notification to complete the exercise and submit its report to the Finance Department.
Interim restrictions
Meanwhile, pending completion of the assessment, the State Government has put in place interim measures to contain expenditure.
No new posts can be created except in exceptional circumstances with specific approval of the Cabinet.
Any proposal to fill vacant posts must first be examined by the Manpower Rationalisation Committee and the SLC-ERRM before being placed before the Cabinet for a final decision.
Departments have also been barred from initiating proposals that would expand their staff strength without prior concurrence of the Finance Department.
All government departments, boards, corporations and State-run companies have been directed to extend full cooperation and furnish the manpower-related information sought by the Working Group.
.jpg)
