Chumoukedima, Nagaland, June 13 (HBTV): In a shocking incident, a students’ group called the Mon Area Students’ Union (MASU) in Mon district reportedly imposed a so-called “fine” against a government officer, allegedly for being absent from office.  

In response, the Konyak Gazetted Officers’ Union has sharply responded, reminding the students that civil society groups have no right to act against government workers.   

The officers reminded the Mon students’ union that should there be any disciplinary action to be taken against government workers, it is the government or administration to do so, but not civil society members.     

A copy of the students’ union’s letter stating the so-called fine imposed against Gloria Ngullie, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer of Mon district, was being circulated on social media. The MASU said it conducted a “surprise checking” on the department on June 7 but the officer was found out of station without “proper leave”.    

In this regard, the union asked her to explain before the union on June 12 besides imposing a fine of INR 50,000 against her. 

Reacting sharply to the diktat, the Konyak Gazetted Officers’ Union reminded the students that their role as a civil organization is limited only to being watchdogs. If any government officer or employees is neglecting duty, civil organizations should report the matter to the district commissioner or to the relevant authority for action, it stated.  

The officers reminded the Mon students union: ‘It is neither within your preview nor permitted under any established law to arbitrarily take action against any government employee according to your own terms, without knowing the activities and programs of the government.’   

The civil society has the right to question the departments or their officials, but not the right to take indiscriminate action against any government employee, the officers’ union stated. Such arbitrary action undermines the government authorities who are the only authorities competent to caution or penalize any erring government employee, the gazette officers stated.   

The officers’ union has asked the students union to rectify the unwarranted steps against the veterinary officer and advised the union to take its grievances to the right authority and without taking matter in own hands.