Kohima: The Nagaland Civil Secretariat on Thursday hosted a warm and heartfelt farewell for outgoing Chief Secretary Dr. J. Alam, IAS, marking the end of a tenure that spanned some of the state’s critical recent years. The event, held in Kohima, brought together senior officials, colleagues, and well-wishers to honour Alam’s decades-long service to Nagaland.
In his farewell address, Dr. Alam thanked colleagues and the people of Nagaland, calling the gathering not just a goodbye, but a celebration of shared experiences and milestones in public service. Reflecting on his term as Chief Secretary since January 29, 2021, he recalled the formidable challenge of steering the state through the COVID-19 crisis, and the subsequent strides made in climate resilience, agricultural reforms, and digital governance.
“My legacy is not about the number of meetings attended or files cleared, but about the positive change we made together,” he said, urging officials to continue their service with humility, courage, and a sense of purpose.
The incoming Chief Secretary, Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS, who also serves as Additional Chief Secretary and Finance Commissioner, lauded Alam’s legacy, recalling their early days at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie. Imchen credited Alam with several impactful reforms, including streamlining pension settlements and launching flagship programmes like the Nagaland Solar Mission and Skill Mission to empower youth and promote sustainability.
The programme was chaired by Principal Secretary Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS, who praised Alam’s efficient and meticulous work ethic, describing him as a leader who left no file unattended and whose foresight helped avoid major disruptions throughout his term.
Tributes also poured in from representatives of various services and associations, including IAS, IPS, IFS, NCS, NPS, NSS, CANSSEA, FONSESA, NSSSA, and the Secretariat Grade IV Association. DGP Rupin Sharma, IPS, and CAWD Assistant Chief Engineer Er. Sungtiba Amer, also shared brief remarks.
The event included a prayer by State Chaplain Rev. Izieteilung Tering, a musical performance by the NCSA Band, and a vote of thanks by Home Commissioner Anoop Khinchi, IAS.
Dr. J. Alam joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1991, securing an All India Rank of 12, and was allotted the Nagaland cadre. Over his decades of service, he held key positions in districts like Phek, Mon, and Tuensang, and served in senior roles in Finance and Industries departments. At the central level, he worked in the Ministries of HRD and Minority Affairs, where he played a key role in overseeing educational initiatives and the Haj pilgrimage. He returned to Nagaland in 2020 as Development Commissioner and became Chief Secretary in January 2021.
Meanwhile, the state government has officially appointed Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS (1991 batch), as the new Chief Secretary, effective August 1. Advisor for Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation, Imkong L. Imchen, congratulated the new appointee and expressed confidence in his leadership. He also lauded Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for his continued focus on administrative excellence and stability.
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