Published by Aloto Naga | July 17, 2025
Kohima, July 9, 2025 — In a move to address growing public concerns over alleged bribery and delays in pension processing, the Directorate of Treasuries & Accounts, Government of Nagaland, has issued a fresh directive mandating that all employees under its jurisdiction submit retirement-related documents at least six months prior to their date of retirement.
The directive, signed by Additional Director Amenla Jamir and dated July 9, 2025, is designed to ensure the timely clearance of pension matters and improve administrative efficiency. The circular was widely circulated to all treasury officers, staff, and departmental divisions across the state and includes instructions for digital dissemination through web and WhatsApp platforms.
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The announcement comes in the wake of serious allegations made by members of the public and pensioners, claiming that officials at treasury offices were demanding bribes in exchange for processing pension documents. These claims, which gained traction on social media and local news platforms earlier this month, sparked outrage and widespread criticism of the department’s functioning.
In response, the Office of the Principal Accountant General (PAG), Nagaland, held a press conference on July 8, 2025, to clarify the department’s stance and reassure the public. During the briefing, officials strongly denied any institutional involvement in corruption and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen service.
According to officials, a number of reforms have already been introduced to mitigate pension-related delays and reduce manual intervention. These include the mandatory six-month advance document submission, enhanced digital case tracking, and the activation of formal grievance redressal mechanisms for retired employees. The PAG also noted that any confirmed misconduct by individual staff members would be subject to strict disciplinary action in line with service rules and anti-corruption laws.
Though no specific cases have been officially confirmed, the press interaction was widely seen as a damage control effort aimed at restoring public trust and deterring unethical practices within the system.
Context and Significance
The issue of pension processing inefficiencies is not new in Nagaland. Past audits and media investigations have highlighted instances of procedural delays, ghost pensioners, and irregularities in document handling. In 2016, a high-profile dual pension fraud case in Zunheboto drew national attention and prompted multiple suspensions.
The new directive aligns with broader reforms being initiated across various Indian states to digitize pension workflows and implement preventive measures against corruption. By enforcing early documentation timelines, the Nagaland Treasury Department aims to streamline internal operations and reduce the scope for exploitative practices.
The department’s outreach also reflects growing pressure on government bodies to adopt citizen-centric policies and enhance accountability through direct communication and timely clarification.
Summary of Key Reforms
| Reform Measure | Description |
| Six-Month Documentation Rule | Pension documents to be submitted six months ahead of retirement date |
| Digital Monitoring | Introduction of case tracking tools to oversee pension file movement |
| Grievance Redressal System | Formal channels for pensioners to lodge complaints or report issues |
| Media Transparency | Official press briefings to counter misinformation and clarify actions |
| Anti-Corruption Vigilance | Commitment to investigate and penalize any confirmed malpractice |
Public Reaction and Way Forward
Initial public responses to the press briefing have been mixed. While some welcomed the transparency initiative, others demanded independent audits and the establishment of a direct helpline for pensioners. Civil society groups have also called for greater involvement of oversight bodies like the Nagaland Lokayukta to monitor corruption complaints in public departments.
The impact of the new rule and whether it effectively addresses systemic inefficiencies remains to be seen. However, the proactive approach taken by the Treasury and PAG offices marks a notable shift towards transparency in administrative governance.
