Kohima, February 20, 2026: In a significant step towards improving workplace hygiene, sanitation standards, and sustainable waste management practices, the Home Department of Nagaland on Thursday launched a nine-day intensive Capacity Building Training Programme for nearly 720 Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS), including supervisors and sardars, at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat in Kohima.
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| Participants attend the nine-day sanitation and capacity building training programme at Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima.(Image: DIPR Nagaland) |
The large-scale training initiative has been organised by the Secretariat Administration Branch ‘B’ in collaboration with its training partner, Living For Environment (LiFE). The programme is aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of sanitation personnel while modernising waste management systems within the Secretariat complex.
Officials said the training reflects the government's commitment to creating a cleaner, healthier, and more efficient working environment in one of the state's most important administrative institutions. By equipping sanitation staff with updated techniques and best practices, the initiative seeks to improve overall cleanliness and ensure compliance with evolving environmental regulations.
The training curriculum has been carefully designed based on recommendations from a waste assessment study conducted by LiFE in 2019, which examined waste generation and disposal patterns within the Secretariat. The programme also incorporates Swachh Office protocols, focusing on cleanliness, workplace organisation, and sustainable waste handling practices.
Importantly, the training has been aligned with the amended Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, which are scheduled to come into effect from April 1, 2026. Officials noted that the initiative is intended to prepare staff for the implementation of the updated regulations and ensure that the Secretariat remains compliant with national standards on waste management and environmental protection.
Throughout the nine-day programme, participants will receive comprehensive instruction on modern sanitation practices and efficient waste management techniques. Key areas of focus include waste segregation at source, environmentally responsible disposal methods, and strategies for reducing waste generation. The training also aims to promote a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility among employees.
Technical sessions form a major component of the programme. Participants are being trained in the proper use, handling, and maintenance of cleaning equipment and sanitation tools. Officials stated that these sessions will help improve the effectiveness of cleaning operations while ensuring the longevity of equipment and promoting workplace safety.
Beyond sanitation and waste management, the programme also seeks to enhance professionalism among staff. Special modules have been included on office etiquette, workplace discipline, service standards, and professional conduct. Trainers emphasised that maintaining a clean and efficient office environment requires not only technical skills but also a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to public service.
Personal hygiene and occupational safety have also been incorporated into the training schedule. Participants are being educated on best practices related to health, hygiene, and safety measures, helping them protect themselves while carrying out their duties.
Following the completion of classroom-based instruction, a practical training phase will commence in March. During this stage, members of the LiFE team will conduct on-site assessments to evaluate participants' understanding of the concepts taught during the programme. The team will also monitor the implementation of newly introduced sanitation and waste management practices and provide guidance on areas requiring improvement.
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Officials noted that the practical component is intended to ensure that the knowledge gained during training is effectively translated into everyday workplace practices. Continuous monitoring and evaluation will help identify challenges and support the long-term success of the initiative.
The programme is being viewed as a landmark effort to strengthen sanitation management within the Nagaland Civil Secretariat and establish new standards of workplace cleanliness. By combining technical training, professional development, and environmental awareness, the Home Department aims to create a more efficient and sustainable administrative environment.
The initiative underscores the department's broader vision of transforming the Secretariat into a model institution for cleanliness, operational efficiency, and responsible environmental stewardship. Officials expressed confidence that the programme would not only improve sanitation standards within the Secretariat but also contribute to fostering a culture of sustainability and professionalism across government offices in the state.
