Retired public servants continue to play an important role in the Tangkhul community even after they leave government service, and this importance becomes clearer when we look at the depth of experience they carry from their years of public duty. Their long exposure to administration, decision-making, and public welfare places them among the intellectuals who help shape public life in Tangkhul society. Since government officers influence policies, guide administrative culture, and interact closely with the community during their service years, they naturally develop insights that remain valuable even after retirement. Because of this, they become key contributors to stability, transparency, and democratic strengthening within the community. With this background, they gradually emerge as members of the intellectual class that maintains checks and balances, ensuring that the Tangkhul community continues to move towards best governance. In this light, the present study aims to understand how the Tangkhul public views their role and contribution after retirement.
To explore this understanding, the survey was conducted in Ukhrul, the cultural and administrative heart of the Tangkhul community, as part of my project under the Skill Enhancement Course “Public Opinion and Survey Research.” A simple structured questionnaire containing close-ended questions and one open-ended question was used so that responses could be both quantified and explained. The survey included Tangkhul students, teachers, working adults, homemakers, and other community members, which helped the study gather a broad range of opinions. Through this diverse participation, the objective was to measure public awareness, trust levels, preferred roles, and overall expectations regarding retired officers within the Tangkhul community.
As the responses were collected, a generally positive attitude began to emerge. Many participants already knew about the roles retired officers often take up, while some lacked awareness, showing the need for better communication within the Tangkhul community. Even with this gap, most respondents believed that retired officers should continue contributing to their people, and this belief was strengthened by the trust levels expressed in the survey. Although a few respondents were unsure or hesitant, the majority displayed moderate to high trust, indicating that retired officers still hold social respect after retirement.
As the survey moved to questions about capability, responses became more varied. Some participants felt that ordinary citizens are equally capable, while many others believed that retired officers hold an advantage because of their administrative experience and exposure to governance. This belief was supported by the idea that their experience provides them with a clearer vision for society, especially at a time when Tangkhul society is navigating continuous change. With global transformation affecting even small communities, retired officers are often seen as individuals who can guide the community thoughtfully and responsibly. Because of this perception, respondents were divided on whether such officers should immediately join politics after retirement, reflecting concerns about ethical boundaries and the potential for conflicts of interest.
As opinions developed further, one of the strongest findings centred on the roles people preferred retired officers to play. Many respondents wanted them to contribute mainly in education and training, especially in mentoring young Tangkhul students preparing for competitive exams such as the civil services. Only a small number supported their direct involvement in politics, which shows that the community values their intellectual influence more than partisan roles. This preference was reinforced by the fact that many respondents had personally witnessed retired officers contributing to various Tangkhul villages and local organisations, creating a visible link between their past service and their ongoing contributions. Experience, integrity, knowledge of the system, and leadership were repeatedly mentioned as their most appreciated qualities. Because of this, many respondents felt that retired officers are supposed to be thought leaders who offer steady guidance and act as guide to politicians and policy makers. Their long administrative understanding, combined with their place in Tangkhul society, makes them vital contributors in achieving best governance for the community.
When the study shifted to open-ended responses, further clarity emerged. Many Tangkhul respondents felt that the government should actively use the expertise of retired officers rather than allowing their knowledge to fade after retirement. They suggested roles in youth mentoring, training programmes, rural development, advisory bodies, and community improvement initiatives. These suggestions showed that the Tangkhul public wants retired officers to continue serving as intellectual resources, offering direction and stability to the community.
Taking all these points together, the study shows that retired public servants are widely viewed as valuable assets within the Tangkhul community who can continue contributing meaningfully to its progress. People see them not just as former administrators but as intellectuals with a broader vision for Tangkhul society. Therefore, it is recommended that retired officers should remain active in guiding youth, mentoring civil service aspirants, and supporting improvements in rural development, education, healthcare, and local infrastructure. Finally, creating structured platforms for their involvement would help the Tangkhul community make better use of their wisdom, leadership, and role as thought leaders who maintain checks and balances and guide the community during an era of continuous change and global transformation.
The writer is BA Political Science, 1st Semester, St. Joseph college, Ukhrul, Manipur
