Shri T.C.K Lotha, son of Late Thungyamo Lotha, of Tsungiki Village of Wokha District was the first Lotha I.A.S. Officer from the Uttar Pradesh 1964 cadre. Born in a poor family, he started his education late from Chukitong Primary School, 1948-56, and later matriculated from D.M School, Imphal, 1956-58. He completed his graduation from St. Anthony’s College, Shillong,1958-60, and also obtained a L.L.B. Degree from Govt. Law College, Bombay 1960-63. He is an alumnus of Alphenstone College, Bombay.
He was an active student leader throughout his academic career. He was one of the Founding Members, Naga Students Union, Shillong and also a President of the Lotha Student’s Union, 1956-58.
Overcoming numerous insurmountable odds he was finally able to clear the UPSC exams in 1964.
His career was borne in the Uttar Pradesh cadre of Indian Administrative Service. He worked as the Joint Magistrate and SDO/SDM, Handia Sub-Division of Allahabad District. In 1966 he was posted to Pithoragarh district and took charge of Dharchula Sub-Division on the injunction of India-Nepal-Tibet Border. During 1967, a large number of Tibetan refugees with thousands of animal heads entered India through his area. Under his initiative, leadership and organizational ability, all the refugees with the animal heads were sent down to mainland without any mishap. In this he has exhibited a high order on initiative, leadership, foresight, proper planning and dedication to his duties.
At the request of the Government of Nagaland in June 1968, his services were loaned to the Government of Nagaland.
In December 1968, the UGs decamped with twelve .303 rifles from Yitung Village Guards of Mon District. He took charge of Mon in January 1969. After he took charge, he took stock of the entire situation. He got the Anghs and nearby villages authorities involved in the recovery of the lost rifle. Through personal contact, persuasion and firm stand taken by the Administration, the Anghs and village authorities were made to feel that not only Yitung village but the nearby Anghs and villages authorities were also accountable and responsible for the loss of Government arms. It was made clear to them that with their connivance either directly or indirectly the UGs could not have taken the Government arms. After protracted negotiations and persuasion, the UGs returned all the rifles they had taken by March 1969.
In this he showed great tenacity of purpose, firmness, persuasion and patience. This not only resulted in the return of the lost arms but also won over the confidence and respect of the Anghs and village authorities towards the administration. This led to peace in the area and full co-operation of the people, leading to two new Administrative Centers at Tizit and Phomching being established to meet the needs of the people.
Shri Lotha held many assignments in the Government as Additional Deputy Commissioner in Mon and Tuensang Districts, Deputy Commissioner in Phek District where he displayed firm and courageous leadership, along with wisdom, patience and persuasion during the difficult days of the Naga insurgency, with border and village conflicts present, and he was able to bring solution to protracted conflicts and crisis situations thereby gaining the trust and confidence of the public.
Shri, T.C.K Lotha, also held many important assignments in the Government of Nagaland as Finance Commissioner, Development Commissioner, Home Commissioner, Commissioner-Nagaland including Coal Mines Welfare Commissioner in Dhanbad, Bihar on deputation to Government of India. In all these assignments he showed exemplary commitment, devotion to duty, loyalty to the Government and the country and has left a permanent legacy as an outstanding, efficient, capable, excellent organiser and planner, upright, firm, wise, understanding and committed Civil Servant of the highest calibre. His stellar contributions to the government and society was recognised when he became the recipient of numerous awards; the Jawaharlal Nehru Excellence Award, 1994; the Rajiv Gandhi Excellence Award 1994, and also the Shiromani Award-1996.
Shri. Lotha was the Chief Secretary of the State during the very difficult times of insurgency in the mid 1990’s. Despite extremely dangerous times and threats to his own life he discharged his duties with calmness, understanding and efficiency. After his retirement from service as Chief Secretary, Nagaland, he joined politics and was declared elected unopposed in the General Elections 1998, from 37 Tiyi Constituency, Wokha District and became Cabinet Minister which he held till his last breath on 03-02-2000 at 21:50 hrs at his official residence in Kohima.