Reacting to the controversy surrounding the issue of Grant-in-Aid (GiA) under rural development (RD) department, the two opposition MLAs from Dimapur district –– Azheto Zhimomi, MLA, 3 Dimapur III A/C and Moatoshi Longkumer, MLA, 2 Dimapur II A/C–– have sought to clarify the matter pertaining to Dimapur district.
In a joint statement, the two MLAs stated that Dimapur DRDA has not received GiA for 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2017-18, which they said has been confirmed by DRDA project director and deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur, who is also district VDB chairman. GiA (2016-2017) for the six blocks of Dimapur district (Aghunakha, Chumukedima, Dhansiripar, Kuhuboto, Medziphema and Niuland), the MLA said was released by the previous DAN government within the state own resources.
However, they said the claims of RD assistant director, Hisinle Kent and RD director, Imlimeren Jamir that GiA fund for 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2017-18 have been released to Dimapur district along with Peren and Mon before Christmas was false and misleading. NPF MLAs asserted that the two officers, instead of throwing light on how the sanctioned GiA of Rs. 96 Crores would be implemented in 74 RD blocks of the state as per guidelines, cited ‘lack of documents’ and shifted the blame onto the VDBs accusing VDBs ‘of not submitting proposals.’
Meanwhile, when contacted, Project Director DRDA Dimapur, Atokhe Aye said that DRDA Dimapur has received the demand draft of Grant-in-Aid for 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2017-18 for Dimapur district.