NPF Legislature Party (NPFLP) Thursday called on Nagaland Governor, R.N. Ravi and submitted representation, urging the latter to consider setting up of an independent probe into various alleged irregularities under the ruling NDPP-led PDA coalition government headed by chief minister Neiphiu Rio.
In a lengthy representation, signed by NPF Legislature Party leader T.R. Zeliang, spokesperson Imkong L. Imchen, Yitachu, Dr. Chumben Murry, Y.M. Yollow Konyak and Kezhienyi Khalo, the opposition listed several instances of alleged irregularities and mismanagement by the NDPP-led PDA, to justify demand for an independent probe.
The NPF cited the “procurement of sub-standard materials to fight Covid-19” also highlighted in the local media last year.
Further, NPF also mentioned that the PDA government had ordered 15% pro rata cut from all non-developmental funds across all departments for 2020-21. It said the same was being implemented for 2021-22 with a further increase of 20% pro rata. NPF also cited decision to allot Rs.30 crore for a 200-bedded makeshift Covid hospital under CIHSR (a private hospital. It said when district and rural health centres across Nagaland were neglected and in poor condition, the PDA government was interested only in lucrative deals for personal gain.
NPF also claimed that the state’s proposed techno-feasibility report for an alternative Greenfield airport at Ruzhephema under Dimapur district was approved by the Airport Authority Of India after due aerial and land/ ground survey. However, while the process for land acquisition was underway and finalized, the present chief minister diverted it to Chiethu at Chiechama under his constituency.
NPF said land was purchased at Chiethu in 2009 measuring 645.2 acres for Rs.8,06,50,000 by flouting official procedures. An additional area of 368.52 acres was again purchased at the rate of Rs.2.60 lakh per acre totaling Rs.9,58,15,200. It claimed that the payment was made in July 2020 when the state was passing through financial crisis and unable to pay salaries of employees while tackling Covid pandemic.
NPF also said the foundation stone for Medical College at Phriebagei, Kohima with an estimate of Rs. 189 crores under a 90:10 share between Centre and state remains inoperative. Though it was expected to enroll its first batch of students in 2018it was now extended to 2022-23.
NPF also accused the PDA minister of misleading the house during the February 2020 session whenhe informed the house that Rs.113 crore was released.
NPF also said the Cricket Stadium at Sovima had an estimate of Rs.25 crore but jumped to Rs.75 crore and still not fully complete even after 15 years. NPF alleged that the land was supposedly donated but sold for Rs.35 per sq feet when the prevailing rate then was only Rs.11 per sq.ft. It also mentioned about the still incomplete Multi-Disciplinary Sports Centre (Stadium) near DC Court Area which is also languishing without any progress.