DIMAPUR: Advisor for Food & Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection and DPDB chairman, K. Tokugha Sukhalu on Wednesday emphasised that government schemes and programmes should reach villages and benefit people at the grassroots. He stressed that citizens should not suffer due to shortage or absence of government officers and asserted that the youth of Zunheboto must be able to benefit from opportunities and facilities provided by the government.
He was speaking at the Zunheboto District Planning & Development Board (DPDB) held its monthly meeting on September 16 at the DC’s Conference Hall, Zunheboto.
Sukhalu observed that criticism was an integral part of democracy and spoke about the State Government’s efforts to secure support from the Centre for development. Concerns regarding instances of government employees allegedly receiving double salaries were also raised. It was informed that Special Investigation Teams (SITs) have been constituted at the state level and further measures are expected.
He appreciated the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio in taking the State forward, underlining that educating and empowering the people of the district should remain a key objective.
He expressed serious concern over the large-scale absence of Heads of Offices (HoOs) from the district and stressed the need for greater administrative presence and accountability.
At the meeting, a major issue discussed was the auditorium of Government Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto. It was informed that the Town Hall, Zunheboto, which had earlier been used as an auditorium, originally belonged to the school but is presently under the Zunheboto Town Council (ZTC). In this regard, Sukhalu directed that the auditorium be handed back to the school. The shortage of graduate teachers was also highlighted.
Earlier, the meeting, began with a welcome address by Deputy Commissioner Dharam Raj, who welcomed new members and referred to deliberations of the previous meeting.
On pension matters, DC Dharam Raj stated that he would not sign pension documents unless the concerned individual appeared in person, noting that substitutes would not be accepted. He acknowledged criticism of the decision on social media but maintained that facts would eventually come to light.
The DC also highlighted a positive development under the “Aspirational Blocks for Performance” initiative, stating that Rs. 1.5 crore had been sanctioned by NITI Aayog for Akuhaito Block in recognition of its performance.
A presentation on the relevant legal framework and associated Acts and Rules was delivered by Assistant Controller Khevishe Z. Zhimomi.
The meeting concluded with emphasis on effective implementation of government schemes, strengthening educational infrastructure and human resources, improving administrative accountability, and ensuring that development benefits reach people across Zunheboto district.
