Staff Reporter
Advisor for CAWD & taxes, Kudecho Khamo, laid the foundation stone for the new Deputy Commissioner (DC) office complex in Dimapur on Thursday in the presence of Advisor Moatoshi Longkumer and Advisor Hekani Jakhalu, NPF party officials, DMC councillors, Commissioner of Nagaland, district administration officials of Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland, police officials and leaders of Dimapur-based civil society organisations.
Speaking as the special guest, Advisor Kudecho Khamo conveyed greetings from chief minister Neiphiu Rio, who was originally scheduled to lay the foundation stone but could not attend.
Khamo noted that the existing DC office complex, built over 50 years ago, had served the district for decades. He expressed gratitude to the chief minister for finally addressing the long-pending need for a new complex and hoped that actual construction work would begin within the current month.
Khamo described the new DC office complex as a significant milestone and a reflection of the state government’s commitment under the leadership of the chief minister.
He said that several other administrative buildings, including DC and ADC offices, staff quarters, and bungalows across the state, were also being constructed by the department.
Emphasising that development was a collective responsibility, Khamo lauded the proactive role of Dimapur-based CSOs in maintaining peace and partnering in developmental activities.
He urged citizens, organisations, and individuals to work together with mutual support and accountability for the progress of the district and the state.
Highlighting Dimapur’s vital contribution to Nagaland’s economy, Khamo acknowledged the important role played by non-Naga residents in driving economic growth. He remarked that policy changes alone, such as lifting the NLTP Act, would not automatically guarantee increased revenue, and stressed the need for broader economic participation from all sections.
Touching upon prevailing challenges such as drug abuse, alcoholism, black marketing, sanitation, and traffic issues, Khamo called for unity, understanding, and responsible conduct from citizens.
He reminded the gathering that people must first fulfil their own duties before criticising others.
Describing Dimapur as a “mini India”, he appealed to all sections of society to uphold the values of honesty, simplicity, hospitality, and peaceful coexistence while preserving Naga identity, culture, and Christian faith.
Advisor assured that under the supervision of the engineering wing and the leadership of the chief minister, the project would be implemented efficiently and completed within the stipulated time.
Advisor for Labour & Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, and Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer, in his short address, described the occasion as a defining moment for Dimapur after more than five decades.
He emphasised that the new complex should not merely be another building but a space that embodied efficiency, accountability, and empathy in public service.
Longkumer urged contractors and engineers to maintain high quality and strictly adhere to the timeline, acknowledging that construction may cause temporary inconvenience but timely completion was essential to meet public expectations.
Advisor for Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, described the project as a key part of chief minister Neiphiu Rio’s vision for strengthening district-level infrastructure.
Explaining the chief minister’s absence, she informed the gathering that Dr. Rio had flown to New Delhi to meet the Union Finance Minister following the 16th Finance Commission’s decision not to provide revenue deficit support to Nagaland.
She said that although the Union Finance Minister had given a verbal assurance to look into the matter, the absence of any official communication necessitated his visit to pursue the issue further.
Jakhalu highlighted the state’s heavy dependence on central assistance and stressed the urgent need to strengthen internal revenue generation.
She noted that Dimapur, as the commercial hub of the state, has a crucial responsibility in this regard. Advisor pointed out that while central grants were important, a major portion of sustainable funding must come from the state’s own revenue and taxation. Unlike states such as Assam, which benefit from liquor taxation and natural resources, she said Nagaland has very limited internal revenue sources.
On civic responsibility, Jakhalu urged citizens to balance their rights with duties, particularly in areas like sanitation and waste management.
She appealed to people to introspect on their own responsibilities before criticising authorities.
Presenting the project details, Assistant Chief Engineer (CAWD), Sungtiba Amer, informed that the project has been estimated at Rs.14.96 crore and awarded to M/s CK Enterprise.
The stipulated completion period is 24 months from November 2025. However, dismantling of the existing structure, which is expected to take 3 to 6 months, could affect the overall timeline.
The new building, designed by the Chief Architect, PWD (P&D), will have a plinth area of approximately 29,909 sq. ft. Amer assured that the department would provide full technical support to ensure the delivery of a modern and efficient administrative complex.
Earlier, the dedicatory prayer for unveiling of foundation plaque was offered by Covenant Baptist Church Dimapur Pastor Yabang Longkumer, welcome address was delivered by commissioner, Nagaland, Gregory Thejawalie, speech on behalf of CSOs was delivered by Naga Council Dimapur president, GK Rengma while vote of thanks was proposed by DC Dimapur, Dr Tinojongshi Chang.