DIMAPUR: Member of Parliament, S Supongmeren Jamir, visited the Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH), Medziphema, under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India on Thursday and held an interaction with the director and staff of the institution.
In a press release issued by chairman media & publicity NPCC, Andrew Humtsoe stated that during the visit, the MP reviewed the functioning of the institute, focusing on issues of manpower, employment, local labour, infrastructure and coordination with the surrounding community. It was highlighted that the institute currently has 17 sanctioned posts, though 48 were initially proposed, with only five permanent posts including that of the Director. A long-pending issue concerning 12 employees, who have been serving since 2006 and whose service-related matter remains under litigation, was also discussed. Jamir sought clarification on the matter and expressed concern over the prolonged delay, assuring that he would take up the issue with the concerned Ministry for appropriate remedies, subject to rules and legal procedures.
The MP emphasized the importance of strengthening human resources and generating employment through the institution. He urged the director and staff to work with greater commitment and ensure that the institute’s activities and achievements are effectively communicated to the public.
He observed that CIH, being a significant Central Government institution, should be strengthened to benefit the people of Nagaland and the wider North-Eastern Region.
On the issue of local labour, Jamir advised the institute to maintain constructive coordination with the village community and local youth, stressing that workers should be treated with dignity and their concerns addressed through dialogue and administrative support. He also highlighted the need for cooperation, trust and respect between the institution and the local community for smooth functioning and long-term development.
The MP further called attention to the issue of encroachment around the institute, urging proper coordination with the administration and local community to resolve such concerns. He reiterated that CIH should emerge as a stronger centre for horticultural research, farmer training, skill development, employment generation and technological advancement for Nagaland and the North-East.
Jamir assured that matters requiring intervention at the Central Government level would be taken up with the concerned Ministry and authorities, while calling upon the institute, local community and administration to work together constructively for shared progress and development.
