The attention of the Chief Minister has been drawn to an article in a section of the local media wherein it was alleged that the cost of constructing the Chief Minister’s Residential Building has crossed Rs. 400 crore. This is a wild allegation devoid of any truth, and amounts to irresponsible journalism. The news article was based on a reported poll and had quoted some mischievous participants whose sole purpose appears to be to defame the Government of the day.
For the records, it is to be clarified that though it was decided by the Government to construct a new Residential Office cum building for the Chief Minister towards the New Secretariat way back in 2001, actual works could start only in 2003 on a 14-acre plot of land. The CM’s Residential Complex, it should be noted, consists of a Building for the CM’s Residence, another Building for the Office, a VVIP Guest House, State Banquet Hall, 47 units of staff quarters, Barracks for security personnel and drivers, security fencing, road constructions, retaining walls, foot paths, etc. Till date, an amount of Rs 56.83 crore has been sanctioned and 90% of the works have been completed. For the second and finishing phase, an amount of Rs 31.09 crore is being processed for Government approval, and once the amount is sanctioned, the entire Complex is expected to be completed this year.
And whereas, the Contractors, M/S NN Construction & Décor, Nagaland, are doing their best to provide quality constructions and racing against time in spite of fund constraints, negative commentaries in the local media replete with fantastic figures as mentioned in the said news report, has definitely created an undesirable impact in the minds of readers who expect reporters to cross-check their facts and figures before going to the press.
Therefore, in the larger interests of the public, and in particular, to ensure that journalism is not reduced to Goebbels’ standard, it is appealed to all media houses to verify the veracity of the sources, facts and figures before the stories reach the readers.
Issued by Media Cell, Chief Minister’s Office Nagaland
