Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 7
Money amounting to over Rs. 7cr has been released for a North Eastern Council (NEC) sanctioned state media centre in Dimapur. The project, a Multi-media-cum-Convention Centre, is based on a 90:10 fund sharing pattern between the NEC and the Nagaland State Government, respectively.
According to RTI replies from the Directorate of Information & Public Relations (DIPR), Nagaland, a total of Rs. 7,31,38,000 has already been released by the government.
The first instalment (2017-18) classified as “under State Resources (NEC)” was released in October 2017. It was followed up with an amount of Rs. 22,22,000 released in March 2018 as “10% State share against the 1st instalment” and classified as “under NEC.”
The second instalment amounting to Rs. 5,09,16,000 and classified as “under Non NEC” was released in May this year.
The total cost of the project is tipped to be around Rs. 10cr and has a completion timeframe of 3 years, as per the DIPR.
DIPR Director, Limawati Ao when contacted on the progress of work informed that construction of the media centre started towards the end of 2017. The old building housing the office of the District Public Relations Officer located near the Dimapur railway station was demolished to make way for the new structure.
He said that the 3-storied building, besides housing the office of the DPRO, will have a conference room, auditorium and a multi-media centre for media personnel.
Asked on the likelihood of the project meeting the completion deadline, he said that it would be subject to timely release of funds.
He added that earlier in April-May this year, the NEC asked the project be put on hold till it reviews the funding pattern and payment modes of NEC projects in general.
