It is discouraging to note that the revival of the Nagaland Pulp and Paper Co Ltd (NPPC) at Tuli might possibly take longer than expected. With work stalled for whatever reasons one should not expect the so called ‘revival’ of the paper mill to take place unless off course a ‘miracle’ takes place. Several months and years have now gone by ever since the big plans afoot to revive the dysfunctional unit. There was hope that things would finally materialize but then the revival package itself has remained a non-starter. In fact at one point of time it was told that the paper mill would start functioning by 2009 end. Now it is told that the revised DPR amounting to a tune of Rs 1241 crores is lying with the Central Department of Heavy Industry and Enterprise. Sources informed that the revised DPR amounting to a tune of Rs. 1241 crores, approved by the Hindustan Paper Corporation, is stuck at the department-level. The DPR still needs the approval of the Finance Ministry before finally being passed by the Cabinet. Given the ‘political dimension’ involved in such a huge revival package, it is highly unlikely that the plan will materialize any time soon. The problem with the revival plan of Tuli Paper Mill seems to be that there are too many hands involved all having their own game plan and design. Then the other big factor seems to that a non-Congress member is the present sitting MLA representing the Tuli Assembly Constituency. The Congress led UPA government as well as its State unit obviously will not deem it fit to give a blank cheque to the present ruling government under the Naga People Front (NPF). To refresh our memory, the revival of the Tuli Paper Mill had been one of the major commitments of the Common Minimum Program when the DAN first assumed office. As such, there is too much at stake especially for the State Congress. In such a political scenario any plans for the revival of the Tuli Paper Mill may have to wait.
The other aspect about the revival plan that does not seem right is the manner in which the so called management has handled the project so far. In fact the NPPC which was commissioned in 1981 was declared sick in 1992. The question that needs to be asked is whether the NPPC has been overhauled. It is common sense approach to demand that the flaws be corrected. Can NPPC be run in a professional manner with a viable business plan of action? And since the process of revival began last year, NPPC has reportedly utilised Rs.54.6 crore that went into renovation, procuring new machineries and other civil works carried out at the mill. According to the news report carried in this news daily much of the funds to be received from the revised DPR would go into procuring machineries. On top of this is the cost escalation if the project gets delayed. Going by past experience, even if the new DPR is approved, still then, it is unlikely that the mill will become operational. It is also quite doubtful whether the State government will be able to mobilize and fulfill the demand for raw materials to NPPC given that the HPC has decided to increase the production capacity from 66,000 tons to 89,000 tons per annum. Given all this, one should not expect too much too soon. Likewise, the stake holders especially the public of the area and the concerned tribal hoho must also not remain silent but seek answers from the concerned authorities so that people are not taken for a ride. Although it has failed to live up to its expectations, nevertheless the proposal to revive Tuli Paper Mill cannot be taken lightly. It is a prestige issue for Nagas in general and Mokokchung in particular.
