Zunheboto DISHA review: MP stresses officials’ accountability, MLA flags FCI godown issue

Morung Express News
Zunheboto | August 20

Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) S Supongmeren Jamir on August 20 urged government officials in Zunheboto to remain at their places of posting and use their authority and capabilities for the welfare of the people, while MLA Dr Sukhato A Sema raised concerns over the non-functional status of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) godown in Zunheboto despite a reported sanction of Rs 20 crore.

The observations were made during the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Zunheboto, under the chairmanship of MP S Supongmeren Jamir. MLA Dr Sukhato A Sema, Deputy Commissioner and DISHA Member Secretary and Deputy Commissioner Dharam Raj along with heads of departments and officials, attended the meeting.

Speaking at the meeting, Jamir said officials posted in the district have a responsibility to make a meaningful contribution during their tenure and should not restrict themselves to routine departmental duties.

“Not only your normal schemes, but I think you all have the capacity and the capability to create the extra mile for the benefit of the district,” Jamir said, urging officials to look beyond their regular responsibilities and explore additional opportunities for development.

The MP stressed that heads of departments must understand the weight of their responsibilities and remain stationed in the district.

“When our heads of departments don't give the priority of our responsibility in the district and if we are not sincere or if we neglect our responsibility, perhaps standing or like if we are not stationed at the district, then having this discussion also will not bring any change in the district,” he said.

Jamir said the decisions and issues discussed during DISHA meetings would have little impact if officials were not available to follow them up. He appealed to departmental heads to give their best during their tenure so that their work would be remembered by the people.

Drawing attention to the authority vested in government officials, Jamir further cautioned them against allowing their powers to be undermined or misused.

“You have the calibre, you have the authority in your hands. Don't let your authority be snatched away by some, which are not authorized. So you have to use your authority and your authority has to be for the people of the district,” the MP said.

Meanwhile, MLA Dr Sukhato A Sema said his participation in the DISHA meeting was aimed at understanding the implementation of key Central Government programmes and assessing their progress at the grassroots level.

He emphasised that elected representatives and public officials have a shared responsibility to ensure effective, time-bound and inclusive implementation of government schemes.

A major issue raised by the MLA was the FCI godown in Zunheboto. Dr Sema said he was concerned about the status of the facility, which was sanctioned by the Government of India at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore.

According to Dr Sema, the land for the project was purchased at a cost of around Rs 60 lakh, and information obtained during his visit to Delhi indicated that the entire sanctioned amount had already been drawn.

“But whether the godown is functioning and whether we're getting all the essential commodities directly to Zunheboto, because that will benefit the people of Zunheboto. And this is of great public interest,” Dr Sema said.

The MLA said he was “a bit disappointed” after seeing the present status of the facility and observed that the building appeared to require only finishing work.

“As I look at the building, only finishing touch is required,” he said, urging the implementing agency and the Deputy Commissioner to ensure that the godown is completed and brought into functional operation at the earliest.

Dr Sema also called for proper monitoring of the project and improvement of the approach road where required, stressing that the infrastructure should ultimately serve the people of Zunheboto.

Earlier, DC Raj highlighted the role of DISHA in reviewing, coordinating and monitoring the implementation of Central Government schemes and development programmes in the district.

Departmental presentations were subsequently made by Assistant Labour Commissioner Tali on Labour Department activities, the District Agriculture Officer on Agriculture Department activities, and Veterinary Officer Dr Vinoto H Ayemi on behalf of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services.

The meeting reviewed various development programmes and emphasised greater coordination, monitoring and accountability among departments to ensure that government schemes reach the intended beneficiaries.