Dimapur Urban Council Chairman’s Federation (DUCCF) has raised multiple concerns about the state of development in Dimapur and announced its intent to file Right to Information (RTI) applications to uncover relevant details.
Speaking at a media briefing held at Duncan Council Hall on Wednesday, DUCCF president Zasivikho Zakiesato revealed the federation’s plans to file RTIs against the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) regarding the alleged excess number of employees.
Additionally, DUCCF said RTIs will be filed with the Urban Development Department (UDD) to seek detail on utilization of funds, pointing out that Dimapur had been neglected in terms of development.
DUCCF also expressed concern over the prolonged delay in completing the Multi-Disciplinary State Stadium, which has remained unfinished for years, and stated its intent to file RTIs to determine the reasons behind the delay.
Zasivikho also highlighted the ongoing controversy surrounding the primary sub- health centre located at premises Government Middle School (GMS) in Midland. Amidst the council being divided due to the ongoing issue, he said that the DUCCF was doing its best to solve the situation at the earliest.
Asked whether DUCCF supported or opposed the Midland Colony Council’s insistence to have the health centre at the GMS Midland premises, he refused to comment.
On the proposed hike in Residential Sanitation Fees (RSF) to Rs 100 per household, Zakiesato called for further consultation on the matter.
Acknowledging the recent joint meeting convened by DMC with GBs, colony councils, and others, he clarified that the federation was not against the collection of fees, but expressed concern over the revision of the rate to Rs 100 per household, requesting the DMC to revisit and hold consultations with all colony councils and chairmen.
DUCCF vice-president Vikheto Chisho expressed disappointment over a statement made by the DMC chief executive officer (CEO) during a recent meeting regarding proposal to increase the Resident Service Fee (RSF) to Rs. 100 per household per month.
He claimed that the CEO had even remarked that DMC could have enhanced the fee by giving an order without consultation, questioning why the meeting was called in the first place.
He said that insulting DUCCF and the members present at the meeting was a direct insult to the citizens of Dimapur, urging the DMC to keep on hold the revised rate and hold proper consultation with all. He also expressed concern on prices fixed by DMC on perishable items.
Referring to the ongoing construction of NH-36 from Dilai Gate to Hotel Tragopan, which was slated for completion by December 2023, Zasivikho mentioned that the DUCCF was closely monitoring the project and was hopeful about its completion in time.
DUCCF executive member Arang Pongen disclosed that 21 colony council chairmen from the stretch where road construction was on had met Deputy Commissioner Dimapur and served an ultimatum, after which work commenced. He said they went for an inspection and expressed happiness that the work was now progressing.
Regarding the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, Zasivikho revealed that the DUCCF, endorsed by the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD), had conducted a detailed study and consultation with all stakeholders, and submitted a representation to the state government.
While the representation favoured a partial lifting of the Act citing its ineffectiveness in the state, especially in Dimapur, he questioned the state government’s delay in providing clarity on the Act’s future.
“Things have changed and we should accept reality. The NLTP is something not working in Dimapur, and Government of Nagaland should study it properly. Dimapur’s reality shows the Act has failed. The government must either implement it properly or consider lifting it partially,” he elaborated.
Expressing dismay over Dimapur’s consistent neglect in developmental initiatives, DUCCF president claimed that the state’s commercial hub was falling behind in development parameters. He said the federation would file an RTI against the UDD to find how development funds were being utilised.
On the state government’s claim that there was no land for development in Dimapur district, he claimed that there were many plots of land on which offices could be built.
He also declared support to adviser Moatoshi Longkumer’s appeal for flyovers in Dimapur, while condemning the state government’s lackadaisical attitude towards development.
On Christmas stars being sold to business establishments by DMC at Rs 300 each, Zasivikho said the council should make right decision and hoped that councilor in-charge would bring down the rate.
Referring to tax collection by NGOs, CSOs, welfare committees and factions, Zasivikho clarified that the DUCCF did not oversee tax collection by anyone. However, on factions collecting taxes, he said leaders of the respective factions must take this matter seriously and try to bring a solution, without elaborating further.
On sale of products without maximum retail price (MRP) labels, taken up recently by the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU), Zasivikho commended the student body for highlighting the issue, but emphasised that it should be handled by the department concerned.