Deputy chief minister, Yanthungo Patton, who recently took charge as chairman of the Wokha District Planning and Development Board (DPDB), has warned government employees that the “No Work, No Pay” policy will be strictly enforced.
According to DIPR report, Patton, who was addressing the DPDB meeting held at the DC Conference Hall, Wokha, on Tuesday emphasized regular attendance and announced plans for surprise inspections across departments. He said that wages of absent employees would be deducted and redirected to support civil societies in the district.
Patton also encouraged department heads to submit proposals for development projects and infrastructure needs. He also declared that DPDB meetings will be scheduled on Saturdays starting next month and attendance mandatory for officials.
On the construction of the Wokha Deputy Commissioner’s office, which is set to resemble a mini secretariat, Patton urged Lotha Hoho, LSU, and Lotha Women Hoho to monitor the contractor’s workmanship, warning that funds would not be released if standards were not met.
Bhandari SDPB chairman Achumbemo Kikon briefed the meeting on key development initiatives, including Wokha-Merapani road improvement, Merapani seed farm, and the proposed ADC headquarters in Doyang. He also revisited the resolution to rename Government Higher Secondary School Wokha to late Mhondamo Memorial Higher Secondary School, in honor of M. Kithan, Nagaland’s first education minister.
At the meeting, the board recognized outstanding students from the district, including Denben C. Murry (8th rank, Spring Dale School Wokha), Sojano Erui (13th rank, Libemo Memorial School Wokha), and Zejano H. Ngullie (17th rank, Fernbrook School Wokha). Patton personally awarded Rs. 20,000 to each achiever.
Senior Scientist Dr. Sandeep Deshmukh of ICAR-KVK Wokha presented a report on agricultural activities, highlighting challenges like poor road connectivity and water scarcity.
The meeting was presided over by Deputy Commissioner Vineet Kumar, who officially welcomed Y. Patton as the new DPDB chairman and acknowledged the contributions of outgoing chairman Mhonbemo Humtsoe.
Achumbemo demands cancellation of Merapani Seed Farm lease
Meanwhile, a DIPR report informed that Achumbemo Kikon MLA of 40 Bhandari A/C has reiterated his demand for the cancellation of the lease issued by the Agriculture department for the Merapani seed farm, asserting that the land rightfully belongs to the government.
During the Wokha DPDB meeting, Achumbemo emphasized that it was the department’s responsibility to protect and defend government land. He urged the Agriculture department to explore alternatives and coordinate with KVK rather than leasing out the land. His remarks highlight ongoing concerns regarding land management and agricultural development in the region.