Dimapur District Congress Committee (DDCC) has expressed dissatisfaction with the RTI response it received from the government on Dimapur town hall project, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and other related matters.
Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhavan here Monday, DDCC President Kutoho Chishi said that the information obtained through RTI was inadequate and lacked clarity on critical aspects of the projects.
He reiterated the alleged misuse of public funds in the construction of town hall.
Despite repeated follow-ups, including a letter addressed to the chief secretary on April 4 demanding a response within seven days, DDCC president said no reply has been received till date.
Chishi urged the public to raise their voices against such injustices and called for collective action in pursuit of truth and transparency. “The government appears indifferent not only to the party but also to the public. It is time for citizens to demand accountability,” he said.
DDCC president also alleged large-scale discrepancies in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) under both Rural and Urban Development departments.
According to RTI findings, he said the Centre disbursed amounts directly to beneficiaries—Rs. 1.5 lakh for urban and Rs. 1.2 lakh for rural housing schemes (split into Rs.60,000 + Rs.60,000 + Rs.30,000 tranches).
However, he said in several villages, deductions of Rs.18,000 to Rs.27, were reportedly being made from the sanctioned amounts without proper justification.
In Dimapur, Niuland, and Chümoukedima districts, DDCC alleged that block development officers (BDOs) have been withdrawing funds from beneficiaries’ accounts.
He said villagers have also reportedly been threatened with developmental exclusion if they refused to comply. “Moreover, many recipients have not begun construction despite receiving the first, second, or even third instalments, which should be inspected by the concerned department,” Chishi asserted.
Further, DDCC president said that in some areas, residents have complained about demands for advance payments before inclusion in the scheme. “These loopholes must be addressed. We will publicly share all evidence we receive and ask the public to help verify whether construction is actually being done or if money is being misappropriated,” Chishi stated.
He condemned the misuse and demanded that the concerned departments release full transparency reports. “This is a central scheme for the people, yet there is no accountability. Beneficiaries deserve to know why deductions are being made and under whose authority,” DDCC president said.
Seeking intervention of the concerned minister, he demanded formation of an independent committee to investigate the irregularities. Chishi appealed to the public not to remain silent. “This fight is not just political—it’s for justice, transparency, and the rights of the people. The opposition may lack resources, but with public support, we will move forward, even to the court, if necessary,” he affirmed.
DDCC general secretary Kumjimong had earlier demanded the constitution of a special committee to investigate the town hall issues, but the demand was ignored, Chihsi said.
Condemning what he described as “cold attitude” of the government, Chishi said that political favouritism was leading to the allocation of benefits to affiliated parties rather than the actual needy population.