Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on September 17 said he was surprised by the allegation that a Khelo India multipurpose hall was constructed at the private residence of one of his Cabinet Ministers. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 17
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said he was taken by surprise over the allegation a Khelo India Multipurpose Hall was constructed at the private residence of one of his Cabinet Ministers.
Speaking to reporters, on the sideline of an NPF programme in Chümoukedima on September 17, Rio said that he is seeking an explanation from the Department of Youth Resources and Sports (YR&S) regarding how it happened.
The Rs 3-crore project, funded under the Khelo India scheme was allegedly sanctioned for Mangkolemba town, Mokokchung district. It drew drew public scrutiny after civil society groups of Mangkolemba alleged discrepancy in the location of the facility. They held that the Multipurpose Hall was erected on Higher Education and Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along’s private residence in Longtho village, instead of within Mangkolemba town, the headquarters of Mangkolemba sub-division.
While stating that the initial target of the Khelo India Multipurpose Hall initiative has been the district headquarters, followed by sub-divisions, he said, “If we build for every village also, it is not possible. So, the department, I don't know how they had done that...” He said that he will share the information once the YR&S department reports back to him.
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