Artist’s impression of the proposed two-storey office complex for the Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, to be constructed at the existing site, with completion targeted within 24 months at an estimated cost of Rs 14.97 crore.
Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 2
Dimapur district, perceived to have been neglected by the state government, will finally see a new building that will house the office of the Deputy Commissioner. The relocation of the government edifice has been a cause of controversy in the then undivided Dimapur district, which was finally settled with the trifurcation of the district into Chümoukedima, Niuland and Dimapur in December 2021.
The 2-storey office complex to be built in the preexisting venue is projected to be completed in two years (24 months) at an estimated cost of Rs 14.97 crore, if things go according to plan. The target is to start construction within this month. Meanwhile, the DC office will operate from the Survey Training Institute (STI) at Purana Bazaar.
A programme marking the unveiling of the customary foundation plaque or monolith, on April 2, witnessed the presence of three legislators— MLA and Advisor for Central Administrative Works Department (CAWD) and Taxes, Kudecho Khamo; MLA and Advisor for Industries and Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu; and MLA & Advisor for Labour & Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer. The unveiling coincided with the calendar date when Dimapur was upgraded to an ADC-level sub-division under Kohima district on April 2, 1976.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio was originally scheduled to unveil the foundation plaque, but could not, owing to an urgent visit to New Delhi reportedly to meet the Union Finance Minister. CAWD Advisor Kudecho Khamo did the honour of unveiling the plaque, and described Dimapur as a “Mini India” and a “window” through which outsiders view the state.
Khamo termed the project as a part of a broader administrative infrastructure drive. According to him, the CAWD currently manages more than 1,400 buildings across the state. “We have constructed, or are under construction, all the Deputy Commissioner's Office complexes, and also ADCs' Office complexes, bungalows, and staff quarters in the state,” Khamo said.
He highlighted the state’s performance in revenue collection, stating that as of December last year, Nagaland recorded the highest percentage growth in Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue in India. He attributed this to the cooperation of the business community and the public.
Despite the strides made in terms of GST revenue, the Advisor for Industries and Commerce Hekani Jakhalu made a sobering note, stating that the state remains reliant on Central funding. The discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant by the 16th Finance Commission, she said, would further impact the state’s economy. According to her, the Chief Minister was in New Delhi to discuss the state’s financial situation.
Advisor Moatoshi Longkumer, under whose Assembly Constituency, is located the DC’s office, said that Dimapur had waited 52 years for this development. He termed the project as a “marker of intent” for the district’s future growth, and should represent a standard of “efficiency, accountability, and empathy” rather than just a physical building. “In Nagaland, we have the habit of prolonged project and price escalation. That habit should not happen in Dimapur,” Longkumer said.
The legislators collectively appealed for public cooperation in maintaining government assets.
The new DC office building will cover a total plinth area of 29,909 square feet. It will include a ramp for Persons with Disabilities, and a lift. According to Sungtiba Amer, Assistant Chief Engineer, CAWD, the official work order was issued in October 2022, but delays occurred due to the complexities of shifting the DC's office. The building contract went to CK Enterprise.
