Hikavi H Kinimi, President of the Sumi Youth Organization (SYO), reads out a representation submitted during the 2nd Edition of the Hornbill Festival Extension 2025 for the construction of a Sumi Naga Museum in Zunheboto.
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | February 24
Vice Chairman of the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) and Deputy Commissioner, Dharam Raj, IAS, on February 24 stressed that all departments must obtain mandatory prior approval before initiating any work in the district, stating that no project should be undertaken without the knowledge of the district administration.
Chairing the monthly DPDB meeting for February 2026 at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Zunheboto, he directed departments to strictly follow due procedures and cautioned against bypassing established administrative channels. He stated that the authority of the district administration must not be diluted and that completion certificates must be submitted through proper channels. He also instructed that official matters should not be routed through unauthorized channels. The DPDB passed a resolution supporting these directives to strengthen administrative accountability.
The meeting began with a welcome address by the Deputy Commissioner, who introduced and welcomed new members. The Board reviewed the previous meeting agenda, including the approval of the registration of the New Era Education Society, which has been forwarded to the Government for further consideration.
Under the monthly agenda, the Board discussed the registration of the Sumi Anthropology Research Union. The Deputy Commissioner sought details regarding the activities and expertise of the society. Members informed that the union aims to study the migration patterns and historical roots of the Sumi community. He also sought clarification on the academic background of the members, particularly their expertise in anthropology.
The Board deliberated on a proposal to change the name and relocate Eden Garden School, Alahuto colony. It was noted that two schools in the district are operating under the same name, leading to confusion. The present school site is located in a landslide-prone area, posing safety and security risks, which justified the proposed relocation.
The meeting also took up issues raised by the Sumi Youth Organization (SYO). Hikavi H Kinimi, President of the organization, read out a representation submitted during the 2nd Edition of the Hornbill Festival Extension 2025 for the construction of a Sumi Naga Museum in Zunheboto. The Deputy Commissioner informed the house that the proposal would be forwarded to the Tribal Affairs Department for necessary support.
The organization reported irregularities in district offices, including absenteeism of Heads of Offices and staff, attendance registers marked present while officers were outside the station, non-maintenance of office log books, and lack of professionalism in public service delivery. The SYO stated its intention to inspect offices in the public interest to address absenteeism and administrative lapses.
Responding to the concerns, the Deputy Commissioner acknowledged the issue of absenteeism and stated that citizens have the right to raise grievances. He, however, urged that such matters be addressed through proper authorities and cautioned against taking the law into one’s own hands. He directed all Heads of Offices to strictly follow official protocols and maintain accountability in service delivery.
The meeting concluded with presentations by Government College Zunheboto and the Power Department, Zunheboto.
