NPF Peren raises concerns over staff absence, dilapidated offices

Peren, July 13 (MExN): The Naga People's Front (NPF) Peren Division has alleged widespread absenteeism of government employees and poor infrastructure in several government offices in Peren district following an inspection by its visiting team.

In a statement issued by NPF Peren Division General Secretary Kacham, the party said the inspection found several shortcomings in the functioning and maintenance of government establishments.

The party said the in-patients building at the district hospital requires renovation with a fabricated structure owing to water leakages and other worn-out infrastructure.

At the office of the Chief Veterinary Officer, the visiting team said it met only a Multi Task Service (MTS) staff and found no other officials present. It also alleged that the office building had several roof leakages, while furniture and other infrastructure were worn out and outdated.

The NPF also alleged that no office staff were present at the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) office during the visit and claimed that almost all office rooms were occupied by construction labourers and their materials. It termed the situation "highly dismaying" and alleged that the condition affected the image and prestige of the public office.

The party further said that at the District Horticulture Office and the District Industries Centre, the visiting team met only the respective MTS staff, with no other officials present.

According to the statement, the District Agriculture Officer and District Fishery Officer conveyed their inability to meet the visiting team.

In its remarks, the NPF Peren Division questioned what it described as loopholes in the administrative and governance mechanism, asking why office staff were absent from their workplaces and whether work remained unattended because officials did not report for duty.