S. Supongmeren Jamir with Khriedi Theunuo addresses press conference in Kohima on July 4. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 4
Nagaland Lok Sabha MP and DISHA Committee Nagaland Chairman, S. Supongmeren Jamir today announced that the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) will be holding district-level meetings starting July 9 from Peren to oversee and monitor the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) in Nagaland.
Addressing a press conference here today in the presence of Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) working president Khriedi Theunuo, he said that DISHA, is a committee established at the district level in India to oversee and monitor the implementation of key central government schemes.
Jamir said the DISHA meetings will initially cover six to seven districts, with the objective of ensuring effective implementation and transparency in CSS.
He clarified that the committee is not intended to interfere with departmental work but to support the implementation process, assist in identifying bottlenecks, and ensure that government schemes reach the grassroots level.
“The DISHA Committee has the authority to monitor projects, ensure there is no fund diversion, and act upon grievances from village councils and beneficiaries,” Jamir stated.
“If any department is facing fund shortages or implementation constraints, the committee will act as a helping hand,” he said.
However, he added that in cases of fund misuse or project irregularities, the committees are duty-bound to report directly to the state DISHA committee and the concerned Union Ministry.
GDS recruitment
Jamir raised concern about Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) recruitment process under the Postal Department, citing the disadvantage faced by local candidates due to national competition.
He called for recognition of local languages as a third language in the GDS recruitment process.
Jamir said that the matter has been taken up with the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary of Nagaland.
“Once the third language is recognised by our state government, then that will be one of the gateways for the employment of this GDS in our state,” he said adding that both the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary are also showing interest and giving their best effort to declare it at the earliest.
Article 371A
Touching on Article 371A of the Indian Constitution which grants special provisions to the state of Nagaland, primarily focused on safeguarding Naga culture, traditions, customs, land, and resources. Jamir encouraged landowners to engage constructively with the government for state development.
He said that the Act should be used not only for protection but also as a tool for positive collaboration between citizens and the government.
“If landowners come forward in the spirit of partnership, we can utilize the protections under Article 371A for development, not just preservation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jamir expressed serious concern over the lack of public awareness about central schemes.
He called for all departments to publicly display available schemes and eligibility criteria.
“There are over 100 central schemes available, but many departments aren’t applying for them. Either due to communication gaps or negligence, opportunities are being lost,” he said.
On the alleged irregularities on Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Jamir urged the citizens to report such practices before funds are withdrawn, to allow the DISHA committee to intervene.
Jamir also reflected on the responsibility of voters in a democratic society.
He reminded citizens that their vote is a powerful mandate, and urged them to remain engaged even after elections.
“We all share responsibility for the governments we elect. Let us work with them during their tenure and if they fail to deliver, use your vote wisely in 2028 elections,” Jamir said.
