Our Correspondent
New Delhi | July 25
In 2008, the Nagaland House at RK Puram was demolished with the promise that it will be completed within a year or maximum 18 months. 5 years have passed with no sign of the promised house for the Naga public. Unlike the Nagaland House at Aurangzeb road which provides accommodation only for Ministers, high ranking officers or MLAs, the then RK Puram Nagaland House was a great advantage for the general public especially for students seeking admissions in Delhi, unemployed youths on the lookout for jobs or patients coming to the capital for medical treatments since it was located in the heart of Delhi with better accessibility to stations, airport, hospitals, institutions or markets.
According to official records, the Government of Nagaland sanctioned Rs 18 crores for the construction of the RK Puram Nagaland House. However, only 2 crores have been allotted for the construction so far. The proposed House will have 3 conference rooms, 2 basements, 22 rooms and 6 dormitories. The contract has been undertaken by Confoss Construction Company, Delhi and the construction is underway and is yet again being promised to be completed by 2013 or within 18 months.
Some officials disclosed that the main reason behind the delay of the construction is the delay of clearance from the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). However if rumours be true, then clearance from the side of NDMC might not be the problem, but misuse of the funds maybe since there is a clear lack of transparency.
For Pastor Ricky Medon, who has served NCF Delhi as the Chaplain for 10 years, RK Puram Nagaland House was a big help to the general public who had no access to the Aurangzeb Road Nagaland house.
It was also the “central focal point” for the Nagas where they could come and fellowship together. For Naga Christian Fellowship (NCF) having a service at RK Puram was a huge benefit, since it was centrally located, which also increased the interest among the Nagas to attend the service.
Now that the Naga Christian Fellowship has shifted to Civil lines, distance has become a problem and many families have stopped coming. Since the NCF is renting out a church (which charges Rs.15,400 for four Sundays), with no proper facilities and equipments being stolen from time to time, there is also the whole aspect of uncertainty because they might be asked to leave anytime.
Lhusisato Iralu, President of the Naga Students’ Union Delhi (NSUD) says, “Bluntly speaking, NCF and NSUD, the two recognizable bodies for the Nagas in Delhi are losing out big time. Nagas from back home who are not well to do are also being affected. Corrupt contractors and officials of the concerned department are simply usurping the money meant for the house. The Government seems least bothered about it. But now when the election is near they seem/might show concern”.
Koruphun Tantanga, President of the Maring Students’ Union also says, “The plot of land that is at the heart of the capital city will certainly be worth crores. Unfortunately it is lying unused for many years thus incurring huge revenue loss. If put in use huge revenue can be generated and the revenue thus, generated can be used for various welfare programs. As the Nagaland House RK Puram has been closed down for many years and the existing one at Aurangzeb Road being exclusively for VIPs, the burden falls on the general public. They have to make alternate arrangements thus emptying their pocket more.”
Many of the people have uttered their grievances on the absence of a House for the general public. Most of the public are forced to stay in private guesthouses with no options left which often costs them a fortune. Even for the student communities, every time a program is organized they have to rent out halls or conference rooms which, in the case of a metropolitan city like Delhi, are exorbitantly priced thus draining the pockets of every student. Thus, the undelivered promise of the RK Puram Nagaland House is clearly a case of total ignorance towards the welfare and needs of the masses.
