DUCCF alleges anomalies in the Housing for All scheme by some DMC councillors

DIMAPUR — The Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) has raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the selection of beneficiaries under the Housing for All scheme.

In a press conference held on Wednesday, the federation claimed that some Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) councillors were hand-picking beneficiaries, bypassing genuine Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.

DUCCF Vice President Tongzuk Pongen said that the federation has three key issues—Housing for All, parking tax, and fire extinguishers for business establishments—that need to be addressed in the public interest.

Fellow Vice President Vikheto Chisho pointed out that Dimapur district has 23 wards and 97 colonies, represented by 23 elected councillors, yet 70% of councillors reportedly do not consult the gaon buras (GBs) or the chairmen on any work.

Also read: DUCCF urges Fire and Emergency Services Department to lead safety checks enforcement

“The Housing for All scheme is meant for BPL families, and it is the gaon buras and chairmen at the grassroots level who know the genuine beneficiaries. Councillors should consult them,” he said.

Chisho alleged that some councillors were cherry-picking beneficiaries from their own party, supporters, or close associates, excluding genuine BPL families.

Asserting that the scheme is for the BPL category, he maintained that GBs and chairmen were in a better position to identify genuine beneficiaries. He urged the councillors to consult local leaders to ensure proper implementation.

Pongen also raised concerns over a DMC order mandating the installation of fire extinguishers at business establishments without consulting the Fire and Emergency Services department.

While the federation supports fire safety, he said that proper protocols must be followed to ensure effectiveness and safety, pointing to risks from improper or unauthorised installations and issues with future maintenance.

Another VP, Wojamo Yanthan, criticised the current parking tax collection system, where vehicle owners are charged at multiple locations for short parking periods. He suggested that DMC manage parking tax collection directly rather than outsourcing it to contractors. This approach, he said, would allow the municipality to use the funds for city maintenance, sanitation, and employee salaries.

Supporting Yanthan, DUCCF Finance Secretary Akusu Zeliang said that in-house collection could improve city infrastructure and services while ensuring efficient use of funds.

DUCCF President Zasivikho Zakiesato also noted that parking is a common resource and the collected tax should be used for development.

On the Housing for All scheme, Zakiesato said councillors “have not done a little bit of justice.” He also said that the federation has written to the inspector general of Fire and Emergency Services on September 23 regarding DMC’s order to install of fire extinguishers.

As fire safety requires technical expertise, proper assessment, and certification, without consultation with the relevant department, the effectiveness and maintenance of installed extinguishers remain questionable, the DUCCF maintained.

It further appealed to the department to examine the matter, ensure compliance with safety norms, and direct DMC and other bodies to coordinate with the Fire and Emergency Services department before installing fire safety equipment in order to safeguard public life and property.