Kohima District Planning & Development Board meeting highlights Excise department's new priorities

DIMAPUR — The monthly meeting of the District Planning & Development Board (DPDB) Kohima was held on Friday at the DPDB conference hall under the chairmanship of Kevipodi Sophie, MLA and chairman of DPDB Kohima.

According to a DIPR report, Deputy Commissioner of Excise (Zonal) Venezolu Dawhuo gave a PowerPoint presentation on the activities of the Excise department in Kohima.

Dawhuo highlighted in her presentation that the department's primary focus has shifted from revenue collection to enforcing key legislation, including the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989, and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

The department's responsibilities encompass preventing, controlling, and regulating liquor possession, sale, manufacture, and transportation, as well as combating smuggling of excisable goods and narcotics. Additionally, it oversees denatured spirits for industrial purposes and collaborates with central agencies like the Narcotics Control Bureau and Central Bureau of Narcotics.

Between January 2024 and June 2025, the department collected INR 11,26,000 in fines, which was deposited as revenue.

Awareness programmes on drug and alcohol abuse were also conducted, including one at Kezocha under the village adoption committee, Dawhuo added.

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The meeting further discussed and approved proposals under the Local Area Development Programme (LADP) 2025–26, with the chairman urging departments to coordinate with the district planning officer to avoid overlap.

On the proposed shifting of the administrative headquarters from Sechü-Zubza, the SDO (C) informed the house that a joint consultative meeting with stakeholders was held on July 14, 2025. Sophie also advised forming a committee comprising representatives from 14 villages and the Western Angami Public Organisation to follow up on the matter.

The meeting was presided over by Deputy Commissioner and Vice Chairman of DPDB Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, a DIPR report stated

Zunheboto District Planning & Development Board meeting approves key proposals

The Zunheboto monthly DPDB meeting was held on August 7 at DC's conference hall under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner and DPDB Vice Chairman Dharam Raj.

The meeting discussed key agendas, including the proposal to register the Suruhuto Area Sports Association (SASA) as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, which was approved and forwarded for further processing, a DIPR report stated.

Additionally, the board considered a proposal from Zunheboto Government College to introduce new academic programmes.

Dr. R Bendangtemjen, the college’s Principal, stressed that appointing teachers should be a priority, noting that students would follow once the faculty is in place.

The principal also highlighted the need for improvement in the college's internal road infrastructure, citing difficulties faced by students and staff.

Dr. Vihuto Asumi, President of Sumi Hoho, expressed concern over the frequent detachment of faculty members from Zunheboto Government College to other institutions, which undermines the college's faculty strength. He noted that despite submitting a formal representation to the concerned department on May 16, 2025, no action has been taken. Dr. Asumi also highlighted dissatisfaction with other issues, including the transfer of teaching faculties.

Deputy Commissioner Dharam Raj assured the board that measures would be taken to address the concerns.

The meeting also discussed the distribution of departmental responsibilities for the upcoming 79th Independence Day celebrations.

The Land Resources Department, Zunheboto, presented a PowerPoint highlighting its initiatives, including the e-Shram scheme for construction workers, scholarships for their children, medical aid, and verification of labour beneficiaries.