S Supongmeren Jamir reviews development schemes in Zunheboto and Phek, stressing coordination and accountability
DISHA meetings stress effective departmental coordination, timely project completion and improved delivery of government initiatives
DIMAPUR — The District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meetings for Zunheboto and Phek districts reviewed the implementation of various government schemes and ongoing developmental activities, with Lok Sabha MP S Supongmeren Jamir calling for improved departmental coordination, accountability and effective delivery of welfare programmes.
The Zunheboto DISHA meeting was held on Tuesday at the DC’s conference hall, while the Phek DISHA Committee meeting took place on November 9 at the Multipurpose Hall of the DC Office building.
Both meetings were chaired by Jamir, who emphasised the need to prioritise local developmental requirements and ensure that government initiatives translate into tangible benefits for the people.
According to a DIPR report, the Zunheboto meeting focused particularly on improving the standard of education in government schools, following a presentation by the District Education Officer on the functioning and activities of schools across the district.
Expressing concern over the comparatively better academic performance of private schools, Jamir sought clarification from the Education department on the reasons behind the disparity.
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The department acknowledged the gap, attributing it largely to a shortage of subject teachers and other challenges affecting government schools.
The MP questioned why private schools, despite having comparatively fewer facilities, limited staff and lower salaries, were producing better academic results, while government schools with relatively better infrastructure and higher salaries continued to face academic challenges.
He observed that the issue was not confined to Zunheboto but was prevalent across Nagaland.
Emphasising the importance of foundational learning, Jamir urged the department to give equal priority to primary and elementary education.
The meeting also discussed delays in the distribution of free textbooks and school uniforms, with officials highlighting the difficulties faced by students due to the late arrival of learning materials. It was stressed that textbooks should reach schools before the commencement of the academic session.
Concerns were also raised over ready-made uniforms, which often failed to fit students properly.
The need for teacher rationalisation was discussed, with suggestions to consult the concerned Block Education Officers to ensure balanced and effective deployment of teachers.
ADC Zunheboto, Shaying Sheu, highlighted challenges faced by the Education department, including delays in the supply of textbooks and uniforms.
He also sought clarification on the functioning of the SMILE App and pointed out that the engagement of substitute teachers was another issue requiring attention to improve academic outcomes.
In Phek, the meeting discussed horticulture development, particularly kiwi cultivation and production initiatives undertaken by the department. District Horticulture Officer (DHO) Phek highlighted the ongoing efforts, following which Jamir enquired whether foreign kiwi varieties were being introduced in the district.
The DHO informed the meeting that a team of scientists from New Zealand would soon visit Phek, after which specialised farming techniques and suitable varieties would be introduced to strengthen kiwi cultivation and production.
The Phek meeting also reviewed power infrastructure development.
The Executive Engineer of the Power Department highlighted ongoing works, including the installation of smart meters and construction of a 33 kV line using weasel conductor to upgrade the district's power network. Jamir and Deputy Commissioner Phek and Member Secretary of the DISHA Committee, Rhosietho Ngouri, directed the department and the contractor concerned to complete the works before the upcoming Christmas season.
Road safety and the implementation of the PM-RAHAT scheme also featured in discussions in both districts.
In Phek, the District Transport Officer informed the meeting that the scheme, launched by the Prime Minister on February 13, 2026, provides cashless medical treatment of up to INR 1.5 lakh to road accident victims for a maximum period of seven days during the critical golden hour.
The Transport department in Zunheboto reported that no applications had been received from the district under the scheme so far. Jamir urged the concerned departments to intensify public awareness campaigns across the state and encourage people to avail themselves of the benefits, particularly in cases of road accidents, so that eligible beneficiaries receive timely assistance.
MP inspects NH-702A stretch in Zunheboto
Lok Sabha MP Supongmeren Jamir, accompanied by officials of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the Zunheboto district administration, visited the National Highway 702A stretch at New Colony, Zunheboto on Tuesday, to assess the road's present condition and review the progress of ongoing works.
The visit was part of the ongoing follow-up on road-related issues and development requirements along the highway.
During the inspection, the team assessed the condition of the stretch and reviewed various concerns, emphasising the need for necessary attention and timely intervention to address the issues.
The visit also provided an opportunity to review the concerns raised during the previous inspection and take stock of the progress made since then.