Development Commissioner Y Kikheto Sema warns departments over project delays and reveals an INR 32 crore refund to GoI.
DIMAPUR — Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner Y Kikheto Sema has expressed concern over delays in the implementation of development projects in Nagaland, revealing that the state government had to refund approximately INR 32 crore to the Government of India in recent years due to execution lapses and non-utilisation of funds.
According to a DIPR report, Kikheto, who chaired a review meeting with various departments to assess the progress of projects implemented under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat in Kohima on Wednesday, observed that despite receiving substantial financial assistance from MDoNER and the North Eastern Council (NEC), overall implementation has not been satisfactory.
He noted that many projects have been delayed without valid reasons, resulting in cost overruns and preventing the timely delivery of benefits to the public. He added that funding agencies have also expressed concern over the performance of several departments.
Kikheto informed the departments that the state government would strengthen its focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and called for collective efforts to improve Nagaland’s performance on SDG indicators. While some districts have shown progress, disparities remain, and departments must align planning with measurable development priorities, he said.
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The development commissioner pointed out that although the central government had released funds for several projects, many departments failed to utilise them promptly and continued to receive reminders to draw and utilise funds available in the Central Nodal Account (CNA).
He cautioned that failure to improve project implementation, utilise funds, and submit Utilisation Certificates (UCs) and project completion reports on time could adversely affect the state's prospects of securing approvals for new projects.
Kikheto also noted that despite the Planning and Transformation Department circulating the Calendar of Action for 2026-27, many departments had failed to submit proposals within the prescribed timelines. He directed all departments to strictly adhere to the calendar and avoid the recurring financial year-end rush.
To ensure efficient utilisation of the working season, he instructed departments to complete preparatory activities, including preparing estimates, obtaining statutory approvals, and completing the tendering process during the monsoon season so that works can commence immediately afterwards.
Describing the refund of INR 32 crore as a serious loss, Kikheto stated that such instances must not be repeated. He warned that the state government may initiate stringent action against defaulting departments, contractors, and firms. Erring departments would be held accountable, while contractors repeatedly failing to complete projects within timelines could face blacklisting, he added.
Furthermore, Kikheto directed all departments to document and publicise their achievements by regularly uploading details of their activities on official websites, dashboards, and ministry portals or submit them to the Planning and Transformation department for wider dissemination. He observed that many noteworthy initiatives remain unnoticed due to poor documentation.
He directed departments to ensure that projects under MDoNER, NEC, Externally Aided Projects (EAP), and the State Plan are planned and implemented judiciously to address genuine developmental needs, bridge infrastructure gaps, and generate employment.