Taking exception to the Minister for PWD Road & Bridges G Kaito’s recent claim in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly that the Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee has urged the minister to retract his statement
DIMAPUR — Taking
exception to the Minister for PWD Road & Bridges G Kaito’s recent claim in
the Nagaland Legislative Assembly that the Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination
Committee (NFHRCC) had requested contract work allotments, the committee has
urged the minister to retract his statement.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the NFHRCC termed
Kaito’s claim as distorted, blatant lies, inappropriate, and disproportionately
misleading.
In contrast, it stated that the NPWD (R&B) had requested
the NFHRCC to recommend four contract works to a reputed and qualified
construction firm.
Accordingly, a subcommittee of the NFHRCC had identified and
forwarded the same to the department, along with the endorsement letter on
October 28, 2024, it stated.
The committee stated that prior to the selection of
contractors, as late as May 8, 2024, it had submitted a 7-point memorandum to
the department pertaining to the allocation of contract works, which was also
published in the daily newspapers on May 9, 2024.
The points made in said memorandum were: extraordinary
precaution to be adopted on the criteria of selection of qualified registered
contractors; to accommodate, promote, and give leverage to the credentials of
the young upcoming local Naga contractors, distribution of length of worksbe considered on the basis of 10 to 15 km
only to each qualified contractors; no qualified contractor shall be allotted
works in more than one site; no contractor shall be allocated works applied
below the prescribed SOR or at the most up to 5 % only; a tripartite agreement
to be signed consisting of the department, the contractors and the NFHRCC to
maintain smooth and timely execution of the allocated works; strict adherence
to the approved CE Testing Co. Ltd. alignments in every division’and equal and fair distribution of funds
based on actual technical DPR in each division.
“Therefore, in the larger interest of the public in general,
the Minister for PWD, Road & Bridges, Government of Nagaland, is strongly
urged upon to retract his Assembly speech either through print or visual
media,” it stated.
Meanwhile, the Sumi Hoho issued a press release on Wednesday
seeking clarification from the NFHRCC “regarding allegations that the committee
has sought work allotment” in the construction of the Foothill Road.
“Public discourse, following the 14th Nagaland Legislative
Assembly proceedings as reported in print and social media, has brought to
light that the NFHRCC sought contractual work and that certain works were
allegedly assigned to the committee through registered contractors since it did
not meet the requisite criteria for direct allotment. This is concerning
because the NFHRCC was not formed to undertake construction but to facilitate
and ensure the project's timely completion with transparency and quality,” it
stated.
While acknowledging the pivotal role played by NFHRCC in
advocating for the road project, it asserted that any deviation from the
committee’s original mandate necessitates clarification to uphold public
confidence.
“Therefore, the Sümi Hoho urges the NFHRCC to provide a
transparent response to address these concerns. Additionally, the Sümi Hoho
strongly objects to the personal attack made by the NFHRCC against PWD
(R&B) Minister G Kaito Aye in statements published on February 28, 2025.
“As a seven-term legislator and one of the most senior
leaders, Minister Aye’s contributions should be met with due respect. The
language used by the NFHRCC has not only disrespected the minister but has also
hurt the sentiments of his community—an issue the Sümi Hoho cannot ignore,” it
maintained.
The Sümi Hoho has formally communicated with the NFHRCC
convenor, urging the committee to issue an apology or take appropriate
corrective measures, it stated.
“However, the committee has remained silent on the matter.
While the Sümi Hoho continues to support the broader objectives of the NFHRCC,
it firmly asserts that personal attacks questioning the minister’s experience
and competence are unacceptable. The Sümi Hoho expects a responsible and timely
response from the committee,” it added.
