The foundation stone for a new deputy commissioner’s office complex in Dimapur was laid on Thursday, nearly five decades after the existing office was inaugurated in 1974.
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DIMAPUR — The foundation stone for a new deputy commissioner’s office complex in Dimapur was laid on Thursday, nearly five decades after the existing office was inaugurated in 1974, marking a long-pending administrative infrastructure upgrade in the state’s commercial hub.
Advisor for CAWD and Taxes, Kudecho Khamo, laid the foundation stone at the DC office premises.
Addressing the programme, Khamo said the project reflects the government’s continued focus on Dimapur under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, and expressed satisfaction that work is expected to begin within the month.
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He said the government maintains over 1,400 buildings and stressed the need for greater public responsibility in their upkeep. Observing that Dimapur has evolved into the state’s commercial centre, he said the district remains a key driver of Nagaland’s economy.
Khamo described Dimapur as a “mini India” and the gateway to Nagaland, urging citizens to be mindful of its significance.
Referring to revenue, Khamo said Nagaland recorded the highest percentage growth in tax collection in the country as of December last year, and expressed hope that the state would continue to perform well. He added that while Nagas are adept at spending, greater focus is needed on revenue mobilisation, and maintained that lifting the NLTP Act alone would not guarantee increased income.
He also acknowledged issues such as drugs, alcoholism, black marketing and civic challenges, and called for collective efforts to address them.
Advisor for Labour and Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer, said the project signals preparation for Dimapur’s next phase of growth. He said the new complex should reflect efficiency, accountability and empathy, and urged timely completion of the project while maintaining quality standards.
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Advisor for Industries and Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, said the project reflects the chief minister’s vision for strengthening district administration in Dimapur. She said that the date of the foundation laying marks 50 years since the establishment of the ADC headquarters in 1974.
Jakhalu also raised concerns over the state’s financial position, stating that the 16th Finance Commission’s recommendation to discontinue revenue deficit grants could impact Nagaland. She said the issue has been taken up with the Union government, but no final decision has been made.
She pointed out that the state lacks strong internal revenue sources and remains dependent on central support, unlike other states that benefit from sectors such as liquor taxation and natural resource extraction. She also highlighted sanitation concerns ahead of the monsoon and called for public cooperation in waste management and disease prevention.
Presenting the technical report, Assistant Chief Engineer of CAWD, Sungtiba Amer, said the project has been designed at an estimated cost of INR 14,96,68,000, with a construction period of 24 months from November 7.
He informed that dismantling of the existing DC office is expected to take three to six months, after which construction will commence.
The proposed G+2 RCC building will have a plinth area of 29,909 sq ft. The ground floor will house public service offices, the first floor will accommodate district administration offices, and the second floor will include CAWD offices, a conference hall and NIC facilities. The building will also include toilets on each floor, a ramp for persons with disabilities and a lift.