Contractors union in Nagaland unanimously passes 10-point resolutions for statewide reform

Kohima, 7 May (MTNews): In a significant move towards advocating for reform in Nagaland’s construction and supply sectors, the Nagaland Contractors & Suppliers’ Union (NCSU) has unanimously passed a set of 10 resolutions during its general meeting. The meeting was held on 7 May at Kohima Village VDB Hall.

During the meeting, NCSU General Secretary John Kath presented the secretarial report and introduced the 10-point resolutions, which were met with unanimous approval from the members.

· The NCSU demanded for the total implementation of a yearly works program in all the government departments of the State.

· The Union demanded implementation of Open Tender for any NIT while works should be allotted to NCSU Card holders as per the standing government order.

· It resolved to conduct yearly evaluations of all government departments in Nagaland to ensure the total implementation of government standing orders, which dictate that all contract and supply works should be awarded only to NCSU card holders.

· The Union strongly objected to the awarding of work orders below the Schedule of Rate (SOR), which directly compromises the quality of workmanship.

· The Union opposed the cluster tender system and urged the state government to implement a ‘one project one firm’ system during multiple NITs. The Union pledged to fight until justice is delivered by the state government.

· The Union resolved to advocate for the settlement of pending bills for works completed by its bonafide members, addressing liabilities created by successive state governments since May 2006. All NCSU bonafide members with pending bills have been urged to collect the necessary format from the NCSU Head Office and submit completed formats by October 31, 2024.

· The NCSU Head Office team will embark on tours to visit all district units shortly. Therefore, all NCSU District Units have been instructed to maintain at least one room district office in their respective districts, complete with proper signboard and flags.

· The Union proposed the reconstruction of its Head Office building to a G-5 storey structure in anticipation of the forthcoming Golden Jubilee. All bonafide members of NCSU have been encouraged to join hands and contribute collectively to the construction of this historic building.

· The Union resolved that all NCSU bonafide members shall update their membership renewal.

· Finally, the NCSU general meeting strongly advocated for the exemption of its bonafide members from unwarranted taxation by any Naga national group, ministers/advisors in the state government, or Party Fund, except for general taxes such as GST and Cess, in order to maintain the quality of work for overall development in the State.

NCSU president express concern over unregistered contractors
Delivering the presidential address, NCSU President Pele Khezie affirmed that NCSU will continue to work together with the government for all-round developmental work, as the Union has many Class-I contractors as members. However, he remarked that many government employees and officers are carrying out contract works bypassing the laid-down norms, which restrict a government employee from engaging in contract work.

In this context, he lamented that such unregistered contractors fail to provide quality work, and NCSU members are blamed for poor-quality work. He expressed confidence that the RTI Cell and Quality Control Cell of NCSU would check on such activities. He also stated that NCSU would demand that pre-bid meetings of all contractors be attended by all interested contractors.

Expressing that Nagaland is also receiving multi-thousand crore projects, he said all such projects are being taken by contractors from outside the state. He therefore called upon local contractors to join hands and work together to achieve such major contracts. Khezie asserted that the NCSU Head Office Kohima would continue to work for the general welfare of its bona fide members.

The president appreciated the setting up of the NCSU units in all the districts, including the newly created districts. He appealed to the units to function actively. He said that while Nagaland has several NGOs and civil societies, NCSU is one body that has the strength of people from all the Naga tribes working together as a family. “We hope to continue strongly together and also maintain unity,” he said.

The meeting was chaired by NCSU Vice President KL Setuo Rutsa, while Catechist Christ The King Church, Ruokuovituo Rutsa, pronounced the invocation. NCSU Vice President Hoshito Assumi delivered the welcome address, followed by a special performance by Rüsokhrie. NCSU Vice President N Neilo Koza said the vote of thanks.

Representatives and leaders of NCSU district units from Tseminyu, Tuensang, Zunheboto, Dimapur, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, Chumoukedima, Shamatore, Mokokchung, Peren, Longleng, and Niuland shared their views and concerns while also asserting that they stand together with the head office for the general welfare of the NCSU bona fide members across the state.