Why people stay silent about known corruption
An analysis of five years’ worth of official LADP implementation records by Mokokchung Times has uncovered glaring inconsistencies in project reporting across multiple wards and colonies in Mokokchung. From duplicated entries to inflated fund allocations, the findings raise serious concerns about systemic misuse of the Local Area Development Programme (LADP).
While official government records claim that projects worth up to Rs 10 lakh were implemented in some wards, party workers on the ground disclosed that no more than Rs 3 lakh ever reached their colonies.
“For our ward, the most we got was Rs 3 lakh, and that too was the highest we’ve ever received since I started working. But yes, with that amount, we did what we could,” a party worker told Mokokchung Times on condition of anonymity.
The claim starkly contradicts government documents, which list Rs 10 lakh allocated to the same ward during that period.
The MT’s review found multiple instances where the same beneficiary’s name and project type appeared in different financial years, suggesting that names and works were recycled to pad utilization reports. In some cases, identical footpath or stair construction projects were recorded in both FY 2023–24 and FY 2024–25, with different amounts, but identical descriptions.
Many entries used vague, non-verifiable terms like “road repair” or “construction of retaining wall” without any location details. In some wards, reports from the pandemic period (FY 2020–21) included “construction of quarantine centres,” which residents say “they don’t remember building a quarantine centre”.
“Everyone knows LADP is being misused, but it’s accepted corruption,” said a senior resident of Mokokchung. “It’s the only time some party workers get to see money in a year. Nobody dares to speak because everyone gets a small share — or hopes to.”
While minor repair works are occasionally carried out, they don’t reflect the scale of funds officially shown as ‘utilised’.
Despite recurring evidence of inflated costs, duplicated projects, and invisible outcomes, there has been no formal inquiry into LADP utilisation at any level.
“Even the people have accepted this as normal,” said another party worker, candidly.
The Local Area Development Programme (LADP) is a Nagaland state-funded scheme that allows MLAs to recommend and fund development projects in their constituencies. Intended to improve local infrastructure and services, typical LADP works include: Road construction and footpaths, Retaining walls and culverts,Waiting sheds, water supply systems and Electrification, school repairs, and community halls.
As per the Nagaland State Budget 2024–25, the annual LADP allocation per constituency was increased to Rs 2 crore (Rs 200 lakh), up from Rs 1 crore in previous years. Across 60 constituencies, the total outlay under LADP is now Rs 120 crore annually.
The scheme is implemented by the Planning & Coordination Department through district-level planning boards. However, LADP records are rarely subjected to public or third-party audits, making accountability nearly impossible.
LADP has long been viewed as a patronage tool, with funds often distributed through local party networks. While some party workers admit receiving limited funds, there’s wide consensus that most of the money does not translate into actual development.
Despite mounting irregularities and growing public skepticism, there is no institutional mechanism for verifying the claims listed in LADP reports.
Unless serious scrutiny is initiated, LADP risks becoming not a development tool but a symbol of accepted corruption — a whispered truth no one dares challenge.
