The Dimapur District Congress Committee (DCC) has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Director of Agriculture and the concerned Advisor, demanding disclosure of outstanding documents relating to the procurement and supply of agricultural machinery, seeds and other agricultural inputs by the Directorate of Agriculture, Government of Nagaland.
In a press statement on Tuesday, October 13, the Dimapur DCC alleged that the department had failed to satisfactorily furnish crucial documents despite directions issued by the First Appellate Authority through Order No. AGR/RTI-2/APPEAL/2025-26/23 dated September 2, 2026. The deadline set by the committee is October 23.
The DCC said the department had furnished several supply orders, invoices and payment records but had not adequately provided tender notices, competitive quotations, comparative statements, purchase committee proceedings, stock registers, quality inspection reports and beneficiary distribution records.
It said the incomplete disclosure raised questions about procurement transparency, supplier selection, equipment pricing and the actual distribution of materials intended for farmers.
The committee sought clarification on who selected the suppliers and the basis for their selection, questioning whether the absence of complete competitive bidding and evaluation records indicated possible favouritism. It also called for specification-matched price comparisons and independent scrutiny to establish whether agricultural machinery and inputs had been purchased at reasonable prices and whether public money had been properly spent.
The DCC further questioned whether the materials had reached the intended beneficiaries, stating that invoices and payment records alone could not establish receipt and distribution without stock verification and beneficiary acknowledgements.
It demanded disclosure of the applicable procurement rules, approvals, financial sanctions and quality certification records. It also called for a complete financial account reconciling procurement sanctions, invoices, GST records, payments and utilisation records.
The committee asked the Director of Agriculture to explain the failure to provide the outstanding information and urged the Agriculture Advisor to ensure accountability and order an independent examination of the transactions in question.
“Public funds meant for farmers cannot be shrouded in secrecy,” the DCC stated, adding that the public had the right to know who received the contracts, how much was paid, what was supplied and whether the intended beneficiaries received the materials.
The DCC demanded that all outstanding documents be furnished and the procurement-related concerns addressed within the stipulated 10 days. It also called for independent verification of procurement procedures, supplier selection, equipment prices, stock records and beneficiary distribution.
Warning of further action in the event of non-compliance, the committee said it would launch sustained peaceful democratic protests, seek lawful sealing and independent stock verification of the Agriculture Department’s storehouse in Dimapur through the competent authorities, and initiate appropriate proceedings before the State Information Commission and other competent forums.
The DCC maintained that the matter went beyond missing documents and concerned public accountability and the proper use of taxpayers’ money. It said it would pursue the issue until the outstanding information was disclosed and the questions raised were independently examined.
”The Agriculture Department cannot expect the public to accept incomplete answers when the welfare of farmers and the integrity of public expenditure are at stake. PUBLIC MONEY IS NOT PRIVATE PROPERTY. FARMERS’ WELFARE CANNOT BE A COVER FOR OPACITY. ACCOUNTABILITY IS NON-NEGOTIABLE,” the DCC maintained.
The DCC said it would pursue the matter until the outstanding information was disclosed and the procurement-related concerns were independently examined.
