The Nagaland Contractors’ & Suppliers’ Union (NCSU) has strongly objected to the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-III projects through the Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) method and reiterated its demand for a “one contractor, one work” policy for the execution of 40 project works in the State.
The NCSU stated, “We even highlighted the difficulty of the State in using Reclamation machines as specified in the NIT for PMGSY-III due to topography while also submitting representation to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, with copies attached to the concerned Minister, chief secretary, and the Department on 21st July 2023.”
Despite these concerns, the Department of Roads & Bridges, Government of Nagaland, maintained that it was possible to transport and use the 25-40 tonne Reclamation machine for PMGSY-III projects. However, according to the NCSU, “The Department also clubbed the 40 projects into 16 clusters and issued the work order on 21st March 2024 despite the request on the NCSU for one contractor, one work.”
The NCSU initially accepted the Department’s assurance that the work specifications would be sincerely adhered to. However, following an emergency general meeting on 26th February 2025—attended by the head office executives, advisors, Action Committee members, and district unit officials—the union decided to inspect the progress of the 40 PMGSY-III projects being carried out under the 16 clusters using the FDR methodology. The union directed its executives and district units to conduct inspections and submit reports by 13th March 2025.
Physical verification reports indicated that, despite the work order being issued on 21st March 2024, “many of the works commenced only in December 2024 and January 2025.” Furthermore, the Department’s claim that Reclamation machines could be transported to project sites appeared to be “an eye-wash,” as there were no such machines at most sites. The NCSU reported that “except one in Rusoma village, Kohima District, there was no Reclamation machine at the project sites, and even that machine was unable to function because of the terrain area.”
The union also raised concerns over the delay in project execution, noting that the works were supposed to be completed within 18 months from the issuance of the work order.
“Due to the late commencement of the works, which was supposed to be completed within 18 months of the date of issue of work order, its completion is likely to be delayed as there is barely six months left,” the NCSU asserted.
Clarifying its stance, the NCSU stated, “We are not against any of the contractors executing the work but only want the successful implementation of the projects for the benefit of the villagers, the actual beneficiaries of PMGSY-III.”
The union has now demanded that the Department of Roads & Bridges “immediately fulfill its claim of completing the works within the set period of 18 months and also install FDR machines in all the 40 projects as assured against our objections.” Additionally, it urged the Department to adhere to “the full norms of NIT towards the successful execution of the works.”
Issuing a stern warning, the NCSU declared, “We remain firm in our demand and declare not to remain a mute spectator if the Department does not fulfill the laid criteria of NIT for the 40 PMGSY-III projects in the State of Nagaland.”