A high-level review meeting of projects funded under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and the North Eastern Council (NEC) was held on July 24 at the Chief Secretary’s Conference Hall, with Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang chairing the session.
The meeting focused on the alarming number of incomplete and delayed projects—some dating back to 2003—implemented under NESIDS (OTRI), NESIDS (Roads), NEC, and the erstwhile NLCPR schemes.
Zeliang, while welcoming the departmental heads and officials, stressed that “serious attention” must be paid to the long-pending projects, many of which have remained stalled for over a decade. He underlined the urgency of completing them within the current financial year, which marks the end of the 15th Finance Commission period.
He warned that “any unutilized funds could impact the funding pattern under the 16th Finance Commission,” potentially hampering the state’s allocation in the next fiscal year.
In total, 26 distressed projects were reviewed, including 16 under NESIDS (OTRI), spanning departments such as Law & Justice, Youth Resources & Sports, Industry & Commerce, PHED, PWD (R&B), School Education, and Health & Family Welfare. Five incomplete projects under NESIDS (Roads) and NEC were also discussed.
The Deputy CM pointed out that in several cases, funds had been released but the projects remained incomplete. “The Ministry of DoNER has categorically stated that the State Government must either complete the project or foreclose it with full refund,” he said.
Departments that committed to revised timelines were told to adhere strictly to them and communicate definitive completion dates to the Ministry. Zeliang also directed the Planning Department, as the nodal liaison with DoNER, to ensure timely and factual data submissions to minimize delays in correspondence and clearances.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to expedite the completion of these critical development projects, seen as key to enhancing infrastructure and services across Nagaland.