Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC), Nagaland, Y Kikheto Sema, IAS inspected the ongoing construction site of the new Directorate of Agriculture at New Capital Complex, Kohima on 23 September.

He was accompanied by the Director of Agriculture, other senior officers and the Superintendent Engineer (SE) of the Department.

The APC expressed his concern on the slow pace of work being carried out for the new directorate building. The construction work began around 2012-13.

He disapproved of the construction work remaining in what was nearly a static form for several years despite the payment having been cleared, amounting to Rs 15.39 cr.

The commissioner told the Director and the Engineer to convey a message of urgency to the Contractor: there should no further delays since payment has been made in almost full amount. The work should be completed and the move to the new building done by January 2023.

The APC also stated that for nearly the past 17 years, the State has spent a large amount of money for construction of about 40 directorate buildings, mostly under Negotiated Loan of HUDCO.

Delays in completion of work beyond the stipulated period have huge financial implications on the State as the State has to repay the loan with high rate of interest, he said.