Nagaland Lok Sabha MP, Supongmeren Jamir, has announced that the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee, popularly known as the DISHA Committee, will begin holding separate meetings across all districts of the state, starting with Peren district.
He said the initiative aims to ensure effective coordination, monitoring and implementation of centrally sponsored schemes (CSS), provided by the Government of India and to prevent fund diversion and address grievances at the grassroots level.
Speaking to media persons, Supongmeren said to foster better local engagement, each district will include four nominated members from the MP’s office, along with two to three village council chairmen selected in consultation with the Deputy Commissioners (DCs), who would be involved on a rotational basis to represent local perspective. The DCs, serving as member secretaries of the Committee, will coordinate between district officials and village-level functionaries.
Supongmeren added that the DISHA Committee is empowered to hold quarterly meetings or frequent meetings, if required to review projects, interact with implementing departments and offer support in overcoming financial or logistical challenges. The Committee can also summon departments showing lapses in execution, and those found defaulting would be required to rectify issues within 30 days, with reports forwarded to the state DISHA Committee and the concerned Union Ministry.
At the district level, the MP serves as Committee Chairman, while at the state level, the Chief Minister is the state-level Chairman, the Minister for Rural Development as Co-Chairman, and the Principal Secretary (RD) acts as the state-level Member Secretary.
Raising concerns over lack of cooperation, the MP pointed out that several departments have been reluctant to share records. He clarified that the DISHA Committee’s role is not adversarial, but supportive. However, he warned that misuse of funds will be reported directly to the respective Union Ministries, while departments demonstrating good performance will receive positive recommendations.
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Citing a case from Pevima Village Council, he revealed allegations that beneficiaries under Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) were being coerced to return a portion of the transferred funds. Supongmeren urged beneficiaries to file complaints with the DCs or DISHA Committee before such deductions occur, as post-facto grievances offer little scope for corrective measures.
He also expressed concern that many departments appeared unaware or unwilling to apply for central schemes, leading to underutilization of available funds. Despite most departments handling 9–10 schemes each, many have reportedly claimed they received no funds.
He clarified that funds could not be disbursed unless departments actively applied and followed due process.
Supongmeren noted that the number of centrally sponsored schemes in Nagaland has increased from 67 a decade ago to over 100 at present.
Touching on Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) recruitment under the Postal Department, the MP said that the recruitment process, based solely on Class 10 marks, puts local aspirants at a disadvantage compared to mainland applicants who often score 90% and above.
He said that, along with the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary, he has requested the Postal Department to include local languages and dialects as a “third language” criterion for GDS recruitment. He said that this move would create more opportunities for local candidates and pave a path toward higher-level jobs in the department through internal examinations and departmental promotions.
Regarding Article 371A, Supongmeren reiterated its role in protecting Naga customs, culture, land, and resources. He clarified that no Act passed by the Parliament can be implemented in the state without approval from the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
The MP also urged the state government and citizens to use the provisions of Article 371A to facilitate development while safeguarding traditional rights. He encouraged landowners to collaborate with the government through land donations or mutual understanding, asserting that such cooperation would allow Nagas to fully enjoy the benefits of the special status granted under the Constitution.
He said that the provision has so far been viewed merely as a protective clause rather than as an opportunity to drive positive change. He stressed that both the state and its people must learn how to “use” Article 371A effectively for the betterment of the state.
Emphasizing on voter awareness and responsibility, the MP stated that the mandate given through a single vote should be treated as a powerful too, not only to elect lawmakers but also to hold them accountable throughout their tenure. He also emphasized that if the current government fails to perform, voters have the opportunity in 2028 to elect better representatives.
Supongmeren concluded by stating that the DISHA Committee will prioritize nine major Rural Development schemes, including MGNREGA and housing programs. He urged Village Development Boards (VDBs) and Village Councils to cooperate fully to ensure transparent and effective implementation.
He said all spot inspections would be documented, photographed and reviewed and any department found negligent would be required to respond within 30 days.
The overarching goal, he said, was to ensure that every rupee intended for public welfare is utilized as per guidelines and reaches the people it meant for.
