Marking a major step towards modernizing district administration, the foundation stone for the new Deputy Commissioner’s Office Complex was laid in Dimapur on Thursday, with senior officials, advisors, and civil society representatives underscoring its significance in strengthening governance and public service delivery.
The event, held at the existing DC office premises, signals the beginning of a long-awaited infrastructure upgrade aimed at transforming administrative efficiency in Nagaland’s commercial hub.
Advisor for CAWD & Taxes, Kudecho Khamo, attending as special guest, conveyed greetings on behalf of Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio and other dignitaries. He described the project as the fulfilment of a long-cherished aspiration, reflecting the State Government’s commitment to strengthening grassroots governance.
Highlighting ongoing efforts to improve administrative infrastructure across Nagaland, Khamo said the construction of modern DC complexes, ADC offices, and staff quarters demonstrates a broader push towards efficient governance. He stressed that while the government builds infrastructure, citizens and civil society must play an active role in safeguarding and maintaining these public assets.
He called upon civil society organizations and citizens to actively participate in the development process and work together for the welfare of the state.
Referring to Dimapur as a “mini-India” and the gateway to the state, he called for unity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among its diverse communities. He urged citizens to balance constructive criticism with active participation in development.
Calling for harmony and peaceful coexistence, he appealed to the people to uphold the values of honesty, hospitality, and simplicity while preserving their identity, culture, and faith. He concluded by urging everyone to work together for a peaceful and progressive society, stating that collective effort is the key to achieving lasting development and happiness.
Advisor for Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, highlighted the symbolic importance of the occasion, noting that April 2 marks 50 years since the upgradation of the NDC headquarters in 1976. She described the project as closely aligned with the Chief Minister’s vision of strengthening district administration.
Calling Dimapur the “heartbeat of Nagaland,” Jakhalu emphasized that while the government provides the enabling environment, sustained development depends on active participation from citizens and the business community.
Jakhalu further stressed that the new building belongs to the people and called for collective responsibility to ensure its timely completion. She urged departments, contractors, and citizens to work together in making the project a model for other districts in the state.
Reiterating the Chief Minister’s principle that “rights and duties must go hand in hand,” she called upon citizens to reflect on their responsibilities before demanding their rights and urged the people of Dimapur to remain committed to their duties and extend full support to the district administration in making the district one of the best-performing district in the state.
Advisor for Labour & Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer, termed the project a long-overdue development, expressing gratitude to the State Government for sanctioning it after over five decades.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the people of Dimapur to Dr Neiphiu Rio for granting the project, and also acknowledged the Department of CAWD, along with the Advisor, Commissioner and Additional Chief Engineer, for their efforts.
Describing the project as more than just a new building, Moatoshi said the complex is expected to reflect efficiency, accountability and empathy in public service, while improving governance through better infrastructure, technology and accessibility.
Longkumer cautioned contractors and engineers against delays and cost escalation, noting that any disruption, including the temporary relocation of offices to Purana Bazar, would directly impact the public.
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In his welcome address, Commissioner of Nagaland, Gregory Thejawalie, described the upcoming complex as the future nerve centre of governance in Dimapur, reflecting the district’s rapid growth and modernization.
Tracing the history of the district administration, he recalled its evolution from a subdivision under Kohima to a full-fledged district established in 1997. The first dedicated office building was inaugurated in 1974 by the then Chief Minister of Nagaland, Late Vizol.
He noted that April 2 marks nearly 50 years since the first building was constructed, making the day significant as the foundation stone for its reconstruction was also laid on the same date.
He further highlighted that Dimapur was officially upgraded as the eighth district of Nagaland on December 2, 1997, formally establishing the office of the Deputy Commissioner as the head of the district administration. Describing the new complex as more than just a building, he said it would provide modern, efficient, transparent, and accessible services to citizens, while symbolising the district’s collective aspirations and progress.
Synopsis of New DC’s office complex Dimapur was presented by Asst. Chief Engineer (CAWD), Office of the Commissioner, Kohima, Er. Sungtiba Amer, where he highlighted that the project involves the construction of a modern G+2 office complex along with essential supporting infrastructure, including water supply and sanitation facilities, sentry and exit gates, compound fencing, approach road, compound flooring, flag hoist stage, walking pavement with concrete pavers, canteen, barrack, and two gazebo units.
He informed that the work has been awarded to M/s C.K Enterprise at a total cost of Rs 14,96,68,000. The complex has been designed and estimated by the Chief Architect, PWD (Planning & Design), while the Assistant Chief Engineer, CAWD would serve as the executing agency. The work order period has been fixed at 24 months with effect from November 7, 2025.
However, he stated that the dismantling of the existing old DC office building is expected to take three to six months, and actual construction would commence only after the dismantling process is completed. As a result, the completion timeline may extend beyond the stipulated period.
The proposed office complex would have a total plinth area of 29,909 square feet and is expected to provide a modern, well-equipped office space for the district administration upon completion.
As per the floor plan, the ground floor would house the Aadhar Cell, ILP Cell, Post Office, ATM, Judicial Branch, Revenue Branch, DLRSO, DDMA, DHEW, Planning Department, and a Meeting Hall, ensuring easy public access to essential services.
The first floor would accommodate the Deputy Commissioner’s room with a mini conference hall, ADC room, EAC room, General Establishment section, and the Account Branch.
The second floor has been designated for CAWD, an additional EAC room, Conference Room, Election Branch, and the NIC office along with a dedicated Video Conference Room, aimed at facilitating digital governance and official meetings.
To ensure convenience and accessibility, separate toilets for both gents and ladies have been provided on all floors. The building will also feature modern amenities such as a lift and ramp from the ground floor, making it accessible to all visitors, including persons with disabilities.
The planned infrastructure reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing administrative efficiency and delivering improved public services to the people of Dimapur.
The programme also included a speech on behalf of civil society organisations by the President, Naga Council Dimapur, GK Rengma, and vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, NCS, Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur.
