Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Supongmeren Jamir visited the Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH), Medziphema, under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, and interacted with the Director and staff of the institution.
The Central Institute of Horticulture is an important Central Government institution established to promote the holistic development of horticulture in the North-Eastern Region. The institute has played an important role in farmer training, capacity building, technology demonstration and development of horticulture in the region.
During the interaction, the MP reviewed the functioning of the institute, particularly issues relating to manpower, employment, local labour, infrastructure and coordination with the surrounding community.
It was informed that the institution presently has 17 sanctioned posts, while 48 posts had initially been proposed for the institution, with only five permanent posts, including the post of Director, as stated during the interaction.
A major concern raised was the long-pending issue involving 12 employees who have been working since 2006 and whose service-related matter remains under litigation in connection with the recruitment policy and regularisation of posts.
Jamir sought clarification from the Director regarding the prolonged pendency of the matter and expressed concern that the issue has remained unresolved for such a long period.
The MP assured that he would take up the matter with the concerned Ministry and make an appeal for appropriate remedies of the issue concerning the 12 employees, subject to applicable rules and legal procedures.
Jamir also stressed the importance of employment generation and strengthening the human resources of the institution. He encouraged the Director and staff to work with greater commitment and ensure that the institution’s activities and achievements are better communicated to the people.
He observed that a Central Government institution of this importance should be strengthened in a manner that allows the people of Nagaland and the wider North-Eastern Region to fully understand and benefit from its presence.
The Government of India has previously used CIH, Medziphema, as a platform for reviewing major agricultural and horticultural programmes for the entire North-Eastern Region.
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On the issue of local labour, Jamir advised the institute to maintain close and constructive coordination with the village community and local youth. He stated that local people who are employed at the institution should be treated with dignity and that any difficulties faced by workers should be addressed through dialogue and, where necessary, with the assistance of the local administration.
He further encouraged the institution to work closely with the villagers and emphasised that mutual cooperation, trust and respect between the institution and the local community are essential for its smooth functioning and long-term development.
Jamir also advised the Director and staff to demonstrate greater enthusiasm and dedication in their work and to ensure that the public is made aware of the opportunities, services and benefits available through the Central Institute of Horticulture.
The issue of encroachment around the institution was also brought to the attention of the MP. He stressed the importance of addressing such concerns through proper coordination with the administration and the local community.
Jamir reiterated that the Central Institute of Horticulture is an important national institution located in Nagaland and should become a stronger centre for horticultural research, farmer training, skill development, employment generation and technological advancement for Nagaland and the entire North-Eastern Region.
He called upon the institute, local community and administration to work together constructively, saying that development is best achieved when institutions and communities cooperate with mutual respect and a shared vision for a better future.
The MP assured that matters requiring intervention at the Central Government level would be taken up with the concerned Ministry and authorities.
