Lok Sabha MP S. Supongmeren Jamir emphasized the need for departments to present achievements against set targets and explain challenges faced in implementation during the DISHA meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Kohima on June 25. The purpose of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting was not only to review progress but also to identify bottlenecks and facilitate necessary interventions at the district, state, and central levels.
The meeting was attended by DC Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, NCS, and ex MLA and DISHA member, Medokul Sophie, as per a DIPR report. Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, represented by Deputy Director Dr. Gwathonlo Tsela, presented its activities and schemes, including livestock census data, promotion of mithun farming, livestock insurance, and entrepreneurship programmes. Supongmeren stressed the importance of accurate documentation of livestock resources for future planning and funding support.
Agriculture Department, represented by SDAO Kohima Viketuno, highlighted ongoing schemes and crop development programmes. Supongmeren urged departments to maintain records on production output, income generation, and market linkages. Referring to the revival of millet cultivation, the SDAO informed that farmers harvested over 4,000 kg of millet during the Millet Festival in Kohima, generating an estimated income of Rs. 13–14 lakh. Medokul called for comparative studies on agricultural investments and productivity, expressing concern over declining agricultural activity in some rural areas despite increased government spending.
The Department of Urban Development presented progress under various schemes, including support to street vendors through PM SVANidhi. Officials informed that 1,115 loan applications had been sanctioned and disbursed. While appreciating the efforts, Supongmeren emphasized balancing vendor support with urban management and beautification, urging close coordination with Kohima Municipal Council and district administration.
Assistant Labour Commissioner Neimenuo presented welfare schemes and registration statistics under labour programmes. Supongmeren commended the department’s outreach, while Medokul suggested maintaining separate data on local and non-local beneficiaries for better policy planning. Executive Engineer Er. Wabang of the R&B Department presented updates on the NESIDS funded road project from Khonoma to Dzüdza village. Supongmeren reviewed progress and sought updates on completion timelines, road maintenance, landslide restoration, and other infrastructure works.
The meeting also discussed timely fund releases, project implementation challenges, employment opportunities, creation of a single window job advertisement system, and improved monitoring mechanisms. Supongmeren urged departments to focus on measurable outcomes and ensure government schemes translate into tangible benefits for the people. Departments of Roads & Bridges, National Highways, Power, and Water Resources were tasked with giving presentations at the next DISHA meeting. ADC Kohima, Ruopfüküotuo Noudi, delivered the vote of thanks. District office heads, officials, village leaders, and committee members attended the meeting.
