From Bhadra Gogoi
Dimapur: The Nagaland government has constituted a three-member enquiry committee to probe into the alleged fund utilisation in implementation of the North East Quality Improvement Programme (NEQIP) scheme at Khelhoshe Polytechnic, Atoizu, in Zunheboto district.
The government set up the committee following a representation of the All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) to it demanding setting up of an enquiry committee to inquire into the NEQIP fund utilisation in the polytechnic. The committee has been asked to submit its report within three months with effect from October 17.
In a notification, chief secretary J Alam said the matter has been considered by the state government and it has been decided to constitute three-member enquiry committee headed by commissioner and secretary, water resources department, Kenilo Apon. The two other members of the committee are Zunheboto deputy commissioner Peter Lichimo and audit officer, treasures and accounts, Lhoubeizoto. The scheme was funded by the All India Council for Technical Education, New Delhi, for strengthening institutions in terms of infrastructure, faculty competence and quality of teaching, research and consultancy, improve learning outcomes and employability of students.
An amount of Rs 3,71,60,000 was received by Khelhoshe Polytechnic in installments during 2013-14 to 2015-16. The amount was directly transferred to the beneficiary Institute, the notification said.
The ANCSU launched an indefinite digital protest on October 14 in protest against the failure of the government to set up a panel to probe the fund utilisation at the institute. However, the union called off its agitation after the government announced setting up of the probe committee.
The ANCSU acknowledged the state government’s action. However, it cautioned that failure to conclude an impartial enquiry report within the stipulated time would compel it to resort to any intensive democratic protest.
The union claimed that it had sent 10 lakh mails to the email accounts of top state government officials on the third day of its digital protest on October 16.
ANCSU general secretary Imnameren N Jamir and information and public relations secretary Aochuba P Jamir said besides sending emails, multiple phone calls were made to the chief minister and chief secretary’s office and other government offices.
The union accused the state government of deliberately ignoring the voice of the student community. It also asked its units to be prepared for any call to express their resentment against the government.
