KHONSA : Emphasising that development should be measured by tangible improvements in people’s lives rather than the completion of projects alone, Tirap Deputy Commissioner (DC) Badonlum Tawsik on Thursday called on implementing departments to strengthen coordination, uphold quality standards and focus on measurable outcomes while executing government schemes across the district.
Chairing the District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) meeting for July at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Tawsik reviewed the progress of Centrally and State-sponsored schemes implemented in the district up to June 30.
Earlier, District Planning Officer L.R. Roy outlined the objectives of the DLMC and presented an overview of projects being implemented under various schemes, including the State Infrastructure Development Fund (SIDF), Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SADA), North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS), North Eastern Council (NEC), Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Border Area Development Programme (BADP), National Health Mission (NHM), Samagra Shiksha and other Centrally Sponsored Schemes monitored through the e-Pragati Saturation Tracker.
Addressing the meeting, Tawsik said the DLMC had been constituted to ensure effective monitoring of developmental works and timely submission of progress reports. He stressed that future review meetings should move beyond routine reporting and instead focus on the status of ongoing and newly sanctioned projects, their impact on the ground and issues requiring policy or administrative intervention.
“Development should not only be visible on paper but should also be visible in the lives of the people,” he said, urging departments to execute every project with accountability, transparency and strict adherence to quality standards.
To improve inter-departmental coordination, he directed the Agriculture and allied departments to make a joint presentation at the next DLMC meeting, reflecting an integrated approach to rural development and livelihood generation.
The DC also instructed that Circle Level Monitoring Committee (CLMC) meetings be held before every DLMC meeting so that issues could be resolved at the circle level before reaching the district forum, making the review process more effective and solution-oriented.
During the review, Public Works Department Executive Engineer Taro Jeram briefed the committee on major infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Additional Deputy Commissioner’s Office at Deomali, the library building at Wangcha Rajkumar Government College, Deomali, and a bridge near Khonsa Club Colony on the Old Khonsa-Longding Road.
Rural Works Department Executive Engineer Walat Hondiq presented the progress of road connectivity projects under PMGSY and other developmental works, including the San Paa Kong View Point at Kheti village.
Urban Development and Housing Executive Engineer Lienwang Hosai reviewed the status of ongoing urban infrastructure projects under various schemes.
Assistant Engineer (Power) Kipa Kame informed the meeting that the breakdown of a transformer near the Superintendent of Police’s Office had resulted in temporary load shedding in some areas. He said nearby villages were currently receiving electricity from hydel projects as an interim arrangement and stressed the need for coordinated efforts to address recurring power disruptions in the district.
The Agriculture and allied departments also highlighted achievements under various Central and State schemes while pointing to challenges such as manpower shortages and limited public participation in rural extension programmes.
Speaking during the meeting, Tirap Zilla Parishad Chairperson John KK Matey urged departments to ensure transparent and effective implementation of government schemes. He also stressed the need to keep Panchayati Raj Institution representatives informed about ongoing developmental works to facilitate effective monitoring at the grassroots.
Concluding the meeting, Tawsik appreciated the efforts of all departments and called upon implementing agencies to improve both physical and financial progress before the next review. He reaffirmed the district administration’s commitment to ensuring timely, transparent and people-centric development across Tirap. (DIPR)
