The District Planning & Development Board (DPDB), Zunheboto held its monthly meeting on September 16, 2026, at DC’s Conference Hall, Zunheboto, with Advisor for Food & Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection and DPDB Chairman, Zunheboto, K. Tokugha Sukhalu, chairing the meeting.
The meeting began with a welcome address by the Deputy Commissioner, Dharam Raj, IAS, who welcomed the new members and referred to the deliberations of the previous DPDB meeting.
A major issue discussed during the meeting was the auditorium of Government Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto. It was informed that the town hall, Zunheboto which had earlier been used as an auditorium, originally belonged to the Government Higher Secondary School but is presently under the Zunheboto Town Council (ZTC).
In this regard, Sukhalu directed that the auditorium be handed back to the Government Higher Secondary School. The shortage of graduate teachers in the school was also highlighted during the discussion.
Addressing the members, the Chairman emphasised that government schemes and programmes should reach villages and benefit the people at the grassroots level. He stressed that people should not suffer due to the shortage or absence of government officers and stated that the young population of Zunheboto must be able to benefit from the opportunities and facilities provided by the government.
He also observed that criticism is an integral part of democracy and spoke about the State Government’s efforts to secure support from the Centre for the development of the State. Concerns regarding instances of government employees allegedly receiving double salaries were also raised. It was informed that Special Investigation Teams (SITs) at the state level have been constituted and that further measures are expected in the matter.
The DPDB Chairman also appreciated the leadership of Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio in taking the State forward. He underlined that educating and empowering the people of the district should remain a key objective so that they can realise their full potential.
Sukhalu expressed serious concern over the large-scale absence of Heads of Offices (HoOs) from the district and stressed the need for greater administrative presence and accountability in the district.
On pension related matters, DC Zunheboto, Dharam Raj stated that he would not sign pension documents unless the concerned individual appeared in person, adding that substitutes would not be accepted. He also stated that the decision had attracted criticism on social media but maintained that the facts would eventually come to light.
DC also highlighted a positive development under the “Aspirational Blocks for Performance” initiative, stating that ₹1.5 crore had been sanctioned by NITI Aayog for Akuhaito Block in recognition of its performance.
A presentation on the relevant legal framework and associated Acts and Rules was also delivered by Assistant Controller, Khevishe Z. Zhimomi.
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on effective implementation of government schemes, strengthening educational infrastructure and human resources, improving administrative accountability, and ensuring that development benefits reach the people across Zunheboto district.
(DPRO & IA Zunheboto)
