Alleging gaps in Agri Dept’s disclosures, Dimapur DCC seeks independent probe

Dimapur, October 13 (MExN): Dimapur, October 13 (MExN): The Dimapur District Congress Committee (DCC) has alleged that the Directorate of Agriculture, Government of Nagaland, failed to provide several key documents relating to the procurement and supply of agricultural machinery, seeds and other inputs, despite an order issued by the First Appellate Authority under the Right to Information (RTI) Act on September 2, 2026.In a statement, the DCC said the department’s alleged failure to make complete disclosures raised questions about procurement transparency, supplier selection, equipment pricing and the distribution of materials intended for farmers.The committee said that while the department had furnished some supply orders, invoices and payment records, several documents remained outstanding. These included tender notices, competitive quotations, comparative statements, purchase committee proceedings, stock registers, quality inspection reports and beneficiary distribution records.The DCC questioned how suppliers were selected and whether the procurement process ensured fair competition. It also sought price comparisons to establish whether the machinery and agricultural inputs were purchased at reasonable rates and represented value for public money.The committee further maintained that invoices and payment records alone could not establish whether the materials had reached the intended beneficiaries, calling for stock verification and beneficiary acknowledgements. It also sought disclosure of applicable procurement rules, approvals, financial sanctions, quality certifications and records reconciling procurement expenditure.The DCC called on the Director of Agriculture to explain why the outstanding information had not been furnished and urged the Agriculture Advisor to ensure accountability and order an independent examination of the transactions in question.The committee has given the Director of Agriculture and the concerned Advisor 10 days, until October 23, to ensure that the pending documents are disclosed and the procurement-related concerns addressed. It also demanded independent verification of procurement procedures, supplier selection, equipment prices, stock records and beneficiary distribution.The DCC cautioned of peaceful protests, lawful action for storehouse sealing and stock verification, and proceedings before the State Information Commission and other competent forums if the department fails to comply.“This is not merely a question of missing documents; it is a question of public accountability and the proper use of taxpayers’ money,” the committee stated, adding that it would pursue the matter until the outstanding information was disclosed and the concerns independently examined.