Dimapur, October 13: The Dimapur District Congress Committee (DCC) has issued a 10 day ultimatum to the Director of Agriculture, demanding the disclosure of outstanding procurement documents related to agricultural machinery, seeds and other agricultural inputs.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the DCC alleged that the Directorate of Agriculture had failed to provide complete information despite directions from the First Appellate Authority.
The committee said that while the department had furnished several supply orders, invoices and payment records, key documents, including tender notices, competitive quotations, comparative statements, purchase committee proceedings, stock registers, quality inspection reports and beneficiary distribution records, remained outstanding.
It also called on the Director of Agriculture to explain the failure to provide the outstanding information and urged the Agriculture Advisor to ensure accountability and order an independent examination of the transactions in question.
The DCC has set October 23 as the deadline for furnishing the documents and addressing the procurement related concerns. It has further demanded independent verification of procurement procedures, supplier selection, equipment prices, stock records and beneficiary distribution.
Warning of further action in the event of non compliance, the committee said it would launch sustained peaceful democratic protests, seek lawful sealing and independent stock verification of the Agriculture Department’s storehouse in Dimapur through the competent authorities, and initiate appropriate proceedings before the State Information Commission and other competent forums.
The DCC said the issue concerned public accountability and the proper utilisation of taxpayers’ money, particularly funds intended for farmers, and maintained that the matter would be pursued until the outstanding information was disclosed and the concerns independently examined.
