DIMAPUR, Oct 18 - The Nagaland government has constituted a three-member inquiry committee to probe the alleged misappropriation of funds during implementation of the North East Quality Improvement Programme (NEQIP) at Khelhoshe Polytechnic, Atoizu, in Zunheboto district.
The government set up the committee after receiving a representation from the All Nagaland College Students� Union (ANCSU) demanding formation of a committee to investigate utilisation of NEQIP funds in the polytechnic. The committee has been asked to submit its report within three months.
Chief Secretary J Alam, in a notification, said the matter has been considered by the State government and it has been decided that a three-member inquiry committee will be constituted. The committee will be headed by Commissioner and Secretary, Water Resources Department, Kenilo Apon.
The other two members of the committee are Zunheboto Deputy Commissioner Peter Lichimo and Audit Officer, Treasuries 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 instalments between 2013-14 and 2015-16. The amount was directly transferred to the beneficiary institute, the notification said.
On October 14, ANCSU launched an indefinite �digital protest� against the failure of the government to set up a panel to probe the matter. However, the union called off its agitation after the government announced setting up of the probe committee.
ANCSU acknowledged the State government�s action. However, it cautioned that failure to conduct an impartial enquiry within the stipulated time would compel it to resort to intensive democratic protest. The union claimed that it had sent 10 lakh emails to 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 also made to the offices of the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary, and other government officials.
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.
