Lok Sabha MP Supongmeren Jamir visited the Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH), Medziphema on Thursday August 20, and interacted with the Director and staff of the institution. He reviewed issues related to manpower, employment, infrastructure, local labour and coordination with the surrounding community.

The CIH, functioning under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, is an important institution for promoting horticulture in Nagaland and the wider North-Eastern Region. It provides farmer training, capacity building, technology demonstrations and other horticulture-related services.

During the interaction, it was informed that the institute currently has 17 sanctioned posts, while 48 posts had initially been proposed. Of these, only five are permanent posts, including the post of Director.

A major issue discussed was the long-pending service matter of 12 employees who have been working at the institution since 2006. Their matter is under litigation in connection with recruitment policy and regularisation of posts.

Jamir sought clarification on the prolonged pendency of the issue and expressed concern over the employees having waited for such a long period. He assured that he would take up the matter with the concerned Ministry and appeal for an appropriate remedy, subject to applicable rules and legal procedures.

The MP also stressed the need to strengthen the human resources of the institution and create more employment opportunities. He urged the Director and staff to work with greater commitment and ensure that the activities, services and opportunities available at CIH are better communicated to the public.

On the issue of local labour, Jamir called for better coordination between the institute and the village community. He said local workers should be treated with dignity and that difficulties faced by them should be addressed through dialogue, with the assistance of the local administration when required.

He also emphasised the importance of mutual trust and cooperation between the institution and surrounding villages. The issue of encroachment around the institute was also brought to his attention, with the MP stressing the need for proper coordination with the administration and local community.

Jamir said CIH Medziphema should be strengthened as a centre for horticultural research, farmer training, skill development, employment generation and technological advancement for Nagaland and the entire North-East.

He assured that matters requiring intervention at the Central Government level would be taken up with the concerned Ministry and authorities.