Like the rest of the country, major constructions in Nagaland came to a halt after nationwide lockdown came into effect. Though the centre permitted resumption of constructional work, the contractors are faced with new problem—lack of labourers.
On June 5, Raj Bhavan Kohima Tweeted that Governor, RN Ravi, reviewed the work progress of projects undertaken by National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL). Governor regretted that the progress has “come to a near halt”.
When contacted by Nagaland Post, Raj Bhavan sources confirmed that the governor reviewed all the NHIDCL highways projects in Nagaland. Sources said the state officials present at the meeting included principal secretary home and Nagaland commissioner besides contractors.
According to sources, the governor lamented that road projects were “limping because of no workforce”.
It was learnt that workforce consisting of both skilled and unskilled had mostly gone back to their home states and were unlikely to return anytime soon.
At the meeting, the governor was informed that machineries and construction materials were lying idle and contractors were unable to bring labourers from Assam as local workforce was not available.
Governor had reportedly directed NHIDCL to publicise their workforce requirement and their wages in Nagaland media and also on their website.
Sources said NHIDCL was prepared to even train some semiskilled local workforce at their cost. The requirement of workforce for all the projects in the state is about 1200 and Dimapur-Kohima four-lane alone required about 250, it was learnt. (Nagaland Post)