Nagaland Budget 2020-21: CM's speech highlights PDA’s achievements and initiatives

Nagaland Budget 2020-21: Chief Minister Rio highlights PDA’s achievement and initiatives

Nagaland Budget 2020-21: Chief Minister Rio highlights PDA’s achievement and initiatives

Neiphiu Rio presenting the budget speech at the floor of the ongoing 5th session of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly in Kohima on February 13. (DIPR Photo)

 

Morung Express News
Kohima | February 13

 

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who also holds finance portfolio, today presented the State Budget 2020-2021 at the floor of the ongoing 5th Session of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly highlighting the achievements as well initiatives taken by the PDA Government.

 

The third People’s Democratic Alliance’s (PDA) budget will be taken up for consideration and passing on February 14.

 

On Education

Highlighting the achievements in the education sector, the Chief Minister in his speech informed that CM’s Meritorious Students Fellowship Progamme under School Education Department, carrying a sum of Rs 50,000 and a certificate were given to 50 meritorious students.

 

The Fellowship will continue to get the amount for 5 years if the students maintain prescribed levels of academic performance, he said, sharing the highlights of his speech in his Twitter handle. 

 

These measures, he maintained, will bring qualitative improvements in the education system.

Rio further informed that House that a professional college of Engineering is being set-up at Tsurangsa in Mokokchung District.

 

 The concerned department is also working hard to get all the Government colleges get National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) accreditation, he said.

 

The Department of Fire & Emergency Services has obtained approval of the Government of India for setting up Regional Emergency Management Training Institute & Regional Response Centre in  Kohima for the State as well as the North East region for disaster management and mitigation, he added.

 

Economy and tourism 

The coming FY 2020–21 is important for Nagaland because it marks the commencement of the 15th Finance Commission Award period, Rio informed.  

 

Discussions with members of the Commission during their visits to Nagaland were meaningful, he said.

 

With a view to provide a much needed thrust to the growth of rubber cultivation, additional resources will be provided so that farmers are encouraged and entrepreneurship promoted, which will add to the economy of Nagaland, he added.

 

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that the government has launched its own fashion brand ‘Mongken’ with the aim of creating economic opportunities for local designers, skilled artisans & craftsmen, especially from the eastern region of Nagaland.

 

It'll take steps to patent traditional motifs & weave patterns, he said.

 

With the view the tourism and related service sectors are key areas which can contribute in enhancing local economy, Rio informed that the government has the objective of promoting  tourism events not just within Nagaland but beyond.

 

The government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbnb which will change the dynamics of rural tourism, he claimed.

 

Initiatives for Youth

Global ‘music legends’ AR Rahman and Vishwa M Bhatt have signed agreements to mentor and promote Naga’ musicians and artistes, the Chief Minister said.

 

‘Upcoming projects include residencies, scholarships, and exchange programme with knowledge partners and collaborations with art institutions including exhibitions at India Habitat Centre,’ he added.

 

Citing other innovative steps taken in some key sectors of focus, Rio informed that the Department of Youth Resources and Sports (DYRS) will take up Career Guidance and Employability Skills Development programme in the next financial year.

 

The programme will help create career awareness among 2000 students & help them to make informed decisions about their future, he maintained.

 

The government in collaboration with Indian Olympic Association & Nagaland Olympic Association is also formulating a plan to promote sports and games as gainful professional careers even as the state prepares to host national and international events in the coming years, he added.

 

Other achievements

Nagaland was ranked first among the NE and Hill State category in the 'State Services Portal Assessment 2019,’ Rio highlighted.

 

Key parameters of assessment included accessibility, ease of work, integrated service delivery, content availability and request tracking, he said.

 

Nagaland was awarded the Best Performing State, among Small States in Law and Order for 2019 by India Today Group’s 'State of States Survey 2019' for the two consecutive years, he added.

 

The state police is improving its basic infrastructure facilities along the border to enhance security and striking capacity, the Chief Minister maintained.