Dimapur, March 4 (MExN): State opposition party Naga People's Front (NPF) today accused the PDA government under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio of failing to provide any clarification sought by Leader of Opposition, TR Zeliang during the recently concluded Budget Session.
“Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio who also hold the finance portfolio has failed to provide any answer to the queries of the Leader of Opposition, TR Zeliang related to Budget 2019-20 which was presented on February 25, 2019,” this was stated in a press release issued by the party’s Press Bureau.
The NPF stated that during the debate on Budget 2019-20, the LoP questioned how GST in the State was projecting a trend of diminishing return which the CM failed to come up with any answers and was asked to publish his answers in the local dailies. “However, nothing has been clarified in the local dailies till date.”
The NPF also said that the PDA failed to answer on how remaining amount from additional Fund was spent and through which Department.
In regard to Kiphire Aspirational District, it sought answers on why the release of Rs. 1 Cr set up for developmental projects was delayed.
It further questioned how much expenditure was incurred on the Cabinet Meeting held at Kiphire Dist HQ on November 9, 2018. “However, neither was the query answered on the floor of the Assembly nor has it been clarified in the local dailies till today,” it was stated.
“The Chief Minister in his Budget Speech stated that developmental activities of the State were being hindered since a huge amount of fund is used for payment of Government employees’ salary and that Government employees would be minimized and was asked how the Government intended to cut down the number of Government employees. However, no answer was provided by the CM,” it added.
“Ex-gratia for Students announced since last year has failed to see the light of the day till date and there is nothing about Ex-Gratia mentioned in the Budget 2019-20.”
“Which Head of Account would such expenditure be listed?” was another unanswered question.
It also alleged that the government failed to clarify on pending scholarship of 2017-2018 and 2018-2019.
In light of the above, NPF appealed the “Chief Minister to clarify to the above queries in the local dailies as the Government is answerable on any issue of public importance.”
