DIMAPUR, MAY 14 (MExN): As the forms for availing the Nagaland State Government’s one-time financial assistance worth Rs 10,000 went online, the criteria for eligibility drew criticism from various quarters.
The assistance is meant for those stranded Nagaland citizens outside the NE region, excluding Sikkim, who choose to stay in their current location. The criteria which drew the ire of many was the stipulation that eligibility depended on the applicant having already registered in the Returnees Declaration Form, which closed on May 11.
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) took up the issue submitting a letter to the Chief Secretary, calling for reconsidering the eligibility criteria. The NSF said that this criterion “does not appear to do justice to the purpose it seeks to serve.”
“Many stranded citizens have not registered in the form and have volunteered to stay back considering impending difficulties facing the State. However they are confronted with daily struggles of meeting their basic needs,” the NSF stated.
It therefore suggested that the financial aid be given even to those not registered in the Returnees Declaration Form and irrespective of region where they are stranded. It also asked the deadline to apply for the financial aid be extended.
Following the letter, the NSF informed that the Nagaland Chief Secretary Temjen Toy has assured that the government will “seriously” consider changing the existing criteria.
“He assured that a decision will soon be taken by the government on those not registered in the 'Returnee Registration Form' and areas excluded in the existing criteria,” the NSF said in a post on its facebook page.
The CS further reportedly said that the State Government is taking all possible steps in order to ensure that no citizens of the state suffer due to the lack of basic amenities on account of the lockdown.
He also pointed out that the government is currently “screening the applications for financial assistance received thus far from those already registered to return to the state.”
1,471 people opt to stay back
Meanwhile, 1,471 persons who had registered in the Returnees Declaration Form have voluntarily opted for staying back in their current location till 4:00pm of May 14.
Principal Secretary, Home, Abhijit Sinha informed that they have also filled up the required form on the portal iamstranded.nagaland.gov.in for availing the one-time assistance for Rs 10,000.
Sinha stated that the number of stranded Nagaland citizens 'given financial assistance in the form of cash grant has now risen to 24,261, comprising of 18,829 working people, 5,214 students and 218 patients. Till date, a total of Rs 9.53 crore has been disbursed for this purpose.
With regard to the Inter-District movement of stranded persons to their home districts, so far, a total of 16,527 passengers have been transported to their respective districts in the State. Regarding arrival of stranded people of the State into Nagaland from other North Eastern States, a total of 409 persons have already arrived, and 484 persons were due to arrive on May 14.
