Kohima, February 29 (MExN): During the 4th Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly held at NLA Secretariat, Kohima on February 29, discussion on the budget 2024-25 was held where Advisor Water Resources, Tongpang Ozukum said, the Naga political issue is always the top agenda and that the Government was committed and serious for an honourable and acceptable solution.
A DIPR report stated that Ozukum extended his appreciation for inclusion of six villages under the purview of the Department of Under Developed Areas. He also appreciated the Chief Minister for allocating Rs 14,850 lakh for the Foothill road under the scheme of special assistance to states. Acknowledging the initiatives of IDAN, Ozukum stated that the State is yielding the returns of the CSR conclave held in 2022. He concluded that the 2024-25 budget has clarity and transparency, outlining the government's priorities and initiatives.
Advisor Law & Justice and Land Revenue, TN Mannen, participating in the discussion on the budget speech highlighted about the Nagaland Political issue. Mannen commented that this issue not being resolved shows a repetitive failure by the State government. He said that there is no unity amongst the people, the churches, the nationalist workers and therefore the leaders should have a deep introspection to find a solution for this issue. Mannen raised that 'Fencing of Indo-Myanmar Border' is Human Rights violation against the indigenous people living in the borders. He called upon the House to request the Centre to come to a common solution which will not have a negative reaction along the boundary. On the money which has been sanctioned under PM DevINE to the people of Eastern Nagaland, Mannen said that money alone should not determine development and they should observe capacity to utilise the fund in a proper manner, and realism should be the driving force of change.
Achumbemo Kikon, emphasising the importance of electricity for the growth of entrepreneurship and economy, suggested amendment to the "Communitization of Electricity Management". He remarked that communitisation of electricity has served it's purpose but with changing times a need has arisen for amendment to increase revenue collection in the power sector. He also requested the State government to grant more fund for all round development of the border areas.
Jwenga Seb commended the Chief Minister's Universal Life Insurance Scheme. He said that Budget 2024-25 was a testament to government unwavering commitment towards the welfare of the people. He termed the government commitment to promote Entrepreneurship as a key to a prosperous and self-sufficient state. On the issue of power, he stated that installation of prepaid meters in urban areas will enhance revenue collection and also proposes adopting a cyber-security safeguard system to protect the power grid of the state from online threats.
CM gives concluding remarks on budget
Expressing appreciation to the Members of the 14th NLA for their positive and active participation during the general discussion to the budget for the year 2024-25, Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio assured that the insightful views and suggestions on various issues of the State will be looked into and followed by action wherever necessary. He stated this during the third day of the 4th session of the14th Assembly on February 29.
Rio stated that it has been noticed that most departments are slow in issuing work orders and starting of works for which funds have been provided are in the habit of moving for release of funds during the closing months of February/March of the financial year and issue work orders only after Drawal Authority is issued. He said that such practices slow down the pace of developmental activities and urged all concerned to note that once funds are reflected in the Demands for Grants, especially under State Resources, there should be no worry on the part of the department about not receiving the funds subsequently since finances are now more stable, and the Government will have no difficulty in making releases to the departments subject to the condition that there is sufficient work progress.
The CM proposed that the Budget be presented and passed in the month of February every year so that departments can complete all formalities earlier than before, and issue work orders by April end before onset of monsoon and UCs are submitted on time to help departments to avail the next installment.
Rio said that it was important to ensure that the allocation of Rs 180 crore for the development of Eastern Nagaland districts is judiciously used to derive the maximum impact. He requested all the Legislators from Eastern Nagaland to extend their full cooperation, support and to monitor and ensure proper implementation of the projects to be taken up from the allocation.
The Chief Minister also agreed there was a need to monitor the supply of power through a single point to every citizen pay for the power they consume. He called for sensitization of the villages, and diligence on the part of the Power department. Rio also expressed his agreement with MLA Naiba Konyak on the suggestion of amending the Communitisation Act and to bring it up to date with present realities and to also redress the deficiencies in the Act, if any.
On the suggestion of enhancing the allocation for Border Areas by MLA Achumbemo Kikon, Rio stated that the matter will be examined. He also urged all developmental departments to ensure that they also allocate their resources to develop necessary infrastructure and utilities in the Border Areas.
Rio, in his concluding remark, mentioned that the State was struggling with a very high accumulated deficit of Rs 2363 crore during the year 2021-22 (RE). Over the years, through various austerity measures like checks on filling up of vacant posts, steps to enhance our own revenues, as well as the increase in share of central taxes the State has now managed to bring it down substantially. As a result, during the current financial 2023-24 have been brought down the closing deficit to Rs 885.94 crore, an improvement of Rs 1477 crore, he stated.
