VDB allocation, matching grant to be distributed
Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 5
Nagaland State Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio today responded to allegations by the Naga People’s Front (NPF) that the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) government is diverting funds on road projects.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a thanksgiving programme organized in his honour by the NDPP 11th Northern Angami-II Assembly Constituency at Chiephobozou Ground, Rio said: “The question of diversion does not arise.”
He said there was some money which was not utilized, adding that those particular works had no administrative approval, no work order and there was no work done. “As opposition, they will bring complaint, they will bring issues which are not issues,” he claimed.
Rio meanwhile announced that the PDA government will be distributing the VDB allocation/ matching grant which for the last 2/3 years was not given. This will be given during the observance of Communitisation Day on April 24. He informed that a series of meetings, seminars and workshops will be organized to commemorate the Communitisation Day.
The concept of communitisation was introduced in 2002-03 and after enactment of Nagaland Communitisation Act on public institutions and services the same year, the government in phases handed over ownership and management of education, health care, water supply, electricity, tourism and bio-diversity conservation to the communities.
Meanwhile, on opposition from some quarters to the proposal to rename the Indira Gandhi Stadium to Dr T Ao Stadium, the CM said that it was only a proposal and that the cabinet will review it. Rio meanwhile informed that he would be laying a foundation stone for the Dr. T Ao Football Academy at Seithekiema, probably this month.
The CM added that contributions towards construction of the academy would be made by the North East Council and the Tata Trust as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
The CM also revealed that an Australian private Company is going to provide free air ambulance service in the interior parts of the state. This is being done as part of their CSR. The government has reportedly already set up a committee to overlook the matter. The CM informed that villagers would only need to construct landing strips upto 500 metres.
The company is scheduled to send representatives to the state this month and hold discussions with the state government. “It is a welcome step because they will bring their own plane, own pilot and there will be free service for us,” Rio said.
