Morung Express News
Kohima | March 28
Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu today reiterated the government’s support to the ‘Framework Agreement’ and stressed on the need for inclusiveness among the Nagas.
“They are going ahead and it is said that they are about to conclude the agreement,” Dr. Liezietsu informed on Framework Agreement addressing a press conference following the presentation of the Budget Speech on March 28.
“We are yet to know what will the type be of agreement signed between these two groups. It will be too early for us to comment anything on that,” he added.
The CM, however, lamented that Nagas have “unfortunately gone backward.” Nagas had started the movement as one family “but in due course of time, we have split into many different groups now and therefore it is necessary for all of us to appeal to come together,” he said.
The press conference was also attended by Finance Commissioner Temjen Toy and Advisor (Finance) TR Zeliang who supplemented the CM on various issues.
Suggestions sought on ULB elections
On the contentious issue of election to Urban Local Bodies, TR Zeliang once again reminded that all the tribal Hohos and NGOs should place their suggestions to the government the manner in which they want to carry out the ULB polls.
“The Act amended in 2006 still remains. It is not yet amended. In what way people want amendment, people should come forward, then government can have a relook into it,” he stated.
On budget deficits
On budget deficit, TR Zeliang stated that because of the lack of resources in Nagaland, the 10% devolution does not benefit the State. “Not only in Nagaland but even in other special category states, we are not benefitted in any manner. In the past we used to get Block grant. All these block grants, we used to bargain with the Planning Commission. Today it is quite the reverse, there is no more block grant,” stated Zeliang.
He also pointed out that increase in government services, which are unavoidable, adds to the deficit but expressed hope that the level of deficit will be reduced next year.
“It depends on how the central scheme flows. The more central scheme flows in, the more state share we have,” he added.
Excess appointments unavoidable
Meanwhile, dwelling on the issue of excess appointments in Nagaland, Dr. Liezietsu pointed out that appointments in sectors such as the School Education are unavoidable due to the increase of students every year.
In the past there might have been some excess appointment but we have decided to be more careful now, the CM said. He, however, reiterated that appointment of more servants in some government sectors is unavoidable. “Somewhere if we have appointments which are not required we will see that those are checked in due course of time,” the CM assured.
Upliftment of the poor
With the uplift of the poor as the major focus areas of the government, Dr. Liezietsu said that emphasis will be laid on subsidies.
Admitting the failures of the government that schemes and programs meant for the poor did not reach the beneficiaries in the past, the CM hoped that with the change of the system by the Centre, the benefits whether subsidies or healthcare should come straight to the beneficiaries and not through the departments.
On questions raised on why the programs are mostly external aids and the lack of programs within the State government, Temjen Toy supplemented the CM that the State does not have resources of its own and have only Rs. 650 crores which have to go into meeting the State’s share.
“That is exactly the reason why the State has mentioned that we have to access as much Central aid as possible,” he added.
Clarifying to discussions and criticisms going around in Naga social circles and public forums over the applicability of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in Nagaland, Toy stated that the GST is a “destination based tax” which is going to be implemented all over India.
“It is a destination based tax, which means, supposing I am the manufacturer in some other states what is due to me will come only after the product is sold... As a manufacturer it is in my interest that I know where the product is going... If Nagaland is outside the GST net, practically it means that we become a foreign country. No Indian manufacturer will send their products to Nagaland,” he stated.
