KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 24 (MExN): The Nagaland Government today clarified that the Government of India “did not approve proposals for Rs. 333.33 crore for Eastern Nagaland region and no fund was released to the State Government.”
“The allegation of misutilization of the said funds is therefore without any basis,” a statement from the government issued through the DIPR stated.
This clarification was issued by the State Planning & Coordination Department with regard to the statement made by former MLA, K Asungba Sangtam on ‘Northeast Tonight with Wasbir Hussain.’
“The facts in this regard have been checked in the Planning & Coordination Department. As per the available documents, it is recorded that during the discussions on the Annual Plan for 2012-13 held on June 26, 2012 between Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission and Chief Minister, Nagaland, the former agreed to provide Special Plan Assistance (SPA)/Special Central Assistance (SCA) of Rs. 1,268 crore,” the department informed.
In addition, it was agreed to provide Special Plan Assistance Package for Eastern Nagaland Region of Rs. 300 crore subject to availability of additional resources from the Ministry of Finance. The said assistance was to be utilized for identified projects to be approved by the Planning Commission.
The department said that the details are noted in the approval of the Annual Plan 2012-13 conveyed by the Planning Commission vide No. 4/18/2011-FR dated June 18, 2012.
The State Government had, therefore, submitted proposals for Rs. 333.33 crore to the Planning Commission for approval. The Commission had, however, conveyed that "under Addl. Central Resources (SPA) for Eastern Nagaland Region, Gol has not approved/released the whole amount of Rs 300.00 crore,” it revealed.
This, the department said, was communicated to the Chief Secretary, Nagaland vide letter No. M.13048/19(NL)/2011/SP-NE dated May 16, 2013.
