The 7th session of 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly began in Kohima on February 12. (DIPR Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 12
The 7th session of 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) commenced here today with Nagaland Governor, RN Ravi addressing the State’s political, financial and infrastructural issues at the floor of the house.
Ravi stated that the State Government remains committed in its efforts to bring development to the people of the state.
He said there have been various achievements in several sectors and stated that the “people-oriented policies and programmes outlined is another step in our steady march towards ensuring all round progress to every community and every part of the state.”
The session will resume on February 15 and continue till February 20.
Naga issue remains the focus
The Nagaland Governor stated that while fighting the COVID-19 pandemic remained one of the most important missions of the State Government for the past many months, “the early resolution of the long drawn out Naga political issue also continued to remain the focus.”
He said the negotiations between the Government of India and the Naga groups have been concluded.
“There is now a need for efforts to build on the substantial gains made so far, and to move swiftly for the final solution,” he said.
The Governor referred to the October 15, 2020 consultative meeting convened by the State Government as “historic” with all the tribal hohos, civil society organizations, political parties and representatives of various other sections of society on the Naga political issue.
“There were detailed discussions and it was reiterated that there will be only one solution for the Naga Political Issue. A seven point unanimous resolution was also adopted,” Ravi said.
He further mentioned that the joint statement issued by the Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio and Leader of the Opposition, TR Zeliang on December 18, 2020 as a “significant step towards further facilitating the peace process.”
The joint statement welcomed the positive approach of the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister, Amit Shah towards expediting the ongoing peace talks, and urged all the Naga Groups to come together under the spirit of reconciliation, mutual trust and understanding.
The statement urged Naga organisations to uphold the values of reconciliation and non-violence in the interests of the future of the Naga people, the Governor said.
‘Road networks key to development’
The Governor further stated that improvement of road network in every part of the State has remained one of the most important aims of the State Government “as good roads are the key to rapid development of any area.”
The Nagaland PWD (NH) has under its charge 1095.56 kilometers of National Highways out of the total of 1507.88 kilometers of National Highways existing in the State, and it is carrying out several road improvements and widening works.
The NH-2 from Botsa to Tsungiki Bazaar (km 40.00 to km 101.00), and from Yisemyong to Unger (km 168.0 to km 185.00), about 78 kilometers in all, is being widened.
Strengthening of existing pavement for 173.46 kilometers on NH-2, NH-702B & NH-702A are also in good progress.
During the current financial year 2020-21, improvement works of the city portion of Dimapur (New Field Check Gate to Patkai Bridge via Purana Bazar and Chumukedima-17.3 KM) has been completed successfully, the Governor informed.
Furthermore, tenders for awarded for widening to 2 lane road from Tsungiki Bazaar to Izheto Village (km. 101.00 to km 125.00) on NH-2, and strengthening of NH-2 from TCP gate to IG Stadium (Km 0.00 to Km 6.00) are underway, he said.
The PWD also successfully completed and inaugurated on December 21, 2020, the RCC Girder Bridges on Chathe river, Diphupar-A, behind Referral Hospital, Dimapur under CRF with an approved cost of Rs.37.66 Crores, and on Dhansiri river at Nagarjan, Dimapur under CRF with an approved cost of Rs.37.95 Crores.
One carriageway of 4-lane RCC Bridge on River Sanourü, Kohima under CRF leading to Civil Secretariat and Nagaland Legislative Assembly was also inaugurated on November 30, 2020.
The PWD Department during 2020-21 under several schemes is carrying out works on more 900 kilometres of roads with an approved cost of more than 2000 crores, he said.
COVID effects on revenue generation
Reiterating the State’s Government’s repeated assertions on the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor said that the pandemic directly affected revenue generation and receipt.
“Against the budgeted State’s Share of Union Taxes and Duties of Rs. 4,493.37 crores reflected in the Union Budget and incorporated into State budget, it is now estimated at Rs. 3,151.38 crores only.
In addition, the State’s own revenues have also been adversely affected,” Ravi said in his address.
Sensing the huge impending revenue shortfall both at the Centre and in the State, he said the State Government has taken measures to reduce expenditure by effecting a 15% pro-rata cut of various expenditure items both under Non-Development and Development Outlay.
“My Government has also, in the line of the Central Government, frozen three installments of Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief,” he said adding that the Government has also put a total ban on new appointments and purchase of vehicles.
The above measures were taken so that resources are saved to combat the COVID-19 pandemic as well as to mitigate the negative impact of the pandemic on the state’s finances, Ravi added.
