Dimapur, June 20 (MExN): The NCP has stated that Nagaland is at disadvantage not because of “ill or mal financial management as the opposition Congress is trying to make people believe” but because of “poor revenue resource”.
Responding to the Congress allegation over the DAN government, The NCP in a press note issued by its Secretary General Azio Kithan stated: “Confusing people with assumption is not a constructive criticism.”
It also stated that money for plan expenditure comes through a process known as the “Finance Commission Award”.
The Finance Commission is constituted every five years, the current one i.e the 13th Finance Commission’s period starts from this fiscal period 2010-11.
Many factors are taken into consideration in formulating the sectoral and plan size allocation to different states. Amongst these are importantly the State Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the State’s own revenue. It is a situation wherein, the more revenue you come up with, the more will be the centre’s contribution. For Nagaland our own revenue is at negligible 5% of our revenue expenditure.
Moreover, it has appreciated the Chief Minister, Neiphi-u Rio and his Financial Planning team for being able to convince the Centre and bring home such a sizeable Plan allocation with 47% increase over last fiscal Plan size.
The note also stated: “Shri. Neiphi-u Rio with his charismatic nature and coupled with his good Governance could convince the Centre of the plight of the Nagas and the Constitutional obligation of the Centre which the Finance Commission did not take into cognisance.
Otherwise, given the circumstance, economist felt that our plan size for 2010-11 would be smaller than the plan size of last fiscal year.NCP Nagaland would also voice concern on how all of us can help scale up our State’s revenue.
“It is one concern that the States revenue can barely meet a month and half of Govt. servants’ salary but it is also equally concerning that we Nagas are very bad bill payers. Most of our earning sectors are running at loss due to non payment of bills and pilferages.”
Therefore, NCP Nagaland while appealing to agitating Govt. Servants to understand the overall fiscal situation of the State and accept the offer of the Govt. on the ROP, also urge revenue Departments to put more energy and incentivize collection of government revenue.
NCP Nagaland also appeal to all consumers to be regular and honest in payment of bills and at the same time it also directs all party workers across the State to exhibit exemplary citizenship in payments due by them as consumers for any government facility being availed by them.
