KOHIMA, MARCH 22 (MExN): Responding to criticism on the use of money for the implementation of the 6th RoP, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today clarified that no separate fund was given by Government of India for implementation of RoP. He informed that for the first time Special Central Assistance Head was created where the Government sacrificed other means and achieved in implementing 6th RoP. The Chief Minister who is also the Leader of the House stated this while giving his remarks to the general discussion on budget 2012 – 13 today at the ongoing budget Session. On the budget 2012-13, which was earlier presented by him on the floor of the House on the 15th March 2012, Rio assured that the budget for 2012-13 is not imaginary and explained that the figures are real. He informed the House that budgets are examined by the Accountant General and that there is no scope to hide government transactions.
The Chief Minister also reminded the members that outstanding debts are closely monitored by the Ministry of Finance and that government cannot borrow beyond the borrowing ceiling prescribed by the Ministry. With regard to Nagaland, the permissible limit for borrowing ceiling as per the 13th Finance Commission norm is 3.5 and last year Nagaland contain to 2.81 which is within the limit, informed Rio. He further told the House that Government never defaulted on debt servicing and that there are no over dues on purchase of power even from Central Public Sector undertakings. He also reminded the House that Government never fails to pay the pensions and salaries of Government servants.
Replying to the critical remarks of the opposition on the land of festivals, Rio reminded the House about the provision of Article 371 (A) provided by the Government of India to protect our unique identity. Rio felt prudent that it was most appropriate that we preserve our rich culture and tradition. “If we are to preserve the culture and tradition of the state of Nagaland, it is more appropriate that we call our state Land of Festivals”, Rio maintained.
With regard to the issue of HIV/AIDS, the Chief Minister of Nagaland informed the House about the steady decline in the prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in Nagaland. The prevalence rate in the year 2003 was 1.83 and was reduced to 0.78% during 2009, he informed. In terms of ranking, Nagaland has been placed in the 4th position from 2nd. However, Rio opined that lots more need to be done in this area.
Referring to the Naga political issue, Rio reiterated that solution of Naga Political problem always stands at the top of DAN Government’s Agenda. He further informed the House that the government kept the commitment to the people, by playing the role of active facilitator. Rio observed that there is relative peace all over the state and said that government would take all possible steps to be a facilitator with the negotiating parties.
With regard to the reconciliation and unity move, Rio expressed gratitude to the Speaker and the 60 members for joining the Joint Legislators Forum. He further appreciated the opposition bench for coming together to address the Naga Political problem and looked forward for further discussions. Rio appealed to all the members of the House to rise to the occasion with more dedicative efforts, so as to bring permanent peace in the State of Nagaland.
Dwelling on the ENPO issue where extensive discussions was held during the eleventh session of the eleventh Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Rio assured that the DAN Government would continue to pursue to do justice to them and that special dispensation for them would continue. On equitable distribution for ENPO, Rio informed the House that for the year 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12, Government has been providing 26-29% over the years. He assured the House that Government would look into the matter, and see where there is need to do more. Stressing on the importance of unity he called upon the ENPO to raise to the occasion and become champions of Naga society.
On the education front, Rio informed the House that children are getting better facilities like free text books, scholarships, mid-day meals etc and also said that the literacy rate has reached 81.11% from 67%. Dwelling on the Crime Rate, Rio informed the house about Nagaland being rated with the lowest crime rate in the country by the National Crime Record Bureau.
Harping in the area of sports, Rio while expressing gratitude to the youth for taking initiatives for promoting sports, also informed the House that the Government has brought out the sports Policy and also gave awards to the sportspersons in respective disciplines. He also informed the members of the House that establishment of Dr. T. Ao Academy in Nagaland is in the pipeline where the Ministry in-charge has agreed upon in principle. Rio also placed on record his appreciation on the 11th House under the leadership of Nagaland Speaker and termed the 11th Session as one of the most productive and fruitful session he has ever attended.
“Discussions on matters of vital importance like demand for separate statehood by ENPO, 33% women Reservation issue in the proceeding of the assembly would go a long way for the welfare of the people”, Rio said. He extended sincere appreciation to all the members for their valuable advices, suggestions and also their constructive criticisms and assured that it would be taken note of and improve upon.
Rio concluded by saying that the progress and development of the people is not determined by the age but rather the attitude of the people. “Nation building is not depending on others it is all about sacrifice and hard work”, he concluded.
(With inputs from DIPR)
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