'Budget full of fanfare festivals, tours & excursions'
Morung Express News
Kohima | March 26
Debating on the budget speech presented by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on March 23, the Opposition bench today termed the budget for the year 2018-2019 as a “hollow budget” which was “full of fanfare festivals, tours and excursions”. Reminding the government of the mounting deficit, the opposition urged the ruling dispensation not to be too hedonistic.
"When the state is presenting a deficit budget of Rs. 1630.67 crore, we cannot go on feasting, making fanfares and merrymaking," Opposition MLA Chotisüh Sazo stated.
On Swachh Bharat initiative where both the Governor and CM in their speeches reiterated the aim to create a hygienic and clean environment, Sazo questioned why the governor and CM in their speeches did not include provisions for sufficient drinking water.
"To make our environment clean, we need sufficient water. Kohima itself requires 9 million litres of water per day but is only provided with 1.8 million litres," Sazo argued.
Also viewing that introducing pink buses cannot ensure gender equality, Sazo instead suggested that NST and city buses “reserve one side of the bus for women, senior citizens, and the differently-abled." Further pointing out that 1.5% of the Naga population consists of the differently-abled, Sazo stated that public buildings haven’t been made accessible for this group of people till today. As such, he requested the CM to ensure that public buildings make provisions for disabled person by constructing ramps in the days to come.
On the measures taken by the state government to end VIP culture, the opposition MLA contended that the security of the members cannot be put to risk.
Sazo was also critical of the CM's initiative to start mini Hornbill fest viewing that the Hornbill Festival drains the economy of the State and hampers working hours.
He suggested that the Government instead initiate Farmers’ fair and exhibition in different areas so that villagers can bring their crops for display, exchange and sale.
Further pointing out that 70% of the state’s population is engaged and dependent on Agri and allied sectors, Sazo called for giving priority to increase production, improving post harvesting technology, market linkages, and marketing facilities. “It is quite unfortunate that the budget for these activities is too meagre. While organic farming budget is zero. More budget is required for this sector,” he maintained.
Fellow opposition member, Dr. Imtiwapang Aier ridiculed the 'Change is coming' tagline of the NDPP-BJP Alliance contending that removing name plates alone is not going to bring change.
"There is unprecedented financial crisis in our State and we have been talking so much about austerity measures, but how much are we spending on Hornbill Festival, what is the economic effect?" questioned Dr. Aier while advocating a reduction in the duration of the ten-day-long Hornbill Festival.
"How much money are we going to spend and what is the revenue? Is this is the kind of austerity measures we intend to take?” he further questioned. “Last year the Hornbill Festival revenue was just Rs. 6 lakh … We are spending crores of rupees but we are getting only 6 lakhs." As such, Dr. Aier, also a former Speaker, urged the government “not to be too hedonistic or confine to hedonism" but instead, spend funds for the welfare of the people.
On the PDA Government's emphasis for empowerment of women, Dr. Aier wondered if the government will introduce the 33 percent reservation for women. “If reservation is not initiated, the meaning of gender equality will just go in vain,” he contended. “And the Change that we are expecting will not happen."
Further pointing out that the budget speech does not mention ways and means to increase or improve revenue or funds for development works, Dr. Aier stated, "Unless we revamp the revenue policy and get sufficient revenue, we cannot run our state affairs.”
“If there is no State based programs for the people … the budget presented to us will be a rhetoric budget only with no vision," Dr. Aier maintained.
On political issue
Meanwhile, the leader of the opposition also faulted the PDA government for not showing sensitivity to Naga Political issue and making clarion call for inclusive negotiation. This, he maintained, is in contrast to the PDA government’s assertion that resolution of the Indo-Naga political issue is its top agenda. “The BJP party had even given the slogan of ‘election for political solution’ when the people of Nagaland were calling for ‘solution before election,’” Zeliang said.
In this connection, he said it was “most unfortunate that the budget speech does not give any appreciations for coming together of the 6 NNPG, the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India.” “The budget speech also does not call upon the NSCN (K) to re-enter a new cease fire agreement with the GoI and join the political negotiation. Since the Naga people desire that the solution should be inclusive, the NNC (Adino) should also be requested to join the political negotiation,” Zeliang added.
