Union Budget very relevant for North East states

Rijiju urges Nagaland to take benefit of PM-DevINE

Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | February 12

Union Minister for Law and Justice, Kiren Rijiju, today addressed the media fraternity concerning the Union Budget 2022-23 at Niathu Resort, Chümoukedima in a brief visit to the State.

He said that the intention and vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards the North East region is being reflected in the budget presented by the Finance Minister recently.

Over the years, he stated that when the budgets are presented in the Parliament, very few people realised what the budget has brought for them, especially tax payers who wonder how much relief is provided, and how much tax has been imposed for different goods and services.

But now under Modi, he maintained that visible changes have taken place wherein, the budget is now focused on the ‘most common people living in the remote part of the country,’ and not only on the business community and the corporate, which is “very relevant for the North Eastern states.” 

He said that the budget has provisions specifically made for the North East region. He highlighted the PM’s Development Initiative for North-East (PM-DevINE) where for the first time, a provision is inserted in the budget that region is ‘very unique and has its own difficulties and challenges.’ He said this separate scheme is created for the sole purpose of funding the gaps, taking care of those things which are not included in any of the schemes or provisions.

The scheme will be implemented by the North Eastern Council and chaired by the Home Minister, where an initial budget of Rs 1,500 crore has been allocated. Adding that the scheme will be a “blessing for the entire North Eastern Region,” he urged Nagaland to take maximum benefit from it.

He stated that the present BJP-led coalition government is trying to enhance the capacity to utilize the budgetary allocation, and with the Nagaland government taking corrective steps, he anticipated that in the coming years, the budgetary allocation will be utilized efficiently so that more funds can be provided; at the same time the State will increase its revenue resources and become self-sufficient.

He further highlighted on the Prime Minister Gati Shakti programme which is focused on infrastructure mainly on seven sectors – roads, railways, airports, ports, mass transport, waterways and logistic infrastructure.

Further highlighting on the challenge of telecom infrastructure in remote areas, Rijiju said that this time, a major shift has taken place in the policy where 4G towers will be erected in all strategic locations across the difficult areas of the North East.

Regarding the huge unemployment issue in Nagaland when The Morung Express posed if he had any practical advice for the youths here, Rijiju said that “to be a part of student association is part of democratic rights, and I have no problem with that. But we should not be confined to the unions, associations alone because, we have to engage in productive activities.”

He requested the youth to “do whatever you want to do, but please involve in gainful activities which will bring economic prosperity to the State and to the society. Merely being part of the association or union is good for your rights and your identity, but it doesn’t lead to your prosperity. Prosperity will come when you engage in any of the activities which lead to economic generation. We should celebrate more if you achieve in the field of science and economic activities, become superstars in the field of sports, cultural fields, music etc…Becoming a leader doesn’t mean you represent just the organization. Please devote your time and energy for activities which are more productive.”

On the prospects of BJP in the upcoming Manipur assembly elections, Rijiju said that BJP has gained the North Eastern people. He said that the mainstreaming of every section of the society is happening under BJP, and was optimistic that in Manipur also, “BJP will form government again.”

Nagaland Cabinet ministers including Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, Temjen Imna Along and Advisor Mmhonlumo Kikon were also present at the press conference.

Meanwhile, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio took to Twitter to thank the Union Minister for visiting the state and meeting with legislators and government officials.

“Grateful to the Hon’ble Union Minister Shri @KirenRijiju for his visit to Nagaland & interacting with the State Cabinet & officers for the Union Budget 2022-23. The State Govt. places on record our appreciation for the special provisions of the budget & for the PM-DevINE scheme,” Rio tweeted.

A report from the PTI news agency meanwhile stated that union law minister said pending court cases are increasing across the country but efforts are on to dispose them as soon as possible. Along with the judiciary the government is working to ensure that delivery of justice is fast and at the same time case pendency is taken care of, Rijiju said, according to the PTI.