Governor says budgetary deficit skyrocketed to Rs. 1657.88 crores
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 22
Nagaland State Governor, PB Acharya today said the state is passing through an unprecedented financial crisis. The new People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) Government headed by Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), which has assumed power towards the end of this financial year, has inherited a huge deficit, he said.
“Our budgetary deficit that stood at Rs. 950.09 crore on 31st March 2014, and has skyrocketed to Rs. 1657.88 crore as on 31st March 2017- a jump of almost 75%,” Acharya said while giving his customary address at the budget session of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) here today. He said the figures at the end of March 2018 are likely to be higher.
It may be noted that during the short tenure of Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu as Chief Minister in 2017, his government had announced that the current year transaction was estimated to be positive at Rs. 220.04 crore. However, as the negative opening balance was at Rs. 1657.87 crore, Shurhozelie’s government estimated that 2017-18 would close with a negative balance of Rs. 1437.84 crore.
The newly formed PDA government has the challenge of bringing in fiscal prudence and discipline, the Governor added, stressing on the need to ensure that the state gets its due share in taxes and fiscal grants from Government of India.
“Given the financial situation, we are forced to take hard decisions, we will do all that we can to control wasteful expenditure and misuse of funds,” he said. Towards this, the Governor pointed to the new government’s commitment to do away with ‘VIP culture.’
“We will ensure strict verification of the work done under development schemes before releasing the payment,’ Acharya maintained, informing that the PDA government has laid down a policy to ensure completion of projects in given timelines without any cost escalations.
He also said that transparency and good governance with an objective to bring in accountability would be a prime focus. “We are committed to promoting a culture of meritocracy. We have decided to ensure all government departments and government institutions will have their websites and social media accounts to provide all information related to their departments to citizens in a time bound manner,” he said. Other measures include periodical appraisals and assessments of all departments; Aadhaar to check bogus and fake beneficiaries; and ensuring the all government employees attend work punctually.
Road development top priority
Concerned over the deplorable state of roads in Nagaland, the Governor stated that repair and strengthening of the same would be the government’s top priority.
He informed that the state government has decided to start immediate repair and renovation of roads and filling of potholes in Kohima, Dimapur and all district headquarters.
The Governor informed that the ongoing works on Kohima- Dimapur- 4 laning will also be monitored closely for time bound completion. The work on Nagaland portion of Dimapur bye pass sanctioned at a total cost of Rs. 387 crore will also be followed up closely for timely completion, he added.
He added that the survey for Kohima bye pass for a total length of 36 km at a cost of Rs. 1389.80 crore will also be expedited for easing the traffic in Kohima town.
Similarly other sanctioned roads like Wokha-Merapani (60 km - 191 crore), Zunheboto- Chakhabama (128 km- 1600 crore), Pfutsero- Phek (66 km - 825 crore), Merangkong- Tamlu- Mon (100 km- 1250 crore) and Changtongya- Longleng (35 km - 437.5 crore) will also be taken up soon. In addition, survey for Simalguri- Mon road has also been initiated.
“We also plan to operationalise a web based monitoring mechanism for supervising the timely completion of all road projects with quality,” Acharya informed.
Apart from road connectivity, he stated that the Government of India would also be apprised on the need for improved air connectivity for Dimapur under Regional Connectivity scheme. “We plan to connect all district headquarters with helicopter service along with provision for air ambulances,” he added.
With regard to rail connectivity, the Governor stated that work for the ongoing Kohima-Zubza rail line will be expedited.
Stresses on need for early solution to Naga issue
Another priority for the new government, the Governor stated is early resolution of the Naga political issue. He announced that the government would work with all stakeholders for a solution that is honorable, sustainable and acceptable to the people. “We will not come in way of any political agreement that brings solution to the Naga political issue,” said Acharya.
“My government will move with firm resolve for reconciliation among all sections of the Nagas and for a negotiated political settlement that would bring permanent peace in this land,” he said.
Acharya also said the government plans to set up a Centre for Peace that will help bring together all stakeholders for a long term peaceful settlement.
