Dimapur, July 31 (MExN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio cannot claim to be giving “equal treatment” to the “backward” districts, Congress MLA H. Chuba Chang said today. All the commitments of the chief minister are borne by “the department” although the Development of Underdeveloped Areas has been established, the Congress leader said in a rejoinder today.
Chang said to have participated in the budget debate where he mentioned that Rs. 119.53 Crore has been allocated for Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire and Longleng districts. “I even added that my figures may not be accurate and subject to correction because out of the 2010-2011 state plan budget of Rs. 1503 Crore, allocation of Rs. 119.53 crore does constitute not even 10.00% for four districts,” Chang said in his rejoinder.
But, the Congress leader said, while replying to the debate the chief minister said that “I mislead the house because the plan allocation of 2010-2011 for four districts is of Rs. 146.35 Crore.” “Even if to take his figure, it constitute only 9.64% for four districts through it constitute one-third of the state territory and in population,” Chang explained.
Also, Chang noted the CM stating that out of 63 government departments in 16 Government Department Plan Allocation of Pay and Allowances are provided for 4 districts. “Here too, government employees salaries could not be treating as plan allocation. To clear my stand, as has been done previously, even 9.64% allocation in all four districts shall also goes to the contractors of outside the districts and to draw their full bill by undertaking first phase under the protection of ruling government’s power.”
This trend is making the backward districts more backward, Chang said. Citing an instance, he said that “artist from backward districts are first to dream to attract foreign and Indian tourist” when the state government hosts the Hornbill festival. “DUDA has also been established to develop backward area but all the CM’s commitment are borne by the department. Therefore, the Finance minister cannot claim to have equal treatment extended to the backward districts,” Chuba Chang added.
