Can’t stop citizens from returning: Rio

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio addressing a meeting with civil society organisations of Dimapur at Rhododendron Hall, Chümoukedima on May 13. (DIPR Photo)

Morung Express News
DIMAPUR|MAY 13

Against the backdrop of various organizations appealing and advising its respective members outside the state to desist from returning unless necessary, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio struck a similar chord but added that the state cannot stop citizens from returning, particularly those in distress. 

Rio said while there might be citizens of Nagaland staying outside the state who might be comfortable staying back wherever they are, there could be many citizens in distress and wanting to come back home with no other options available. The CM said that in such a given situation, the government cannot stop its citizens from returning.  “We cannot disown our own children/ brothers and sisters,” he added.

Addressing a meeting with civil society organizations in Dimapur, Rio said that the government had a systematic plan put in place to take back the returnees. However, the sudden decision of the Centre to resume train services to transport stranded persons across the nation had changed gear plans of the state.

Adding to this, Chief Secretary Temjen Toy said that the government is taking a ‘systematic decision’ rather than jumping to hasty conclusions which could create more problems. He also clarified that the Rs 10, 000 offered by the Government to those citizens opting to stay back wherever they are, was not a form of appeasement but rather to extend help if they do not desire to come home even after doing the registration and are facing financial  problems.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to continue economic activities while fighting the pandemic and subsequent announcement of Rs 20 lakh crore package, Rio said that the state would be setting up High Powered Committees (HPC) on Agri & Allied, Technical, Tourism and Sports and Industries, Entrepreneurship and Business, which would be headed by him. He said that the HPC would be roping in consultants in each respective field and plan on how to go ahead with the economic activities. 

Rio explains on fuel cess

Explaining on the state government’s decision to charge cess on diesel, petrol and motor spirit, Rio elaborated on the financial difficulties faced by the state owing to multiple reasons.

He said that the recommendation of the 15th Finance Commission (FC) was not favourable for the state and compounded with the COVID-19 pandemic and almost nil economic activity in the state, the Revenue Deficit Grant which is released every month has reduced to a great extent. He added that the Grant is being utilized to meet expenses on salaries, pensions, wages and debt payment.

Further, the Chief Minister said that the centre’s share of taxes has also reduced during the lockdown period. Rio expressed apprehension that if the trend continued, a time might come when the state would not be able to pay salaries and pensions. 

Rio also pointed out that other states have decided on percentage wise salary cuts for government employees besides charging cess at rates higher than Nagaland. Stating that there would be ‘hue and cry’ if similar steps were taken in the state, Rio said that the government had decided to charge the cess while hinting that it will be reviewed according to situation. He said the revenue generated would be utilized for the health sector.

Civil society organisations speak

Some of the concerns shared by representatives of several civil society organisations revolved around whether the government had proper facilities to accommodate all of the returnees and if there were enough medical personnel to look in to the needs of the district as most of the returnees would be quarantined in Dimapur. The organizations recommended that the government make arrangements for deputing the excess medical staff from other districts to Dimapur.

The CSOs also recommended that administration and police ensure that those vehicles carrying persons to Manipur do not stop midway within the state.

Overall, the CSOs extended solidarity to the government and expressed their desire to co-operate and work with the government, if any assignments are given to them.

Some of the CSOs that attended the meeting included the Western Sumi Hoho, Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur, Lotha Hoho Dimapur, Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation Dimapur, Rengma Hoho Dimapur, Chakroma Angami Public Organization, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, Dimapur District GB’s Association, Dimapur Naga Students’ Union, Dimapur Christian Forum, and Dimapur District Village Council Association, among others.