Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. (File Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 19
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today termed the Nagaland Budget for the year 2021-22 as “very balanced” which talked about innovation, youth and welfare programmes, with top priority given to agri and allied sector, health care and education.
He stated that this in his concluding remark during general discussion on budget at the 7th session of the 13th NLA here.
“You should not brush away the good budget,” he replied to opposition members who expressed skepticism about the budget and assured that the government will do justice to all concerned.
Touching on five days sittings, he said all our deliberations and discussion has been fruitful and the citizens of the state will be directly benefitted from the proceedings of the House.
He said that the House discussed the need for reform in power, transport, water, and mining sectors and the government will examine the same in the coming days.
Rio said the NLA is the highest temple of democracy in the state and it is the responsibility of each and every member to constantly keep in mind that “we represent the expression and feelings of the people.” He said that the Naga political issue has taken centre stage in all the deliberations of the House.
The Chief Minister reiterated that Naga political issue remains at the top of our collective agenda.
Referring to adoption of four point resolutions on Naga political issue, he said “The resolution reflects the expression and desire of the Naga people.”
“We reiterate our call to the negotiation parties for early, honourable and inclusive solution. We also urge all the stakeholders to constantly strive towards unity and oneness,” he said.
Rio said that the government will focus on right sizing and rationalize the large manpower in the Government sector. The CM said that the current year 2020-21 is now expected to close with deficit of Rs. 2314.14 crores.
He said that since the projection during 2020-21 will result in further deficit of Rs. 365.33 crores, the next financial year 2021-22 is expected to close with a deficit of Rs. 2679.46 crore.
“Therefore, the deficit is huge. But we have no control over it,” he said while adding that the huge deficit accumulated was due to the change of financial pattern and adverse financial award of 13th Finance Commission which resulted in the gap areas ballooning over the years, besides the COVID-19 pandemic taking its toll compounded by meagre share from central taxes and duties.
