Morung Express News
Dimapur| July 1
In 1996, a high level commission on transforming the north east constituted by the Union Planning Commission estimated that Nagaland would require at least Rs. 11,000 crore investment, to come at par with other states in India. 14 years on and crores of rupees utilised, Nagaland still is one of the most underdeveloped states of India. Notwithstanding the huge funds doled out by the Centre, development in the state has not been proportionate to the amount sanctioned. Within the state itself, development gap exists from district to district. Development has by and large been concentrated in some districts while others are struggling to come at par. Development in districts of Mon, Longleng, Kiphire and Tuensang has been very slow if not stagnant. Despite the additional fund allocations for these areas, development is yet to reach most people. Nagaland is faced with the challenge in the disparity between the ‘backward’ areas and the rest of the state.
The backward regions enjoy several fund allocations including the border area development fund (Indo-Myanmar border), backward area development fund and other backward-alleviation packages provided through the DUDA.
Apart from the state’s allocation of Rs.100 crores for the four districts, the Centre has sanctioned several hundred crores under special backward area development programmes. Judging by the amount sanctioned for the development of the region, Eastern Nagaland should have come at par with other districts. However, the funds have reportedly not been utilised judiciously and the condition of these districts remain poor.
Sources from civil-based organisations of Eastern Nagaland said that the DUDA fund has made “no difference” for the region. There has been no significant development despite the institution of additional funds. Sources said that DUDA funds are not utilised as per the “needs of the people but according to the wishes of the implementing agencies.” Last year the DoNER Ministry had called for proper and speedy implementation of backward area development programmes. But nobody is aware of the sanctioned amount or how the money has been utilised. Sadly, the 20 MLAs from Eastern Nagaland have not been able to effectively voice their concerns over the utilization of the funds either.
Further, neither the border area development funds nor the presence of the International Trade Centres, have managed to bring development in these regions. Reportedly, no major schemes have been undertaken under the border area development funds. The Look East Policy of the Government of India has only remained an imaginary line of divide, not providing any economic opportunities for the people.
Communitisation and the national flagship programmes are not implemented properly and there is very little accountability. A source in the Mon district administration confirmed that most national flagship programme like the MGREGA and Indira Awas Yojana- for which the state won the Bharat Nirman award for rural housing - is plagued with corruption and has several loopholes in its implementation. Road connectivity is weak and lack of maintenance has hampered the progress of this region.
