Dimapur, July 15 (MExN): Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Khekiho Zhimomi has sought a special economic package of Rs. 1, 000 Crore for Nagaland considering that no economic proposal has been made for the NE region “particularly Nagaland.” Zhimomi wasn’t too elated that the Northeast region, “particularly Nagaland,” found no mention in any “special programme worth the name” in the proposals of the Center’s current budget.
“…I’m afraid no special programme worth the name finds mention in the current budget proposals aimed at improving the regional economic imbalances in the north eastern region, particularly for the state of Nagaland where I belong,” Zhimomi told the parliament today.
Rooting for funds to Nagaland, Zhimomi said the annual plan of Rs. 1500 Crore for the state is too meager and insufficient to “meet the economic challenges of the region.” The amount is ‘too little’ considering the enormity of the agricultural, economic and other developmental needs of the state, he explained. It is for this reason that Nagaland is left with no option but to depend on whatever funds are available under the state’s plan, he said. He appealed to the the prime minister and Finance minister to be “a little more sympathetic.”
“In view of this, my sincere appeal to the honorable prime minister and honorable Finance Minister is that a special economic package of Rs. 1, 000 Crore may kindly be considered for the economic (uplift) of the people of Nagaland,” Zhimomi appealed to the centre. In a lighter vein, Zhimomi referred to the DoNER as “Done Never” ministry for its failing to show anything “at the ground level” although schemes and projects are announced every year with much hype.
Zhimomi has appealed to the prime minister, Finance minister and the Planning Commission to “support my request” for a greater financial assistance for Nagaland to meet “developmental needs.” He referred to the Sixth Pay Commission as an instance why additional financial assistance is required.
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