DIMAPUR, MAY 7 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has suggested that the government provide a stimulus to restructure the State’s economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A press release from the NPCC President, K Therie stated that the lockdown exit plan is vague and has no direction. He added that the State must plan for a self sufficient economy.
“In my assessment and perception, we have to prepare to live with the Corona Virus for times to come. Safety is important but there is no reason to fear so much as long as there is satisfaction in screening and treatment facilities,” he added.
He meanwhile said that the CM has ignored economic distress in his exit plan.
Therie stated that the exit plan needs to focus on the issue of developmental activities being brought to a grinding halt leading to unemployment.
“Sending away migrant workers will further paralyse development activities,” the NPCC president stated and asked the government to facilitate workers to continue in works instead of sending them away, if they wish to stay.
It further asked the government to consider the possibility of free education.
“Every family cannot afford online education. State Government may think of States own Satellite Channels or online learning facilities for meeting this emerging necessity. If the YouTube class can be tuned for all, with android tablets, the objective may be met, but nothing like having state’s own channel,” he said.
He further asked the government to increase grant in aid for private schools and reduce admission and tuition fees.
Another area, he stated, was health services and health insurance schemes for every citizen.
To provide stimulus to the economy, the NPCC president said that the political issue and the issue of multiple taxation must be resolved.
Other measures suggested included loans for local entrepreneurs, declaration of all areas under Town and Municipal Councils as cadastral areas, allocation of land for industries in the Industrial Zone, a plan to create 2 lakh jobs, facilitating agricultural growth and arranging marketing channels, training local workforce to replace migrant workforce, compensation for the hospitality sector, stimulating agriculture and farming, creating export markets, and reducing taxes, rent and utility bills.
