Kohima, March 28 (). Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday said that the state government will continue to keep the Naga political issue at the top of its agenda.
The chief minister, who also holds the finance portfolio, presented the first budget for the year 2023-2024 in the newly constituted assembly.
The signing of the Framework Agreement, the joint statement in Kolkata on October 18, 2022 and the agreement at the meeting at Chumoukedima in Kohima on January 14 are some of the landmarks, he said, adding that the Naga issue has been politicized by its unique history, culture and identity. , who have been successful.
Rio said that the state government aims to take Nagaland towards the state of excellence and citizens should strive to achieve excellence in their chosen fields and careers and to do so promote Brand Nagaland and Naga Soft Power. should be popularised.
On the demand for a separate state by the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation, he said the state government has already recommended to the Center the formation of an autonomous region for the people of the eastern region of the state.
The Chief Minister went on record to say that the developmental deficit and economic challenges of the eastern region of Nagaland needed to be seriously addressed, adding that the state government would stand for the unity of the Naga people at all costs.
Rio said that some new schemes and plans will be implemented in the financial year 2023-2024. This includes capacity building to promote indigenous products and entrepreneurs, scholarships and awards in the field of sports and games, capacity building and training for meat and dairy production.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Scheme, which seeks to provide affordable credit to entrepreneurs engaged in agriculture and allied sectors and micro enterprises.
The Chief Minister announced an annual development outlay of Rs 82,000 lakh for the year 2023-24, which shows an increase of Rs 4,500 lakh or 5.49 per cent over the current financial year.
He informed that out of this, an amount of Rs 25,000 lakh has been earmarked for equal shares of the State for programs of Central Sector Schemes to ensure release of funds by the Central Government.
A total outlay of Rs 5,426 lakh has been provided to agriculture and allied sector.
Rio mentioned that the revenue deficit grant will be reduced by Rs 910 crore over a period of 5 years from 2020-21 to 2025-26.
He also expressed grief over the huge loss caused to the power sector.
The amount to be spent on power purchase is estimated to reach Rs 580.89 crore by the end of the current financial year 2022-23, while the revenue may barely reach Rs 280 crore, said an official.
He said that a total loss of Rs 1,079.74 crore has been incurred in the power sector in the last four years.
SGK/ANM
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