Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday tabled the Nagaland Budget 2023-24, calling it a ‘balanced budget’ with an accumulated deficit budget of Rs 1374.17 crore. The oppositionless house of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly discussed the budget on Tuesday where members were quick to hail the budget with a member even calling it “a perfect recipe to create excellence.”
Here is what members from various political parties had to say on the Budget:
NDPP
NDPP member and Advisor, Transport and Technical Education, Temjenmenba described budget 2023-2024 as a perfect recipe to create excellence and a vital instrument of the Government, stating that it emphasizes on overall sectors in line with the capacity building initiated by the Government. He appealed to all the departments to calibrate new ideas and revitalize and reverse the deficit trend in the state’s exchequer.
Another NDPP member Advisor, Z Nyusietho Nyuthe termed the budget ‘comprehensive and citizen-oriented’ and said that the budget gives equal importance to both the urban and rural population and appreciated the inclusion of youth empowerment.
NDPP member and Advisor, School Education and SCERT, Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome said that the budget is comprehensive with special stress on capacity building, youth centric initiatives and innovative while Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Village Guards, CL John appreciated the 2023-24 Budget and stated that it is a people’s budget which is transparent.
BJP
Meanwhile, BJP member and Advisor of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, A Pangjung Jamir appraised the house on budget utility for the maximum development of the State and to use it in a transparent manner.
BJP member and Minister for PHED and Coorporation, N Jacob Zhimomi called for a speedy conclusion on the Naga political issue and suggested that the Government of Nagaland being a responsible stakeholder should directly involve as a party to look into the working system to see how it is headed.
Stating that Agri and allied sectors being the mainstay and economy of Nagaland, he suggested that the average per capita income in the rural areas be checked and pushed so that they become self-reliant.
He also highlighted how huge losses have been incurred in the power revenue sector due to communitization policy in the rural areas and suggested that it should be checked by applying a rechargeable power meter. He also apprised the issue of poor services of the telecom service providers which the government needs to take up for better service.
NCP
NCP member and MLA, P Longon also said that Nagas now yearn for peace and development and suggested the need for an oppositionless government to bring mutual consensus on any issue(s) related to Indo-Naga Political issue.
Longon appreciated the budget 2023-2024 stating that it touched upon all fronts in a considerable manner though the State is a non-revenue generating state. He further appealed to all the stakeholders to judiciously utilize the funds and urged the government of the day to focus more on development of rural areas.
LJP (RV)
LJP (RV) member, MLA Naiba Konyak had the best thing to say about the Budget 2023-24. He called it the “best ever presented on the floor of the Assembly” and “ENPO friendly.”
Konyak thanked the leader of the house for considering the plight of the backward tribes and for placing ENPO’s demands under the Ministry of Home Affairs, GOI in line with the Naga Political Issue. He further hailed the budget for mentioning “Brand Nagaland” and “Naga Soft Power” as a means to strive for excellence.
He further suggested that the students of backward areas be allowed to go for coaching classes with financial assistance by the government as per the plans and schemes in the area of capacity building by the government.
He also appealed to the government to give more importance to the eastern area Jhum cultivators in 2023 since it is International Year of Millets and because Jhum cultivators in the eastern area grow millets on a large scale.
NPP
NPP MLA, Nyamnyei Konyak suggested that hydro projects should be set up in different districts so as to generate more power and revenue. Konyak also sought for early completion of the foothill road.
NPF
NPF member and MLA, Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu called the budget ‘pro-people’ and said that it was in common man’s interest and suggested a consultative meeting of all the 60 members.
Nienu also suggested that the nomenclature of Advisor be changed to Minister of State and further called to do away with ‘ism’ in order to do justice for all sections of the people.
Regarding oil exploration in Nagaland, he opined that the present agreement is not conducive for the State and asked the Government of Nagaland to therefore sit with the Government of Assam and work out the disputed areas so that the revenues come to Nagaland and make the State Government a larger stakeholder and generate revenue.
NPF member and MLA, Achumbemo Kikon while thanking the Chief Minister & Leader of the House, Neiphiu Rio for the formation of an opposition-less government stated that the present allocation of LADP is not sufficient to bring any kind of development in the constituency. He therefore, appealed to the government to enhance the amount from the present allocation of 1.5 cr to 3 cr rupees.
He further suggested the formation of “Installation & Introduction of Sub-Divisional Planning & Development Board ” under Bhandari Sub-Division stating that Bhandari has been an Inspection Bungalow since 1957.
He also urged the government and the department concerned to look into the matter of ‘Human & Animals Conflict’ in Bhandari Sub-Division where elephants damage properties and cultivation including human lives.
On oil exploration and extraction, he requested the government to find out the best possible ways to benefit the people with proper understanding of the land owners and locals of those particular areas. On liquor prohibition, he suggested organizing a healthy debate on all aspects along with the churches, women, students etc and find out the best possible solution.