Nagaland Chief Minister stresses on reforms to reduce ‘recurring’ government expenditure

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Feb. 19 (EMN): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, in his concluding remarks on the discussion of the budget presentation for 2021-22, said that the discussions on various topics including Naga political issue during the Assembly session were “positive and fruitful”.

The House discussed on the need to bring about reforms in various sectors and a four-point resolution was passed on the Naga political issue during the five-day 7th session of the 13 NLA, which concluded on Friday.

‘Suggestions and constructive criticisms put up by the members of the opposition bench have been taken note of,’ Rio said, while acknowledging their participation. 

‘This time, the budget presentation was a little different,’ Rio said, adding that the top priorities were agri and allied, healthcare and education sectors.

‘Through the budget, the government has laid a roadmap for the state to break from the past. As a government, we would try to do justice to all concerned,’ he stated.

The chief minister emphasised on the need to bring reforms in the Power, Transport, Water and Mining sectors in order to reduce recurring expenditure of the government.

‘The time has come to curtail government expenditure and give more importance to revenue generation so that resources are available for development,’ he said.

The House also discussed specifically dedicated to the political issue on February 16, in which the House unanimously could adopt a four-point resolution. The resolution, which was drafted by members from across political affiliations, has shown “our unity” and has sent out the “right message to our people and all section of the people who are concerned about this issue”, he stated.

It reflected the “aspirations and desire” of the Naga people, he maintained and urged all the stakeholders to strive for unity and oneness. 

Backing the budget speech, Advisor of NRE, IT, Science and Technology, Mmhonlumo Kikon, said that the PDA-led government has shown “true leadership” and responded to the time- the Covid-19 pandemic. The government of the day has done its best, prioritising the safety of the people during the pandemic.

Advisor SCERT, IPR & VGs, Toshi Wungtung, said that the PDA-led government has sailed well in the Covid-19 pandemic. This government is not hiding under the shadow of the pandemic but “very serious” about providing better future to the people of the state. The budget speech is a well-balanced and promising for the future of the people, he added.