NPCC suggests obtaining loan to revive Nagaland’s economy

Dimapur, June 25 (EMN): Expressing concern on the spiralling unemployment problems in the state, coupled with the magnitude of returnees, president of Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC), K Therie, has suggested obtaining loans from banks and other financial institutions to revive the economy.

Therie stated that the state government was ‘running out of ideas’ to create new job opportunities and would ‘rather complain against their own actions’ for which more than 70% of the budget is used for payment of salaries.

“What they have been doing is to wait for the release of funds from the centre to disburse, convert and divert MGNREGA funds and indulge in corruption,” Therie alleged. He went on to state that instead of paying 100 days’ wages, they pay for only few days, sometimes even below ten days in a year, while the remaining ‘disappears.’

“Tribal Affairs Ministry funds released under Art 275(1) have also mysteriously disappeared. CAG report calls these as unverifiable projects.

Loans for development are taken and shared like the High Court Complex, Indoor Stadium Dimapur and so many more. Because of 17 years misrule, the educated unemployed youth have had to venture outside the state while many have joined NNPG factions to collect taxes,” it stated.

Stating that talks have concluded taking all the factions on board on October 30, 2019, Therie alleged that the state government, instead of demanding implementation of solution, is ‘playing delay tactics’ by demanding “inclusive solution” of all factions.

Urging for the implementation of the solution without any further delay, Therie stated that the unemployed cannot have ‘hope to get opportunity from the government of the day in such a situation.’ He has attributed the delay in implementation of solution as a major cause that is also blocking investment and creation of jobs in Nagaland.

On the other hand, he has accused the government of sealing the opportunity of obtaining loans through property mortgaging by denying application of the SARFAESI Act.

Referring to the INR 20 lakh crore announcement made by the prime minister to boost the economy, Therie felt that INR 1000 crore would be sufficient to revive the state economy. Besides, he added that banks and other financial institutions are ready and awaiting applications for collateral free loans.

Therie has further sought change of attitude towards the economy and become self reliant. As agriculture, being the mainstay for Nagaland, he has further suggested surplus production in both agricultural as well as veterinary and animal husbandry for a self-reliant society.