NPF urges Finance Commission to address Nagaland’s infra gap

DIMAPUR — The Naga People’s Front (NPF) has submitted a memorandum to the Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, who is in Nagaland, emphasising the urgent need for a sufficient allocation of funds for the state in the upcoming five-year financial cycle.

Signed by Apong Pongener, president, and Achumbemo Kikon, secretary general, it urged the Commission to prioritise funding for areas of concern, such as road transport, power, and health, among others.

In the memorandum, the party implored the Commission to allocate adequate funds to ensure the construction of new roads and the upgrading of existing roads, including bridges. It noted that many villages, particularly in rural areas, are yet to be connected with all-weather roads due to a lack of funds, even after 60 years of statehood.

Stating that staff quarters and office buildings at the state capital, district headquarters, and sub-divisional headquarters, constructed in the early sixties and seventies, are now in a dilapidated condition and need to be replaced and reconstructed, it urged prioritising funding for infrastructure projects and essential public facilities.

Concerning agriculture and the allied sector, the party sought funds to enhance agricultural productivity through modern techniques, irrigation facilities, and support for allied sectors such as livestock, fisheries, and agro-processing. Citing traditional methods of cultivation as major contributors to climate change, it mentioned that more funding is required for the modernisation of farming and cultivation.

It also appealed for investments in primary, higher, and technical education to build a skilled workforce capable of contributing to the state’s development and sought greater emphasis on building sports infrastructure for the youth.

Regarding the power and health sectors, the NPF urged funding for projects aimed at expanding and modernising power infrastructure and supporting the enhancement of healthcare facilities, improving access to medical services, and investing in public health initiatives.

“We believe that with focused investment in these areas, particularly in surface road transport and infrastructure development, Nagaland can achieve significant progress and uplift the living standards of its people,” it read, adding that the party looks forward to the Commission positively addressing its concerns with all seriousness.