Our Correspondent
Kohima, Feb. 14 (EMN): Leader of Opposition, TR Zeliang accused the ruling government of indulging in foul play by preventing the discussion on Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 (Sarfaesi Act) in Assembly despite being listed by the Business Advisory Committee (BAC).
In a media briefing at his office chamber, Zeliang stated that if the government thought the Act infringes upon Article 371 (A), and is not applicable in the state, the matter should have been referred to the Select Committee, which is the statutory body of the NLA.
It may be mentioned that on February 13, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, under rule 55 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in NLA, barred it from discussion through a notice that superseded Rule 50.
Zeliang said, “Notice admitted for discussion under Rule-50 cannot be rejected by referring to Rule-55. The two rules, prescribed under two different chapters, deals with two different subject matter under Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in NLA adopted by the Assembly on August 17, 1964.”
He also stated that even after a lapse of 17 years of passing the Act, nothing had happened in Nagaland.
The leader of the opposition also stated that banks in the state have stopped financing loans against business and education loans to students because of apprehensions arising out of a letter dated July 19, 2019 that was written by the deputy secretary, department of Law and Justice addressed to the department of Finance.
He said that the apprehension had adversely affected the contractors since mortgage of immovable properties were done only outside the state. He maintained that it had left the contractors with no other option but to go for private moneylenders.
Zeliang also asserted that many contractors and students can no longer avail loans and are ‘silently suffering’. He stated that banks and financial institutions could not survive without giving loans as they depend on bank loan interests.
Zeliang stated that “we talk about unemployed youth taking up entrepreneurship for self-employment. However, in reality, the gates for funding have been closed for them,” adding that, “in such a situation, can Nagaland move forward?”
Zeliang further maintained that for the past nine months, the government remained silent and the state’s economy has been greatly affected, especially the businesses.
NPF legislator Chotisuh Sazo said he had attended the BAC on behalf of Zeliang, along with Amenba Yaden and Imtiwapang Aier, giving notice to the Speaker-in-charge for asking time to spare a day or half on the Sarfaesi Act 2002 and CAB/CAA 2016/2019, on January 28.
Sazo said that the BAC had admitted the same for discussion and was published on January 29. However, the secretary of NLA intimated them about the ‘non-admittance of a notice on February 11, as a provisional schedule of business for discussion was to be held (tentatively) from February 13’.
Senior NPF legislator, L Imkong Imchen also expressed displeasure at the same and maintained that the ‘Assembly is the house of liberty’. He said that the opposition was the ‘legal entity of the House, with every right to question relevant matters pertaining to the interest of the people so that it will be properly addressed’.
Imchen also stated that in the given situation, the constitutional mandate was not maintained and added that the Sarfaesi Act 2002 is a relevant issue to be discussed in the House under the rules and procedure of the house.
