Nagaland Finance Dept responds to ‘misappropriation’ allegations

June 1, 2021 33 Views No Comment

Kohima, June 1 (MExN): The Nagaland Finance Department on Monday furnished details of funds mobilised through pro-rata cuts and expenditure incurred on the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The attention of Finance Department is drawn to recent news articles allegations of misappropriation of funds in the name of the pandemic,” it said in a press release issued through the state DIPR.

As per the release, the total resources obtained during 2020-21 was Rs 50.28 crore, out of which Rs 36.64 crore was savings from 15% pro-rata cut and Rs 13.64 crore was revenue from the COVID cess on petroleum products.

In terms of expenditure incurred for COVID response during 2020-2021, a total of Rs 180.88 crore was spent on activities which included additional funds to the Department of Health and Family Welfare, expenditure of the of NSDMA, and purchase of food grains for distribution, among others. (See Table)

In the current financial year (2021-2022), savings from the 20% pro-rata cut amounted to Rs 47.69 crore, the release stated, while adding that, “The pro-rata cuts during 2021-22 have been effected to provide free vaccines to all, as decided by the State Cabinet.”

It further stated that out of the additional funds provided during 2021-22, a total expenditure of Rs 62.75 crore has been incurred (Rs 25.30 crore for COVID, Rs 30 crore for 176-bedded hospital at CIHSR), and Rs 7.45 crore for vaccine purchase. An additional Rs 1.81 crore was listed as ‘Expenditure from CM’s Relief Fund.’ The sum total of expenditure during 2021-22 was Rs 64.56 crore, it stated, while underscoring that the “Expenditure on COVID is still continuing.”

Additionally, the State Government has decided to use 25% of LADP funds to fight the pandemic during 2021-22. This will include the 15% Common Pool Fund and additional 10% from normal funds without touching the iconic projects, it said. These funds will be kept with the respective DPDB for fighting the pandemic in the respective districts.

Details of expenditure from the CM’s Relief Fund are available on the website and break-up of items of expenditure can be obtained from the concerned departments in case of necessity, it added.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/nagaland-finance-dept-responds-to-misappropriation-allegations