Nagaland: Rio calls for enhanced NEC funding and project approval reforms

December 23, 2024 2 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Kohima | December 23

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has urged the Government of India and the North Eastern Council (NEC) to bolster its funding and restore its functional autonomy to meet the developmental aspirations of the region.

Highlighting the NEC’s pivotal role as a statutory regional planning body since 1971 during the 72nd NEC Plenary in Agartala on December 21, he emphasised the persistent developmental deficits in the region compared to mainland states.

The Chief Minister reiterated his concerns over the diminishing role of the NEC due to limited resources and reduced autonomy. He requested the NEC Chairman to significantly increase the Council’s budget allocation and delegation of powers to sanction projects, saying that this would better align its role with the regional aspirations of its member states.

“The North Eastern Council, which has been set up with a special purpose due to special needs, deserves more resources at its disposal. However, over the years, the functional autonomy of NEC intended by Parliament has been significantly diluted, and the role of NEC is becoming insignificant,” he remarked.

Rio also called for an enhancement of budgetary allocations under key schemes such as PM-DevINE and NESIDS (ROADS). He pointed out that Nagaland’s allocation under PM-DevINE from 2022-23 to 2025-26 is only Rs 561 crore, while NESIDS (ROADS) is allotted Rs 276.69 crore for the same period—insufficient for undertaking transformative infrastructural projects.

Meanwhile, Rio underscored delays in project approvals by NITI Aayog and Line Ministries as a major impediment to timely implementation. To address this, he proposed a clear schedule starting with the submission of priority lists by December/January by the States. Ministries should finalise approvals by June/July, enabling tendering by August/September, and work orders should be issued by October, ensuring project initiation before the monsoon, he contended. Such measures, Rio added, would streamline implementation and enhance developmental progress.

The Chief Minister highlighted critical infrastructure projects that require urgent approval and funding support, including Ciethu Airport in Kohima, noting that Nagaland remains the only state capital in India without an airport.

He also highlighted Foothill Road, aimed at boosting urbanisation and industrialisation, as well as the Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex in Dimapur and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER).

To this end, CM Rio urged the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and NEC to prioritise these projects and coordinate with relevant agencies for approval to accelerate the state’s economic development. He also suggested that the NEC Plenary sessions be hosted on a rotational basis by all North-Eastern states, fostering inclusivity and shared responsibility in regional planning and decision-making.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Government of India for initiatives under PM-DevINE and NESIDS. He also highlighted the peaceful conduct of the 25th Hornbill Festival in 2024 as a testament to the state’s stability, stated a DIPR report.