NPFLP seeks enquiry into government’s spending

Kohima, June 2 (MExN): Following the State Finance department’s statement on funds mobilized through pro-rata cuts and expenses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, the NPF Legislature Party (NPFLP) was quick to respond with more questions.

Terming the Finance Department’s clarification as “nothing but a hasty document aimed to confuse people;” the NPFLP observed that “receipts have been mixed up with expenditure, while receipts in most cases have not been mentioned.”

It demanded immediate enquiry into the government’s financial management during the pandemic.

Affirming its role as “a constructive Opposition to the Government,” the NPFLP Spokesperson Imkong L Imchen, in a statement today asked how additional funds of Rs 71.18 crore provided to the department of Health and Family Welfare are being streamlined to District Hospitals, CHCs, PHCs and Sub-Centres.

The NPFLP questioned how much of the Rs 61.60 crore allotted as Expenditure of the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority for COVID activities has been allocated to all the respective DDMAs and on what basis.

Meanwhile, the NPFLP enquired how and why Rs 30 crore was granted to CIHSR, a private hospital, when “the State’s finances are stretched as per the Chief Minister’s own statement.”

It sought to know whether existing structures are being utilised or new structures are being erected. “What is the cost per unit/bed? Who are the contractors? Whether any open tender was floated and if yes, what are the terms?” it questioned. It also asked whether the State government is going to provide free treatment to COVID-19 patients in CIHSR.

“In the arbitrary LADP deduction of 25% which includes 15% from Common Pool Fund and another 10% from the normal, when and where was this decision taken by the State Government as claimed?” it added and demanded for details of such decision to be revealed.

The State Government had given deadline for preparation of LADP schemes for which all the MLAs have submitted the schemes to their respective DPDBs which have already been approved and forwarded to the State Planning Board for final approval, the NPFLP stated. If a new guideline is being issued for use of 25% of LADP funds by the State government to fight the pandemic, will the schemes already submitted be rejected or re-cast, it questioned.

It noted that as per the new guidelines, the remaining Rs 50 lakh are to be utilised towards strengthening of health infrastructure and questioned the move, when “crores of rupees under additional fund have been allotted to the Department of Health and Family Welfare during 2020-21 as per Finance Department clarification.”

It further probed how much of the Rs 3.60 crore incurred for purchase of foodgrains has been distributed. Seeking details of the same for 2021-22, the NPFLP asked what steps have been taken during to provide relief measures to underprivileged sections of society during the lockdown period and what relief materials/assistance have been provided to the Village/Colony Councils.

It sought details on how the BSL labs in Dimapur and Kohima, Oxygen Plants in Dimapur, Kohima and Mokokchung etc have been set up and under which funds. “Is the fund for these infrastructure facilities included under Finance Department clarification or not?” it added.

The Party further noted that while savings from 20% pro-rata cut is shown as Rs 47.69 crore and additional funds provided during 2021-22 is Rs 62.75 crore, an amount of only Rs 7.45 crore is indicated for vaccine purchase.

It asked why the State government is spending more on other activities instead of procurement of COVID-19 vaccines when emerging data is showing that most of the fatalities are from amongst unvaccinated persons.

While savings from 15% pro-rata cut during 2020-21 amounting to Rs 36.64 crore and 20% during 2021-2022 amounting to Rs 47.69 crore has been shown, it enquired what was the total amount realised before expenditure was incurred and savings made.

It further questioned why funds received from Central Government for COVID (Rs 22.26 crore) and Funds received from NEC for COVID (Rs 3 crore) have been mixed up under expenditure statement.

The NPFLP demanded that a detailed White Paper on all the funds received and expenditures incurred thereof from 2020-21 to 2021-2022 along with all relevant methodology of grants, processes of procurement, disbursement criteria etc be published. “An Inquiry Committee comprising of members from all political parties should be set up immediately,” it added.

Further it asked the State government to define its policy on the matter of resultant vacancies from deaths, retirements and appointments thereof given the fact that all appointments are banned.

“How does the State government plan to fill up these vacancies in all departments? Whether any appointments are being made in any Departments other than H&FW and if yes, on what grounds?” it questioned. It further asked whether any relaxation will be given to aspiring candidates “who are becoming overaged…”

Source: https://morungexpress.com/npflp-seeks-enquiry-into-governments-spending