On the third day of the ongoing fourth session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), the ministers in-charge of various departments responded to several starred question raised by members of the house.
DUDA fund allocation: Replying to a starred question raised by NPP legislator A. Nyamnyei Konyak regarding the budget allocation under Department of Underdeveloped Areas (DUDA), minister CL John, while providing details, stated that the previous budget allocation was Rs. 21 crore. Later, an additional Rs. 2 crore was added. However, this year, based on the department’s proposal, an additional Rs. 1 crore was included, bringing the total allocation to Rs. 24 crore.
Regarding the status of BADP (Border Area Development Programme), CL John mentioned that currently, there was no specific information available. However, discussions between the Ministry and concerned Department were planned to be conducted.
Dikhu Project: Replying to a starred question raised NPP Legislator Nuklutoshi about the status of the Dikhu hydro project power minister, KG Kenye, while providing detailed information on the status, mentioned that extensive surveys conducted from 2004-05 to 2008-09 identified the Dikhu River as having a high potential of generating 100 Mega watts of power. Subsequently, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) was prepared in 2009, leading to the signing of an MOU with Manu Energy Corporation Pvt Ltd for a proposed investment of Rs. 1905.50 crore.
However, despite initial progress, the project faced hurdles due to objections from local communities, particularly from Nyang and Kangching villages in Longleng district. Concerns were raised about potential submergence of homes and fields due to the hydro power dam. Despite efforts by the Power department and engagement with the Phom Peoples’ Council (PPC) to address these concerns, access to the site for discussions was denied.
The minister emphasized the urgency of commencing the project by May 2025 and highlighted its potential benefits, including job creation, infrastructure development, and contributions to the local community through CSR initiatives. With a capacity of 186MW, the project could meet the state’s entire power demand, thereby saving annual power expenses. In case the project does not proceed as planned, Kenye said that the government intended to explore other potential areas for hydro power generation, including the upper Dikhu region, where a survey for 50-80 MW was conducted recently.
NPP legislator Nuklutoshi expressed concern about development opportunities among others being hindered due to landowners’ rights etc. vis-à-vis Article 371(A). In this regard, Nuklutoshi proposed the enactment of a house resolution to address concerns related to Article 371(A).
In response, chief minister Neiphiu Rio reiterated that the land issue remained as the primary obstacle to development in Nagaland. He, however, clarified that Article 371(A) was intended for protection rather than a hindrance to progress. Rio urged for a pragmatic approach, suggesting that tribal hohos should be overlooked if they seek to obstruct developmental activities initiated by individuals or villages. He emphasized the importance of local handling in such matters.
Rio also highlighted that discussions with advisors and ministers were conducted regarding the proposed Dikhu project, and progress would proceed only if the local communities agreed. He asserted that the government has the right to initiate developmental activities and emphasized the need to start surveys from April in the next financial year, with funds provided, including through loans, for willing landowners upstream.
CSS funding: Replying to NPF legislator Kuzholuzo Neinu query about Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), chief minister Neiphiu Rio highlighted the importance of CSS funds and the penalties for defaults. Rio highlighted that numerous programs fall under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), with multiple departments receiving funding for various initiatives. He emphasized the critical importance of receiving funds from CSS, which amount to thousands of crores, in driving forward developmental projects across the state.
Rio underscored the significance of avoiding defaults on these funds, noting that it is a significant concern. He clarified that the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) operates as a central agency across all departments, with each department tasked with managing its funds efficiently. This system ensures accountability and transparency in the utilization of CSS funds, thereby facilitating effective implementation of developmental programs and initiatives. He further explained that at present, the Finance department proactively initiates fund placement without waiting for department proposals. Funds are allocated for specific periods under the Special Plan Assistant scheme, with 50% of the allocated funds released half-yearly. However, failure to meet targets may result in the withholding of the second installment. Conversely, bonuses are possible upon the achievement of targets.
He also highlighted the uncertainty surrounding this year’s default, which raises concerns about receiving bonuses. This underscores the importance of meeting targets and utilizing allocated funds efficiently to ensure the continued flow of financial support and incentives for developmental activities. Rio stressed on the need for timely utilization of funds, noting some departments’ delays in paperwork and work orders. He urged efficiency in departmental actions and assured monitoring of CSS functioning.
EE Tobu office construction: In response to queries by NPP legislator Nyamnyei Konyak about the construction of the EE division office at Tobu, Roads and Bridges minister Kaito Aye, elucidated the delays attributed to procedural formalities. He outlined that the proposal, originally initiated by local MLA Naiba Konyak, was pending completion of necessary formalities, including the submission of a detailed report. Aye acknowledged the challenges posed by Tobu’s remote location and discussed potential adjustments in divisional setups to address these challenges effectively.
Furthermore, Aye emphasized the importance of collaboration among elected members to collectively address issues and ensure the successful realization of developmental projects like the construction of the EE Division office at Tobu. This collaborative approach, he suggested, would enable efficient problem-solving and facilitate progress in meeting the developmental needs of the region.