Leader of the house and chief minister Neiphiu Rio emphasised on the need among people for a positive mindset in matters of development and to guard against regressing instead of progressing from advancement to backwardness as it was setting a wrong trend in society.
Rio said this while responding to BJP legislator Imkong L Imchen’s request to include Alongtaki constituency in the underdeveloped areas list, during the ongoing Assembly session.
Imchen, while supplementing NPP legislator
A. Nyamnyei Konyak starred question on budget allocation under Department of Underdeveloped Areas (DUDA), pointed out that although Alongtaki was initially listed as underdeveloped, it was later removed. Imchen highlighted the underdevelopment of Alongtaki constituency compared to others, noting its 32 recognized villages.
Rio stressed the need for an increase in the budget, acknowledging various reasons and financial constraints that prevented a substantial increase. He noted that efforts have been made over the years to gradually increase the budget allocation. Rio mentioned that some pockets, as demanded, have been included in the budget, but a review was necessary to determine which areas should transition from being backward to forward. He assured that all departments are making efforts to assist backward areas in their development.
Rio emphasized the importance of uplifting backward areas and stated that special emphasis would be given to help them progress. He expressed concern that adding more backward pockets into the Department of Under Developed Areas (DUDA) might dilute its focus. Rio highlighted that the current concentration is on the development of eastern Nagaland, and he suggested maintaining this focus to ensure effective progress in those areas.