Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who is also the Finance Minister, on Tuesday presented the State Budget 2024-25 with an accumulated deficit of Rs 905.78 crore.
Presenting the Budget on the floor of the House, Rio said for the Financial Year 2024-25, the estimated gross receipt stands at Rs 23978.05 crore, while the gross expenditure stands at Rs 23727.88 crore. The current transactions will close at a negative balance of Rs 19.83 crore, said the Chief Minister
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He pointed out that due to improvement in receipts, the closing accumulated deficit has reduced from the estimated closing amount of Rs 1374.17 crore in the Budget Estimates to Rs 885.95 crore in the Revised Estimates.
Eastern Nagaland
Stating that issues relating to the people of Eastern Nagaland continues to be of paramount importance to the Government, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio admitted that for many reasons, the Eastern Region continues to lag behind in the critical areas of infrastructure and socio economic development.
The Government taking note of it, an amount of Rs 180 crore has been sanctioned under PM DevINE for the areas of Eastern Nagaland, said CM Rio and exuded confident that this substantial investment will aid in the developmental efforts in the Eastern Districts.
Asserting that the State government understands the reasons of the demand placed by the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization before the Central Government, Rio said that it remains committed to work together, and with the Central Government for suitably redressing the grievances of Eastern people. He also reminded everyone for ensuring that our shared history, brotherhood and our common future are not fractured in any manner.
Free Movement Regime (FMR)
Raising concerns at the decision of the Government of India to suspend the FMR along the international border with Myanmar, Rio pointed out that the issue needs comprehensive consultations, and raising of the matter with the GoI for reconsideration of its decision, and for continuance of FMR.
Honourable, acceptable and inclusive solution to Naga issue
On matters pertaining to Indo Naga Political issue, the Chief Minister maintained that despite signing of the Framework Agreement and Agreed Position which had raised hopes of lasting peace, and to have a peace accord soon, the Naga political issue remains unresolved.
He further called upon everyone to make all possible efforts to resolve the Naga political issue so that “our children can realise their full potential”.
“I, therefore, call upon all the parties involved, the Government of India and the Naga Political groups, to arrive at a solution that is honourable, acceptable and inclusive at the earliest,” added CM Rio.
