Chief Minister and Minister-in-Charge, Finance, Neiphiu Rio delivered the budget speech for 2024-25 on the second day of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA).
Appreciating the people of 43 Tapi Assembly Constituency for electing Wanpang Konyak to represent the said constituency in the Assembly, Rio also stated that the issues relating to the people of Eastern Nagaland continue to be of paramount importance to the Government. This part of the State continues to lag behind in infrastructure and socio-economic development, noted Rio, and further informed that an amount of Rs. 180 crore has been sanctioned under PM DevINE for the areas of Eastern Nagaland.
“The state government will continue to remain committed to work together, and with the Central Government for suitably redressing the grievances of the Eastern Nagaland people and ensure that the shared history and common future will not be fractured in any manner,” stated Rio. On the decision of the Government of India to suspend the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the international border with Myanmar, the Chief Minister expressed concern at the rift it will create in the harmonious social life. The issue needs comprehensive consultation, said Rio mentioning that the matter will be raised with the Government of India for reconsideration of its decision, and for continuance of FMR.
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Speaking on the unresolved Naga political issue, the Chief Minister stated that the State Government has been playing the role of an active facilitator in the peace talks. “The NLA has passed a number of resolutions and had held broad-based consultative meetings with CSOs and stakeholders on several occasions, yet a conclusive outcome continues to elude everyone,” rued Rio. Stating that the younger generation deserves a secure future, Rio called 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.
Further, DUDA has been provided Rs. 2,400 lakhs for iconic projects, core activities and grants-in-aid. Under the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY) the department has distributed machineries and tools for processing, packaging and branding of locally available products to promote the spirit of entrepreneurship among the farming communities in the Eastern Nagaland Areas. The Department is also undertaking construction of the ‘Konyak Heritage Complex’ at Mon.
