Addressing the 72nd Plenary session of the NEC Governing Council at Agartala on 21st December 2024, The Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, said that NEC has been functioning as a statutory Regional Planning body since 1971. Taking the opportunity, The Chief Minister said he puts on record the good, the pioneering work done by NEC for development of the region.
Chief Minister said that it is now almost 50 years since NEC was set up but the region still has a huge development deficit when compared to the developed States in the mainland. The North Eastern Council, which has been set up with a special purpose due to special needs, deserves more resources at its disposal. However, over the years, the functional autonomy of NEC intended by Parliament has been significantly diluted and the role of NEC is becoming insignificant.
Chief Minister further said that during the previous Plenaries, he has raised concerns at the diminishing role of NEC, and the need for enhancing fund allocation for the NEC. Therefore he requested the Chairman, NEC to consider providing more budget allocation for NEC and also increase delegation of powers to sanction projects so that the regional aspirations of the States are fulfilled by the Council.
Chief Minister further expressed gratitude to the Government of India for initiatives undertaken for the North Eastern States under the schemes of PM DevINE and NESIDS (ROADS). While appreciating these efforts, the Chief Minister called for the attention of this august House by saying that the financial outlay for the State of Nagaland under PM DeVINE from the period 2022-23 to 2025-26 is only Rs. 561 crore, and under NESIDS ROADS, the allocation is ₹276.69 crore for the same period. These allocations, while helpful, are insufficient for undertaking major infrastructural developmental projects. He urged the Minister to consider enhancing the budgetary allocation for PM DevINE and NESIDS (ROADS) so that the state can undertake impactful projects that truly address the regional aspirations of the people and foster inclusive development.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the issue of delays in the approval and clearance of projects by NITI Aayog and Line Ministries, as these delays impede the timely implementation of schemes and projects, causing frustration among stakeholders and slowing the progress of developmental initiatives. He urged the Minister to consider a time schedule, asking the States for the priority list by December/January and submission of the State Priority List to Ministry of DoNER/NEC by April/May, so that the approval may be accorded by the Ministry in June/July. This will enable the implementing departments to initiate the tendering process by August/September and the work order can be issued in October. The works can be started by November and could be completed before onset of monsoon.
The Chief Minister further said that due to limited resource base, the state government are unable to undertake capital projects and important infrastructures, the government have submitted important projects such as Construction of Airport at Ciethu, Kohima, the only capital in the country without airport, Foot Hill Road to boost urbanization and industrialization in the State, Completion of the Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex at Dimapur to promote Sports in the State, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) to serve as a prestigious National institute for enhancing youth exchanges and fostering greater integration between Nagaland and the rest of the country. The Chief Minister requested DoNER Ministry/NEC to support and own the projects submitted by the State and coordinate with concerned agencies for approval of these projects, which will help to accelerate the pace of economic development and address our infrastructure needs.
The Chief Minister thanked the Chairman, NEC for giving the opportunity to share views on the regional development and progress, and he requested to consider extending the opportunity for hosting the North Eastern Council (NEC) Plenary to each of the Northeastern States on a rotational basis. Such an approach would enable all states in the region to actively participate in and contribute to the planning and decision-making process, fostering a sense of inclusivity and shared responsibility in regional development initiatives.
He also mentioned the state is peaceful and has successfully conducted the 25th edition of hornbill festival 2024.
(Avika Awomi IA)