NPF questions Nagaland for increasing pro rata cut from non plan fund

DIMAPUR: The Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Wednesday said that the Nagaland government has increased pro rata cut from the non-plan fund for the fiscal 2021-2022 to 20 per cent in the name of Covid-19 expenses despite the Central Government allocating a number of funds.

In a office memorandum on May 6, the state government announced the decision to curb down 20 per cent non-development expenditure from government departments in order to mobilize funds for fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NPF further said that the government has not only shown any of its collections and expenses of the 2020-2021 state budget and also it was not disclosed as to how the 15 per cent pro rata cut from non-plan collections in 2020-21was spent.

The 20 per cent pro rata cut from non-plan for the year 2021-22 also remained a secret, added the party.

The party further said that no developmental activities have been seen from out of the plan fund in the State after exhaustion of the non-plan fund from the pro rata cut.

The health centres in the district headquarters or in the sub-divisions in the rural areas have no allocations in the name of Covid-19, the party alleged.

The NPF alleged that the health centres in the district headquarters or in the sub-divisions in the rural areas have no allocations in the name of Covid-19.

NPF further went on to say that there was no proper fund allocation to be given to management authority as they are considered the main ground level workers.

There was no proper fund allocation for various management authorities, in spite of the setting up of district disaster management authority in several districts, the party stated.

The party further asked the government to ensure that due recognition and allowance is given to village councils/town ward councils/municipal councils and various other civil societies and NGOs including frontline workers.

Urging the government to be sincere and efficient enough during these challenging times, NPF said that government should not take any advantage of the pandemic for its personal benefit.