Zeliang pleads for 5-yr dispensation period of 100% central funding

EMN
DIMAPUR, JUNE 27

Chief Minister, TR Zeliang on Saturday appealed the chairman and the CEO of NITI Aayog Sub-Group of Chief Ministers to grant Nagaland a 5-year period of dispensation with 100% central funding. He argued that such an allowance for 5 years would place Nagaland in a position to provide the “state’s share” by mobilizing its own resources “resources particularly from oil and coal” with new policies framed.
A press statement from the CMO on Saturday stated that Zeliang had made this appeal in an interaction with the duo after the 4th meeting of NITI Aayog Sub-Group of Chief Ministers on rationalization of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) at New Delhi. The CM was accompanied by parliamentary secretaries, Er Levi Rengma and Dr Imtiwapang Aier, and Advisor to the Chief Minister, Lalthara.
Also during the meeting, the Chief Minister is reported to have shared the suggestion that the funding pattern of core Centrally Sponsored Schemes for Special Category States like Nagaland should be 100% centrally funded. “Schemes like NLCPR and NEC which are meant for NE States should be 100% funded by the Government of India as providing 10% of the project cost was extremely difficult for the States.
In addition to the funding of ongoing works under CSS, he said that funds for incomplete projects implemented under Block Grants for Special Category States should be provided,” the CMO statement read.
It stated that the CM had argued that withdrawing the Special Category States status “at this stage” would be a huge setback to the ongoing development initiatives and upset growth. “He urged the Sub-Group to strongly reflect on their recommendation – the memorandum submitted by Chief Ministers of eight NE States that the present Special Category State status be continued.”
The Chief Minister said that the draft report has, to a large extent, reflected the sentiments of the states including Nagaland and he congratulated all the participating states for their tireless efforts in bringing the Sub-Group to this stage, it stated.
“He said that the special needs of northeastern and hilly states must be taken into account while deciding the transparent criteria for inter-tate allocation of fund for CSS in addition to development needs, population and potential of the State.
“He further said that discontinuation of block grants such as NCA, SCA & SPA will be very difficult for the Special Category States as most of the states will be in deficit even after the 14th Finance Commission and that there will be no funds available to rescue state program and provide states’ share to CSS.”
Zeliang shared that the structure and funding pattern of CSS should be simple so as to ensure easier implementation, reduce red-tapism and better monitoring. He also appealed that the existing funding pattern should continue for all schemes for the year 2015-16 till the rationalization is complete.
“NITI Aayog Committee announced that they will be sending the final draft report to all the Chief Ministers by 5th July 2015 for final approval of Sub-group and then submit the recommendation to Prime Minister for final decision,” the statement said.