Dimapur, July 6 (EMN): The president of Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) K Therie has predicted hard times for Nagaland as a fallout of the Union Budget, which was presented on July 5.
In a press release issued on Saturday, Therie stated that the central share of taxes for states appears to have been reduced to 23%. “The 14th Finance Commission has increased states’ share in the union taxes revenue by 10% thereby giving a record 42%. However, the state appears to be in deep financial crisis while the people do not see funds percolate down to the districts.”
According to him, Nagaland’s 2019-20 budget was the first time when it was reduced (from INR 18,303 crore to INR 18,301 crore). “Normally there is step up of 15-25% and therefore, the budget was expected to be between INR 21,048 crore to INR 22,000 crore in view of increase in payment of salaries, increments, pensions, allowances, price escalation as per market and additional plan activities,” he said.
Therie went on to state that most people in Nagaland are “not serious” about the budget. “A large number of people still think the state budget or state exchequer belongs to the government and not to the public. Cuts or percentage deductions in project costs are considered normal.
“Whoever can cut more are appreciated as capable leaders. The masses are yet to understand the state exchequer consists of public tax. The masses do not know we are paying tax on every item we buy from the market. The masses are yet to understand government is by the people, for the people, of the people,” read the statement.
He also labelled the Union Budget of 2019-20 as “extortion budget.” He cited the question raised by Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram: “Had there ever been a budget speech that does not disclose the total revenue, total expenditure, fiscal deficit, revenue deficit, additional revenue mobilisation or financial concessions?”
It also did not disclose allocations to important programmes such as MGNERGA, Midday Meal Scheme, Health, Schedule Tribe and Schedule Caste, Women Welfare Programmes, Minorities etc., he said.
“It raises taxes on custom duties and petrol and diesel thereby heavily burdening citizens from all economic backgrounds. As transport charges hike, prices of all essential commodities will hike. The heat of the impact has already started today,” the statement read.
The budget, according to him, has nothing new except assurances to expand the current schemes.
