Kohima — Participating in the general discussion on the budget presented by the chief minister during the first session of 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) on March 28, NPF legislator Achumbemo Kikon has emphasised on the need to have check and balance in the governance for improvement of the system despite letter of support submitted by other political parties stating that the people of the state expects a lot from the government.
He stated that the present allocation of the Local Area Development Programme (LADP) is too less and that it becomes a pocket money for the elected members.
Kikon wondered how could they meet the need of people particularly places like Bhandari AC, the second highest number of polling station having about 83 polling stations and 80 villages with such a meagre fund.
Apprising that many northeastern states are getting proper fund according to their requirements, he asked the government to increase LADP fund from the present allocation of INR 1.5 crore to INR 3 crore.
He also drew the attention of the chief minister and deputy chief minister of Planning and Transformation for creation of sub-divisional planning and development board in Bhandari considering its history, size of the population and geographical condition.
Considering the official declaration of opposition-less government, he expressed hope that all would work together on issues that concerns their people. In this regard, he has suggested introducing a separate resolution in the next assembly for the integration of Naga areas.
Taking into considering on COVID-19 situation which hampered the aspiring youngsters from getting opportunity to write for NSSB exams, the legislator asked the government to increase the average age of such youth from existing 35 to 40 to enable them write such competitive exams.
Kikon also suggested the chief minister to lead a delegation from the entire northeastern states to apprise the central government on formulating provision so that the advisors could execute independently of various states or central sponsored schemes.
He requested the government to re-establish the government fish farm in Mekokla village under Wokha district, which was abandoned for many years despite the villagers donating a large portion of their land for the project.
He also reminded the Forest department to look into the issue of human-animal conflict in some villages of Wokha district where wild elephants are posing threat to life and property because of which farmers are unable to cultivate.
He also appealed to the Department of Under Developed Areas (DUDA) to look into the issues of places categorised as backward areas which are getting meagre fund as they proceed with new schemes and projects.
Mentioning how high courts in neighbouring states are functioning without any interruption, he urged the government to expedite the construction of the state high court building in Kohima, which is taking long time so that they don't pump in money unnecessarily. In the meantime, he appealed to the government to focus first on unfinished projects instead of focusing on new projects.
He also advised the state government to consider benefiting the local people while signing any MoU with government of other states concerning exploration and extraction of oil in disputed area belt.
Kikon further suggested organising debates on the burning issue of liquor prohibition in the state with bureaucrats, churches, women groups and students among others for a positive outcome.