Nagaland's revenue expenditure jumps 10.51%—CAG report

KOHIMA — In Nagaland, the revenue expenditure was INR 14,819.70 crore during 2023-24, which shows an increase of INR 1,409.34 crore (10.51%) over the previous year (IN13,410.36 crore), as per the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on State Finances for the year 2023-24.

The data provided in CAG indicated that the increase in revenue expenditure was mainly due to increase in interest payment, pension and other retirement benefits, general education, housing, social security and welfare, special programme for rural development, crops husbandry.

As per the report, the increase in four major heads of accounts is primarily attributed to a significant surge in housing, with a notable rise of INR 311.04 crore in rural areas. However, this growth was slightly tempered by a minor decrease of INR 0.06 crore in general pool accommodation, resulting in a net increase of INR 310.98 crore under the housing sector.

It also stated that the INR 282.76 crore increase in pension and retirement benefits is primarily attributed to a surge in superannuation and retirement allowances (INR 410.73 crore), government contributions to the defined contribution pension scheme (INR 204.77 crore), and payment of services charges to National Securities Depository Limited (INR 6.83 crore).

Also read: Nagaland: CAG flags expenditure of INR 22.13 crore without budget provision

However, this growth was partially offset by declines in commuted pension value (INR 150.48 crore), family pension (INR 126.10 crore), and gratuities (INR 60.64 crore).

Another reason for the increase of INR 151.30 crore in social security and welfare was mainly due to increase of INR 136.64 crore in child welfare and INR 5.68 crore in women welfare.

Additionally, the report stated that increase of INR 127.68 crore under special provision program for rural development was mainly due to increase of INR 121.89 crore in National Rural Livelihood Mission and INR 5.79 crore in National Wasteland Development Programme.

Further, the expenditure on salaries and wages increased by 8.95% to INR 6,702.79 crore in 2023-24, up from INR 6,152.31 crore in the previous year.

This significant rise made salaries and wages the largest component of committed expenditure, accounting for 45.23% of revenue expenditure.

Notably, the actual expenditure was lower than the projected INR 7,186.90 crore in the Budget Estimates (BEs).