Mokokchung, August 1 : Minister of Road and Bridges Y Vikheho Swu on Monday said, the state government is facing a financial difficulty as central government has revoked the special category status (Welfare states) which Nagaland was previously getting funds under special plan assistance.
Addressing the Tsüngremmong festival, organized by Soyim Students’ Union at Babu Tzübo Amphitheatre, Ungma village, the chief guest said, for that reason, Nagaland Foothill Road project which was being implemented under the special plan assistance has been discontinued.
The minister also disclosed that to complete the ongoing projects funded under special plan assistance, the states which fall under the special category status have apprised the government of India to atleast release the pending fund of rupees 500 crore, even though the central government has revoked the special category status of the states.
He also expressed his hope that the central government will release the pending funds for the ongoing projects which will fulfill the dreams of the people.
Saying that the Special Category Status will never be bestowed to Nagaland, the Minister informed that under the able-leadership of Chief Minster TR Zeliang, the state government is formulating policies to increase the state revenue and stabilize the financial position.
Swu said, his department is aware of the deplorable road conditions in the state and is trying every possible means to repair the roads.
“The inescapable road situation we are facing today might be lack of cooperation from the public, lack of awareness from the department side and the working system might not be systematic,” he said.
He also disclosed that the policy for maintenance of roads framed by the R&B department was not efficient enough, and therefore the department is now formulating plans to pump funds for repairing and maintenance.
The minister said the department has proposed to the government not to construct new road every year but every five years. The department will give importance to maintenance of old roads. The requirement of the fund for the policy is more than rupees three hundred crores, he added.
Swu assured that if people cooperate and participate with the government in its policies then within five years all the roads in Nagaland will see a tremendous change.
Also speaking on the occasion, the guest of honour and Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Resources & Sports, MTF & Lotteries, Khriehu Liezietsu said true understanding of culture and traditions and applying them to the present situation would be the best way of preserving our culture and traditions.
Khriehu also said, hard work with dedication and proper vision is what society requires from youth today.
In this regard, he also asked the youth to be confident and make use of their talents, knowledge and adopt practical approaches for progress of the society.
Meanwhile, several cultural songs and enchanting cultural dances were showcased by Oriental Club Ungma, Sumi Community Mokokchung, Tenyimi Union Mokokchung, Refiners, Impang Kosangsanger Yimsusur Kinungtsurtem, Season Star Ungma and Naga Wadir.
While voice of Tsungremmong were pronounced by Alemtoshi Imsong, chairman Village council Ungma and Tinu Lkr Tatar, former president SSU.
