While presenting the budget for 2022-23 on Tuesday, chief minister Neiphiu Rio announced new schemes and initiatives, while also focusing on key areas including Agri and Allied sector, tourism, power and so on.
Here are some of the key highlights:
1. Boost to agri and allied sector
To promote the Agri and Allied sector, CM Rio announced the government’s decision to remove the stamp duty on crop loans. Rs 33.23 crore was earmarked for the Agri & Allied sector to increase productivity and area under cultivation, and to provide credit linkages and crop loans individually and through Self Help Groups.
While Rs 11.75 crore was earmarked as the first tranche of State Share for CSS from the 30% allocated department-wise, Rs 1.50 crore for Farmers Training and Exposure visits was earmarked, and Rs 6 crore has been provided for development of agri and horti link roads.
2. Hopes for tourism boom
The tourism sector in Nagaland has a huge scope to improve the state’s economy, generate employment and promote Brand Nagaland to international audiences, the CM said. With hopes for a tourism boom, an enhanced allocation of Rs 9.00 crore was made for the Hornbill festival, conduct of tribal festivals, re-construction of Hotel Fira and other core activities.
In addition to new tourism events with special focus on experiential tourism, the Government will be supporting development of Nagaland as an Off-roading destination in collaboration with Wander Beyond Boundaries with hopes to bring in high spending adventure sports enthusiasts to the State.
The Department of Art and Culture has been provided Rs 3.95 crore for promotion of cultural activities, for hornbill related activities, and for compilation of Naga customary laws.
3. The power factor
As a significant contributor to the non-tax revenue of the State, the government provided an outlay of Rs 18.03 crore to the Power sector with special emphasis on projects aimed at exploiting the potential for generation of power in the state.
The power revenue in the power deficient state of Nagaland is expected to cross Rs. 200 crore for the first time this year.
4. 50-bedded extension of Kohima district hospital
The Department of Health and Family has been provided Rs 7.77 crore for construction of offices, and a new 50 bedded extension at the Kohima District Hospital and also for Impur Hospital Mokokchung. To avail Centrally Sponsored Schemes, an upfront allocation of Rs 10.50 crore was also made for the State share.
5. Special road development programme
The government has provided an outlay of Rs 45 crore to the PWD (Roads & Bridges) department, of which Rs 25.00 crore has been earmarked for Special Road Development Programme and Rs 10.00 crore for improvement of other roads.
To support infrastructural works, Rs 4 crore has also been provided to the Mechanical Engineering wing under the Nagaland PWD for augmenting machinery and spares.
6. The forest cover
An amount of Rs 2 crore was allocated to the Forest Department for plantation of fruits and trees of economic importance. Rs 4 crore was also allocated for the Land Resources Department for purchase of rubber sheet roller machines, maintenance of coffee plantations, arecanut plantations and for value addition to the natural teas.
7. Increased allocation for underdeveloped areas
The government increased the allocation for the Department of Development of Under Developed Areas (DUDA) from Rs 21crore to Rs 23 crore. “My Government has a special concern for the underdeveloped areas,” the CM said.
This year, allocations for iconic projects in the underdeveloped areas will also be made under DUDA and not only under Local Area Development programme of the Special Area programme for which Rs. 121 crore was outlayed.
8. Tech allocation
The Department of Science and Technology has been provided Rs 3.00 crore. While Rs. 2.50 crore is allotted for core activities and towards construction of staff quarters, an amount of Rs 50 lakh was allocated for introduction of new brick making technology.
The Department of Information Technology & Communication has been provided with Rs 4.17 crore for carrying out core activities, procurement of IT equipment to strengthen the State Data Centre.
9. New schemes
Three new schemes, namely the Chief Minister’s Microfinance Initiative, Target Champion Scheme (TACS), and the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme were also announced to cover farmers, entrepreneurs, sportspeople and also give health coverage.
At least one college will be set up in each minority-dominated area of Assam: Himanta
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