The Nagaland government on Wednesday directed its departments to urgently utilize the financial resources, which total over Rs 500 crore and were allocated to the state as a result of the delay in the implementation of various projects. The government is concerned about the potential lapse of central funds.
A minister stated that the health and rural development departments were primarily responsible for the urgent utilization of approximately Rs 500 crore of the Rs 1,200 crore fund, which was the subject of a comprehensive discussion at a cabinet meeting that took place during the day.
K G Kenye, the state government spokesperson and Minister for Power & Parliamentary Affairs, stated to reporters following the cabinet meeting at the Chief Minister’s Office that the funds, which are primarily allocated to departments such as Health and Family Welfare, Urban Development, and Rural Development, are “at risk of not being fully utilized if the projects are not completed on time.”
“It is a substantial sum for us,” Kenye stated, noting that a significant portion of the funds had already been allocated. However, “slow progress in the execution of projects has left a significant amount that is yet to be spent.”
He stated that the delay in infrastructure projects, particularly in the health sector, is a significant concern. Wellness centers are to be constructed in rural areas.
The minister emphasized that certain medical centers are operating in rented and private spaces as a result of a lack of infrastructure. This issue is being urgently addressed through collaboration with local village councils and district officers.
According to Kenye, the funds are also vital for the procurement of medical apparatus in rural areas and the conversion of older medical centers into wellness facilities.
He acknowledged that financial challenges have frequently impeded progress, particularly in the context of salary payments for grassroots workers. However, certain concerns have been resolved through the diversion of funds for salaries.
He clarified that it is permissible to utilize funds for such purposes in accordance with central guidelines.
According to Kenye, the government has encouraged all relevant departments to expedite the completion of outstanding projects in order to prevent the state from losing access to essential central funding.
He stated that the Urban Development Department is facing a significant challenge in terms of fund utilization. This is primarily due to the fact that the state only conducted civic body elections last year, after a two-decade break. However, the newly established Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are now responsible for the execution of a variety of pending projects.
“The government is collaborating with them on a “war posture” to guarantee the expeditious completion of these projects,” he stated.
Concurrently, the government spokesperson stated that the cabinet meeting also addressed matters related to the directorates and personnel for re-engagement, some extension, and regularization.
Kenye also stated that the council of ministers had approved the recognition of Anato village in Niuland district, which had been outstanding for approximately eight years.
