Kohima: A team of Nagaland Ministers, led by Chief minister T. R. Zeliang had called on the Union Minister for Water Resource, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Kumari Uma Bharati, on July 12 and congratulated her on becoming the Union minister.
A release issued by the PRO, informed that Zeliang along with his cabinet colleagues including Home minister Y Patton, Forest minister Dr. Nicky Kire and Irrigation and flood control Vikheho Swu accompanyed the CM.
During the meeting, Zeliang apprised her on various proposals of the State Government and the poor financial status of the State. He has urged her contribution to the state share.
He said that Nagaland is a resource crunch state with just 7-8 per cent revenue generation in a year.
He has also appealed Bharati to look into the funding pattern and to introduce new guidelines for Nagaland by taking in consideration its geographical and practical problems.
Zeliang also said when the Centre has announced Organic Zone of North East Region, special dispensation should be provided by granting hundred percent central grant.
Stating that Nagaland is faced with financial crunch, he said most projects could not be completed due to 50-50 State and Central share. Parliamentary Secretary for Irrigation and Flood Control Vikheho Swu also mentioned that till date not a single medium irrigation project could be implemented in the State due to 50/50 per cent funding pattern as the State Government is not in a position to take up such project.
Meanwhile, Bharti has assured to introduce new set guidelines for all the States which are facing difficulty to contribute their share toward the Centrally Sponsorship Schemes.
She urged the chief minister to submit a proposal for inter-state link through river with adjoining states and also submit a proposal to make Nagaland an organic zone so that the State could derive maximum benefit from the ministry. (UNI)