DIMAPUR, May 12 — The newly installed Democratic Alliance government in Nagaland led by chief minister Neiphiu Rio is instituting inquiries to all financial irregularities that have been committed in the past. Rio, addressing public meetings during his whirlwind tour to the districts of Mokokchung, Tuensang and Phek, said that “corruption charges” including the lottery scam of the previous SC Jamir government would be investigated into by the competent agencies.
The chief minister said that the “previous government misused public funds and there was an abundance of financial irregularities.” Citing an example, he said that the Centre had sanctioned an amount of Rs 33 crore for payment to the PHE department under the Voluntary Retirement Scheme, but added that the payments were not made in time and funds were diverted.
“Delhi is not happy and has reminded that funds should not be misused.” Rio said and accused the previous Congress government led by Jamir, of financial mismanagement and anomalies in almost all the departments. The DAN government would ensure that appropriate action is taken on those who are responsible for corruption and mismanagement of public funds, he maintained. On the lottery scam Rio informed the public that it was to the tune of Rs 38,000 crores. He said that his government would ensure that public funds are not misused but rather they would be used for the implementation of developmental projects as mentioned in the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the DAN.
Reiterated that his government is a genuine people’s government and it would practice true democracy. Addressing government officials at Kiphire on Saturday, Rio said that the Government servants should be sincere and ensure that the CMP is executed, as it was the desire of the people.
“Our Government means business”, the Chief Minister said and added that the Government servants should contribute towards the implementation of the Government’s policies. Transparency and accountability in governance will be implemented, the Chief Minister said, adding “We need genuine development, not paper development.” He informed the Government officials that party workers have been advised to be vigilant and report to the Government on the progress of all developmental activities and management of public funds. It is time for Government officials to “gear up”.
K Therie, Finance Minister in the same meeting, warned that if any government official is found presenting false bills or is involved in financial irregularities he or she would be penalised. On the creation of a department for the under developed areas, the Chief Minster said that it would have a separate budget with an engineering wing. An engineer would head the wing and it would also have two SDOs, one each for Mon and Tuensang districts.