February 14, 2020

Page 1

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXX No. 68

DIMAPUR, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

BJP leaders shouldn’t have uttered hate remarks: Shah

Neikotsilie Krose is ASA U-16 wrestling champ

Covid-19: Record 242 deaths in 1 day

NATIONAL, PAGE 7

SPORTS, PAGE 12

INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

Rio presents deficit budget with new tax proposals

Apex court order puts political DEFICIT FOR 2020-21 ESTIMATED AT `2358.81 CR; PETROL, DIESEL TO COST MORE parties in a catch-22 situation

Correspondent

KOHIMA, FEB 13 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio, who also holds the crucial finance portfolio, presented a Rs 123.96 crore deficit budget for the year 2020-21with new tax proposals for registration of heavy vehicle, transport machinery and hikes in duties on petrol, diesel and enhanced rate for road maintenance from petroleum products. Tabling the budget on the fourth day of the fifth session of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly Thursday, Rio said the current financial year 2019-20 closed with an estimated deficit of Rs.123.96 crore. However, he said, due to the negative opening balance of Rs. 2234.85 crore, the 202021 financial year is expected to close with a negative balance of Rs.2358.81 crore. It may be pointed out that in his 2019-20 budget speech, Rio had pegged the estimated closing deficit at Rs.1611.98 crore. The budget documentestimated the total gross receipt of Rs20,826.02 crore

AAP win victory over hatred: NPF DIMAPUR, FEB 13 (NPN): NPF has congratulated Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal and his party on their thumping victory in Delhi Assembly Elections 2020. NPF through its press bureau said AAP sweeping Delhi election was “indeed a victory of agenda of development over hatred and dirty politics.” According to NPF, the saffron party was “hellbent” on the issue of CAA, NPR, NRC etc during the campaign, but AAP projected its performance in education, water, power and health sectors. NPF said the poll results proved what people really wanted. The “big mandate” to AAP, the NPF said was “certainly a befitting reply” to communal forces and against the divisive agenda of BJP. “This is also a message to the BJP that people all over the country have rejected them and their toxic CAA,” NPF said. M e a n w h i l e, N P F wished Kejriwal and his government the very best in fulfilling the aspirations of the people for all-round development. NPF also expressed hope that the people of Delhi especially the poor would improve their lives and that Delhi would become a better national capital under his leadership.

This is it!

“We’re celebrating because though we drew a blank our main rival was soundly defeated.” K Y M C

A: Receipts State’s Own Tax and Non-Tax Revenue State’s Share in Central Taxes Central Assistance (Grants & Loans) Internal Debt (including WMA from RBI) Recovery of Loans and Advances by State Govt Total B: Expenditures Non Development Expenditure (excluding Servicing of Debt) Servicing of Debt (including repayment of WMA) Development Expenditure (including CSS etc) Total C. BALANCE (A-B) D. PUBLIC ACCOUNT (NET) E. CURRENT TRANSACTIONS (C+D)

and the total gross expenditure of Rs21,049.87 crore for the financial year 20202021. The chief minister highlighted the impact of the shortfall in revenue of central government 202021 which reflected fall in tax collection estimates for 2019-20. Owing to this, he said the state share of central tax earlier projected at Rs.4,206crore was reduced to Rs.3267, showing a shortfall of Rs.939 crore. This he said, has added to the state’s deficit for 2019-20 rising to Rs.2234.85 crore. Rio’s new tax proposal

(Rs. crore) 1283.36 4493.37 8871.15 6176.64 1.50 20826.02 8715.30 6241.42 6093.15 21049.87 (-) 223.85 99.89 (-) 123.96

included a one-time tax of 3% for registration (of the original cost) heavy machinery, non-transport vehicles and equipments, for the first 10 years if it was purchased in the state. Thereafter, for the next five years, those machinery and equipment would be required to pay a tax at the rate of 1 per cent of their original cost. However, Rio said, machinery used for personal use shall be excluded from this tax. Duty on petrol will be enhanced from the current 20.38% to 25% while duty for diesel will be enhanced from its current 10% to 14.5%. He

Neiphiu Rio presenting the budget

also proposed to enhance road maintenance cess on petroleum products from Rs 1.50 per litre to Rs 2 per litre, adding that these two measures were expected to generate additional revenue of Rs 33 crore annually. Rio said that the new enhanced rates would become effective from the midnight of February 15, 2020. Later, addressing a press conference after presenting the budget, Rio explained that there was a shortfall of Rs 2,97,000 crore in the Union Budget, due to which Nagaland also received less by Rs 939 crore. Making a comparative statement, he said North Eastern states including Nagaland received lesser amount because of

which the deficit Rs. 1611.98 core was added up with Rs 939 crore taking the actual deficit to Rs. 2550.98 crore. Rio however said that though the state’s financial position was not good, it could still manage some savings/ revenue and help reduce the deficit to some extent. Rio informed the media that the 15th Finance Commission (FC) would begin from 2021-2022 and continue up to 2025-26, adding though the 14th FC was favourable, it did not give the State specific projects like high court construction, trans highway, foothill road, Chiethu airport, shifting of 4th NAP, etc, which were still on demand. He said the State could not give up hope, but when country’s overall economy was not good, the State could not be too hopeful as well. He regretted that projects taken up during the Planning Commission period worth more than Rs 500 crore liabilities were still not complete, and feared that this would only add to the State’s liabilities and deficit would rise. (Cont’d on p-7)

NEW DELHI, FEB 13 (PTI): Supreme Court on Thursday directed all political parties to upload on their website details of pending criminal cases against candidates contesting polls, noting that there has been an alarming increase in criminalisation of politics. The apex court said political parties will also have to upload reasons for selecting candidates with pending criminal cases on their website. A bench headed by Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman said the reasons for selecting candidates with pending criminal cases should be justifiable with reference to qualification and merit and not merely on winnability. The court passed orders on a contempt plea which raised the issue of criminalisation of politics claiming that directions given by the apex court in its September 2018 verdict relating to disclosure of criminal antecedents by candidates are not being followed. It also directed that political parties will publish these details on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter and in one local vernacular and one national

Parties to upload reasons for picking tainted candidates

newspaper. The top court said political parties will have to submit a compliance report in this regard to the Election Commission within 72 hours of selecting candidates having pending criminal cases against them. While pronouncing the order, the bench said it appears that there has been an alarming increase in criminalisation of politics in the last four general elections. The apex court had earlier observed that the issue of penalising political parties or candidates for not disclosing criminal antecedents has to be dealt with carefully as serious allegations with “political overtones” are often being made against candidates. In September 2018, a five-judge Constitution bench had unanimously held that all candidates will have to declare their criminal antecedents to the Election Commission before contest-

ing polls and called for a wider publicity, through print and electronic media about antecedents of candidates. It had left it to Parliament to “cure the malignancy” of criminalisation of politics by making a law to ensure that persons facing serious criminal cases do not enter the political arena as the “polluted stream of politics” needs to be cleansed. During the hearing on the contempt plea, the EC had told the court that increase in number of MPs having pending criminal cases was “disturbing” and as per the statistics, there were 43 per cent MPs in Parliament who have criminal cases against them. EC agreed with the suggestion that political parties may be asked to furnish details on its website regarding criminal antecedents of candidates and give reasons as to why he or she has been given the ticket. EC however said it was not agreeable to the suggestion regarding penalising the political party or its candidates under Article 324 of the Constitution for their failure to disclose criminal antecedents, as it does not have this power.

Implement RIIN without Police recruitment issue: Ex-minister Imtilemba passes away CGBU alleges anomalies in BPL further delay: WSH to govt DNSU questions deptt. DIMAPUR, FEB 13 (NPN): Wester n Sumi Hoho (WSH) has urged the state government to implement the Registration of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) at the earliest without, adding that the implementation of Inner Line Permit( ILP) would be meaningless and a futile decree. In a statement, WSH media cell stated that since all tribal hohos and massbased organizations of Nagaland had submitted their views and suggestions for modalities in written and given their green signal to the state government through the Banou Commission, the state government should execute it without any further delay. While lauding the state government for introduction of ILP in Dimapur district, a long felt demand of all civil societies and

the indigenous people of Nagaland, WSH said it expected the Inner Line Permit to be implemented in true letter and spirit. The hoho also said that the exercise should not become some fruitless and an ineffectual legislation in paper only. To this, WSH said any sane individual or organization would able to differentiate between Citizenship (Amendment) Act, National Register of Citizen and RIIN. “Only those who are anti indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland will oppose RIIN,” the hoho stated. Further, WSH warned that it was ready to resort to any form of action deemed fit against those who oppose RIIN. “A handful of vested elements will not be allowed to destroy the future of our indigenous inhabitants,” WSH stated.

DIMAPUR, FEB 13 (NPN): Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has strongly questioned the responsible department as to how 994 candidates were selected to undergo police training when only 206 posts was advertised. DNSU through its media cell pointed out that as per advertisement letter No.PHQ(B-1)1/Recruitment constables/2019 dated August 3, 2019, only 206 vacant posts was published and final police recruitment examination result was out on December 9, 2019 with 225 candidates including waiting list candidates declared qualified. Affirming that it would not remain a silent spectator, the union stated that at a time when there was lack of job avenues and opportunities with thousands of educated Naga youth remaining unemployed “such practice is totally untoward”. DNSU has demanded that the responsible department clarify and also justify the discrepancy. “We will go to any extreme extent till justice is served and open free and fair recruitment is held,” DNSU stated.

DIMAPUR, FEB 13 a genuine concern for the people, especially the (NPN): Former minweaker sections of sociister Imtilemba Sangety. He had contributed tam passed away on immensely to the socioThursday here at CIHpolitical advancement of SR (Referral Hospital) Nagaland, especially for Dimapur after a brief Eastern Nagaland areas, illness. He was 66 and Rio added. survived by his wife, son, Recalling his assodaughter in law and two ciation with Imtilemba, grandchildren. Late Imtilemba Rio said both of them According to famhad worked together durily members, a send off programme will be held on Febru- ing two different terms. He had a ary 14 11 a.m. at his residence-- 5th friendly personality and was always Mile Model Village and the body good natured and made friends will be taken to his native village across the political spectrum and Chimonger, where he will be laid was loved by all. His demise was a to rest on February 15. Late Im- great loss to the people of Nagaland, tilemba represented 52-Longkhim- and the void created by his death will be difficult to fill, Rio stated. Chare constituency. Rio conveyed heartfelt condolences to bereaved family and Rio: Nagaland chief minister, prayed that God grant them solace Neiphiu Rio expressed deep sorrow and strength in their hours of beover the untimely demise of former reavement and for the soul to rest minister Imtilemba Sangtam at in peace. NLA speaker: Nagaland LegDimapur. In a condolence message, Rio islative Assembly (NLA) speaker said late Imtilemba, who was a col- Sharingain Longkumer has deeply league and a close friend, was a sin- mourned the demise of A Imtilemcere government servant, prominent ba, Ex-MLA and former Minister. (Cont’d on p-5) politician and public leader who had

Rio, others condole

Opposition bench takes on govt over SARFAESI Act; CM clarifies Correspondent

KOHIMA, FEB 13 (NPN): The opposition slammed the State government over the speaker’s rejection of its demand for a discussion on Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement Interest (SARFAESI) Act, 2002 during the fifth session of 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) on Thursday. Speaker Sharingain Longkumer informed the House that discussion on SARFAESI Act was not required and asked the members to seek clarification from his chamber, if necessary, while directing Leader of the House (LoH) Neiphiu Rio to give a statement. Annoyed by the speaker’s decision, opposition legislator Dr. Chotisuh Sazo said it was decided during the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) to discuss Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and SARFAESI and thereby listed in the business list.

He asked why the treasury bench insisted on denying discussion on the matters of urgent public interest. Opposition members Imkong L Imchen, Kuzholuzo Nienu and Dr Imtiwapang Aier then asserted that that NLA was a people’s house and wanted to know why it was admitted at the first place, if it had to be rejected. Rio explained that as per rules, it was the speaker’s prerogative either to reject or admit an issue, and backed Longkumer saying he was following the rules. However, leader of opposition TR Zeliang countered that a notice admitted for discussion under rule 50 could not be rejected by referring rule 55 as the two rules dealt with two different subject matters under the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in NLA adopted by the Assembly on August 17, 1964. Amidst heated arguments, the speaker reiterated his offer to the members to seek clarification from his chamber, if required,

and asked LoH to make a statement. Rio clarified that the cabinet had examined SARFAESI Act on October 18, 2019 and decided that the Act could be adopted in Nagaland only after it was ensured that transfer of properties attached by banks was made to indigenous inhabitants. He said being a Central Act, the requisite amendment had to be carried out by the Central government, adding that the State finance department had on November 22, 2019 requested the department of financial services of Government of India to modify the Act by restricting the transfer of properties to indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland, adding the reply was awaited. The chief minister explained that SARFAESI Act could not be implemented in Nagaland in its present from as it came into direct conflict with land holding systems and restrictions on transfer of land under Article 371(A) like special provisions on transfer of land and its resources, the

Nagaland Land & Revenue Regulation (Amendment) Act 1978, Land & Revenue Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2002 etc. He maintained that law & justice department had on July 19, 2019 in its advice to finance department clearly stated that SARFAESI Act could not be enforced in Nagaland as its provisions were in conflict with all existing protective laws (Article 371A/ BEFR 1873 and the Nagaland Land & Revenue Regulation (Amendment) Act 1978). Rio said the banks had been requesting for implementation of SARFAESI Act in Nagaland so that they could advance loans to customers against mortgage of immovable property/fixed assets in favour of the banks and, in case of default in repayment by the borrower, the Act would enable banks to confiscate and sell the property without intervention of Courts to realise their money. He stressed that while interest of the banks must be

safeguarded, the government also could not dilute the existing provisions and permits banks to sell mortgaged immovable property to outsiders. The LoH clarified the House that the assumption that Nagas were unable to avail loans from banks due to nonadoption of SARFAESI Act was misleading and erroneous as banks had adequate safeguards under existing laws {Nagaland Land and Revenue Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2002} in Nagaland to take possession of secured assets and sell them to realise their dues. He also cited the example of Tripura, stating that Supreme Court of India had heard an appeal filed by UCO Bank over a matter pertaining to recovery of dues in the State. The appeal was made challenging Section 187 of the Tripura Act of 1960 that prohibited sale of mortgaged properties by the bank to any person who was not a member of a Scheduled (Cont’d on p-7) Tribe.

rice distribution

DIMAPUR, FEB 13 (NPN): Alleging “certain anomalies” in the monthly distribution of BPL rice in the Medziphema sub-division, the Chakhroma GBs Union (CGBU) has sought to know from the responsible authority about the reason behind the irregularities. In a press release, CGBU president Rokovitso Kuotsu and secretary Thepfükuo Nagi claimed that while all other villages were allotted 5kg of BPL rice per head, the villages under Medziphema sub-division were given only 4kg per head since 2017 till date. “This is not the case of one village alone but all the villages under the sub-division are allotted only 4 Kg Per head,” CGBU stated. Maintaining that “all is not well” with the distribution of rice under Medziphema sub-division, the CGBU has sought to know whether the decrease in the quantity was affected from the responsible ministry or it was done by the state government? It stated that PHH ration was a centrally sanctioned scheme under National Food Security Act 2013 meant for the poor and needy. Therefore, the union said the quantity of the rice to be distributed to the people was also uniformly fixed for all beneficiaries. However, CGBU said the unequal treatment meted out to the villages falling under Medziphema sub-division was a serious matter and needed to be probed by the responsible authorities. Further, it stated that if the rice meant for the poor villagers was siphoned off by any officer for personal benefits, it amounted to denial of livelihood of the poor villagers. CGBU, therefore, asserted that the responsible officer should be appropriately penalised under the relevant laws. CGBU has urged the state government to seriously conduct enquiry into the issue and bring out the “true reason(s)” for the unequal allocation of the BPL rice to Medziphema sub-division all these years and the reasons whatsoever be made known to the public at the earliest. K Y M C


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