Neiphiu Rio presents 'people-friendly budget' with focus on agri & allied sector

KOHIMA: Chief Minister of Nagaland and Minister in Charge of Finance, Neiphiu Rio stated that the

Budget for 2021-22, which he presented at the state's Legislative Assembly, is "people-friendly."

Rio stated that the budget was prepared with a special focus on Agri and Allied sectors and

to make the State a self-sustaining economy.

"COVID-19 has brought out our dependence on supplies of even basic food items like food grain, fruits, vegetable, etc from outside the State and the Government is working out measures to ensure self-sustenance in the long run," said Rio.

He also added that the austerity measures taken by the Government has managed to cut down on Government expenses amounting to about Rs. 400 crore.

"The state is losing so much of revenue on the power sector and it is a matter of urgent public importance as the department has been running at a deficit. This budget is setting in motion the process of outsourcing and privatization in the power, transport and water supply sectors," said Rio.

This will focus on increasing participatory partnerships with the private sector, especially source owners in water supply, increase economic benefits to the stakeholders as well as the general public and at the same time, it will also help to reduce the recurring expenditure of the Government and bring down expenditure to give room for investment in more pressing areas, he added.