Dimapur, Jan 22 : The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has pointed out to the Thirteenth Finance Commission that Nagaland State was considered  a special category State which was withdrawn after 1989 and that in view of the unique socio-political situation of the State, the pre-1989 funding pattern should be restored.

In a memorandum to the chairman of the visiting Thirteenth Finance Commission, the NPCC also put forward the argument that the finance of the State is purely dependent upon the Central Government as the internal revenue of the State is negligible. As such, there should be a review of the distribution of the net proceeds of taxes between the Union and the State of Nagaland and a liberal sharing of taxes in favour of the latter.

The Congress memo also mentioned that State of Nagaland ‘is a hilly State with difficult terrain’. On this, the memo requested  that ‘while formulating policies and release of funds for development in the State, the same yardstick should not be applied with plain sector of the country’.

Seeks special grant for inter-district ring road
The State of Nagaland is a land-locked State without any railway connectivity save Dimapur town. The road connectivity is therefore vital for development of the State.

The Commission may kindly consider for granting sufficient funds as a one time special grant for construction of Ring Road connecting all the 11 District Headquarters with four-lane provision”, the Congress also stated.

It was also felt that the Commission may kindly consider for increased amount of grant for rural local bodies so as to facilitate growth of economic activities in rural areas.

The State Congress also kept up its pressure on the NPF led DAN government by arguing to the visiting Finance Commission that Nagaland was facing rampant corruption and lack of transparency in the decision making process while allotting developmental works.

“The State Government should be directed to tackle corruption at a war footing, to maintain transparency and fairness in its decision making process and quality control while executing developmental works”, the NPCC stated in its memo signed by Zachilhu Vadeo Vice President (Admn.)