Nagaland’s sole representative in the Lok Sabha, S Supongmeren Jamir, has urged the Indian government to swiftly implement the agreements signed with various Naga political groups. During the Budget 2024-25 discussions, Jamir emphasised the need for peace and development in the state.
Government Accused of Unfulfilled Promises
Jamir voiced his frustration with the Central Government for not honouring its commitments made under the “Framework Agreement” with the NSCN (IM) in 2015 and the “Agreed Position” with the Working Committee of NNPGs in 2017. He accused the government of misleading the people by claiming that the Naga Political Issue was resolved, while the situation in Nagaland had deteriorated.
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Security Challenges and Governance Issues
The MP highlighted the ongoing enforcement of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Nagaland, along with rampant illegal taxation and the rise of anti-social elements. He stressed that these issues have made life difficult for the common people. The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) also echoed these concerns through their Communications Department.
Lack of Infrastructure and Connectivity
Jamir pointed out the severe lack of infrastructure in Nagaland, noting that it is the only state capital in India without an airport. He criticised the Union Government for not fulfilling its 2015-16 budget promise to establish an Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in the state. He urged the government to prioritise these projects to enhance connectivity and educational opportunities in the region.
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Questioning the Act East Policy
The MP cast doubts on the sincerity of the Union Government’s “Act East Policy,” highlighting the absence of specific budget allocations for improving road connectivity in the North East Region. He expressed disappointment over the neglect of flood mitigation efforts and the rich cultural heritage and tourism potential of the North-East.
Economic and Social Concerns
Jamir criticised the Union Budget 2024-25 for its failure to provide targeted solutions to address inflation and unemployment. He challenged the government’s unemployment rate projections, citing higher figures from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). Furthermore, he condemned the low budgetary allocations for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and the agriculture and allied sectors.
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Urgent Need for Implementation
During his speech, Jamir reminded the Parliament of the long-standing promises made to Nagaland and urged the government to fulfil its commitments. He called for the immediate implementation of the Naga political solutions and the prioritisation of crucial infrastructure projects.
North-East Neglected in Budget
Jamir expressed his disappointment over the apparent neglect of the North-East in the union budget, despite the ‘Act East Policy.’ He pointed out the lack of specific allocations for road infrastructure in the region and the omission of flood mitigation efforts, despite the frequent natural calamities affecting many states in the North-East.
Budget Lacks Substance
According to Jamir, the Union Budget 2024-25 was more of empty rhetoric rather than offering any substantive pragmatic solutions. He accused the Government of adopting its characteristic approach of ‘headline grabbing’ rhetoric while failing to address the pressing issues facing the middle class and overlooking the concerns affecting the common person.
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The concerns raised by Nagaland’s lone Lok Sabha MP during the Union Budget 2024-25 discussions highlight the urgent need for the Central Government to address the pressing issues facing the state and the broader North-East region. Jamir’s call for action emphasises the importance of fulfilling promises and prioritising development projects to ensure peace and prosperity in Nagaland. As the budget discussions continue, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these concerns and work towards the betterment of the region.
