Nagaland CM for streamlining NABARD funded projects

He said that the present system offers very less or no return to the State

Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang has called for streamlining the system of implementation of NABARD funded projects, saying the present system offers very less or no return to the State except creating infrastructure.

Appreciating the contribution of NABARD towards development of Nagaland, Zeliang rued that huge amount of money has been invested in the state under NABARD negotiated loan for developing infrastructure and other projects but no tangible returns have been achieved by the state in reality.

"Since the NABARD fund is a loan and recoverable by the state government with only 33.33% subsidy, there has to be profits from the projects so that it is sustainable and contributes to the upliftment of the people's economy," a CMO release issued today quoted Zeliang as saying.

During a meeting with NABARD officials here yesterday, the chief minister also urged them to focus on creating sustainable community based assets and income generating projects rather than funding more on redundant infrastructure which were becoming a burden for the state government in terms of continuous maintenance, the release said.

The chief minister also urged NABARD representatives to concentrate on Agri and allied sectors since these sectors have tremendous scope for uplift of the economy of State, especially in the rural areas.

He suggested that NABARD along with the implementing departments should first identify and explore the potential areas and prepare comprehensive projects on Agri and allied sector and allocate projects accordingly, the release said.

NABARD GM V Chelladurai, DGM Tiakala and AGM Bengdang Aier said various schemes were being implemented by them in the state.

The NABARD also said it had sanctioned huge amount of money for mini hydro power projects in Nagaland but it could not be utilized till date because of the demand of the Power department for 100% cost escalation within a period of two years, the release said.