The NPF Legislature Party (NPFLP) has demanded a detailed white paper from the Nagaland government on all funds received and expenditures incurred on Covid-19 from 2020-2021 to 2021-2022.
The white paper should also contain all relevant methodology of grants, processes of procurement and disbursement criteria, it said.
It also demanded setting up of an inquiry committee immediately comprising members from all political parties to enquire into the detailed financial management with regard to the pandemic.
NPFLP spokesperson Imkong L Imchen, in a statement, said the State finance department’s clarification on funds incurred for expenditure on Covid-19 is nothing but a hasty document aimed to confuse people.
He said receipts have been mixed up with expenditure, while receipts in most cases have not been mentioned.
Imchen said if the state government cannot convince the public then it should not confuse them.
Also read: Assam: Junior doctors of Jorhat Medical College and Hospital protest against assault on Hojai doctor
The State finance department issued a statement on May 31 on funds mobilised through pro-rata cuts and expenses incurred during the Covid-19 pandemic from last year.
The NPFLP affirmed that it will always play a constructive Opposition to the government.
It asked the government how additional funds of Rs 71.18 crore provided to the Health and Family Welfare department are being streamlined to district hospitals, CHCs, PHCs and sub-centres.
The NPFLP sought to know how much of the Rs 61.60 crore allotted as expenditure of the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority for Covid activities has been allocated to all the respective district disaster management authorities and on what basis.
The NPFLP questioned how and why Rs 30 crore was granted to Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), a private hospital, when the State’s finances are stretched as per the chief minister’s own statement. It asked whether the State government is going to provide free treatment to Covid-19 patients in CIHSR.
Also read: Meghalaya: FIR filed against NPP MLA Thomas Sangma, accused of rape
Asking whether existing structures are being utilised or new structures are being erected, it inquired “What is the cost per unit/bed? Who are the contractors? Whether any open tender was floated and if yes, what are the terms?”
“In the arbitrary LADP deduction of 25% which includes 15% from Common Pool Fund and another 10% from the normal, when and where was this decision taken by the State Government as claimed?” it asked and demanded for details of such decision to be revealed.
The NPFLP further demanded that the state government spell out its policy on the matter of resultant vacancies from deaths and retirements and appointments.