Kohima, March 01 (NEPS): Nagaland Finance Minister K Therie said there was no dearth of fund for any developmental activity in the State.

But whatever they have invested should be regenerated because the Government can�t afford profligate spending on non-productivity, he told the NEPS here in his official chamber today.

Therie, who is preparing for full budget presentation for the year 2005-6 in the coming Nagaland Budget session starting March 1 next, said the State has spent almost Rs 1700 core out of the Rs 2600 core.

The remaining will be utilized within the current year and �I will not withhold any money� as far as the budgeted amount is concerned.

�I have already instructed all the heads of departments to submit details by March 15 next,� he added.

Asked if he is presenting again deficit budget, Therie wonders the kind of �deficit phobia� crept into the mind of people in the State.

He explains about the financial conditions of neighboring States where the deficits ran from Rs 600 crore to even Rs 1800 crore high and further questions the people as to why they talk too much of Nagaland deficit which are much lower than these States.

What is wrong presenting deficit budget in the State because the Government has to give maximum emphasis in areas where it needed.

The developmental activities cannot be dormant and it has to go on.

�I can bring down to zero deficit if the people want to arrest State activities,� Therie explains.

�But this should not be perception because deficit is bound to come when we think in terms of developmental activities in the State�.

The Finance Minister also said he wants full debate on his forthcoming budget presentation and also media to carefully discuss on the document.

So that the credible financial management of the Government will be clearly known, he added.

In the State revenue scenario, the Finance Minister admits about the poor revenue but states they have to improve these areas by way of capitalizing on the State�s rich human and natural resources.

He explains the people in the state where the literacy is high and educated youth galore should focus their attention on earning revenue from the natural resources like oil, hydro, minerals and organics vegetations, etc.

And at the same time, the citizens should also learn to pay taxes to the Government.

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