The Government of Nagaland plans to reduce 20% of non-development expense from government departments to provide funds for COVID-19 pandemic.

An office memorandum issued by the State Finance Department on May 6 stated, “In view of the emerging requirements for mobilizing additional funds for providing free COVID-19 vaccine and other COVID-19 related activities, the Government hereby directs that there be pro-rata cuts of 20% under Non Development from the Budget Estimate 2021-22”.

The cuts will be done from travel expenses, office expenses, motor vehicles and maintenance. Rs 546.88 lakhs will be deducted from travel expenses; Rs 504.55 lakhs from office expenses; Rs 734.78 lakhs from motor vehicles expenses; and Rs 1982.39 lakhs from maintenance expenses.

82 State Departments will see cuts amounting to Rs 47.68 Crores.  The order cited allocation of Rs 239.74 Crores in the initial Budget Estimate 2021-22 for expenses under the 4 non development activities. Rs 192.05 Crores is the revised allocation.