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The Minister for Development of North East Region, Mr. P.R. Kyndiah held a meeting on 10.12.2004 evening with the Parliament Members of the Region on issues relating to overall development of the North Eastern States. A presentation was made on various activities and initiatives taken recently to accelerate the pace of development in the North Eastern region by the Ministry. This included recent initiatives to promote externally aided projects in core sectors including integrated road development, integrated energy development, water resource management, development of capital cities of all the North Eastern States, infrastructure development for international trade and integrated strategy for balanced growth. It was disclosed that the Asian Development Bank has sanctioned Technical Assistance for two important projects of road network and urban development.
In a threadbare discussion on the above issues, the MPs pointed out that the newly created Ministry for DONER should take initiative in coordinating the overall development of the region. They said instead of being bound by State sponsored projects, they should themselves take up projects of crucial economic importance. They also felt that the North Eastern Council needs to play a more active role in bringing intra-regional connectivity and balanced development. In this regard, focus needed to be given on primary sectors like agriculture, horticulture, flood control, irrigation etc. They also felt that the MPs should be part and parcel of the planning and developmental process of the North Eastern States. They felt that the entire non-lapsable fund which is available with the government should be fully utilized for development purposes. It was opined that the current level of funding to DONER and NEC is inadequate to make any significant impact. While thanking the Minister for free and frank discussion, the MPs urged that such interactive sessions should be organized more frequently so that the Members can help the development process in the region. They also observed that it will be useful to have small groups of MPs associated with specific activities of the Ministry for DONER & the North Eastern Council (NEC). They also appreciated that the Minister for DONER, Shri P.R. Kyndiah who is from the North Eastern State has become the Chairman of the NEC. This has brought new hope for reorientation of NEC for more effective functioning ensuring rapid development of the region.
The Minister observed that there is a need to re-focus on employment-oriented schemes for development at the grass root level. The social sectors have emerged equally important as the economic sectors in the perspective of north east. He emphasized that we need to make the process of development more transparent and responsive.
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