From our Correspondent

DIMAPUR, July 9: Nagaland State Planning Board (SPB) deputy chairman, Neiba Kronu, emphasized the need for flexibility in implementation of flagship programmes and centrally sponsored schemes.

Speaking at the first conference of State Planning Boards and Planning Departments held at New Delhi on July 6 last, Kronu also requested the Planning Commission to revive the ACA on shifting cultivation in the scheme of plan financing, create some avenues for pilot projects and address the issue of adverse effect of 13th Finance Commission award on the States.

Kronu also highlighted the need for providing earmarked funds for maintenance of assets, especially roads and streamlining the credit flow to farmers. He further highlighted on the need to review the function of DoNER and North Eastern Council (NEC) and to fulfil its role as a regional planning body.

Mhonbemo Patton, Commissioner and Secretary (Planning), Nagaland who also attended the conference in a press communiqué stated that the conference had brainstorming session on the Planning Commission’s presentation on the overview of the 12th Plan perspective, strategies and scenarios: shaping India’s future. Further, the conference also deliberated on innovations in planning, Patton added.

The conference was attended by Dr Montek Singh Alhuwalia, Deputy Chairman, and Planning Commission, members of the Planning Commission and Deputy/Vice Chairpersons of State Planning Boards and Planning Department officials of State Governments.