DoNER to focus on curbing exodus from region

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

Shillong, January 2: Union minister of state (independent charge) for Development of North Eastern Region, Dr Jitendra Singh today said that his ministry would focus on empowering the youths of the northeastern states by generating for them more employment opportunities. Speaking to reporters after the 63rd plery meeting of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in the city today, Dr Singh said that there is an exodus of youths from the region due lack of institutes for higher education and employment opportunities.

The DoNER minister, however, said that his ministry will encourage tourism in the region which will be sources of revenue and will also give employment for the youths of the region, therefore curbing exodus from the region.  “The government will also take care of the higher education and job opportunities for the youths of the region,” he said. Dr Singh also said that the region is sensitive and each State had its own peculiar problems and the Centre would work to solve the problems faced by each of the eight states.

The DoNER minister said, “We have to try our best possible to bring the Northeast region closer to mainland India both in terms of development and cultural.”

When asked on the “Look East Policy”, Dr Singh said that India would like to improve its relation with the eastern world by way of both trade and defence. “The eastern part of the country is the gate way to the eastern world. Before we look east, we have to look east within our own country. Charity begins at home. Therefore, before we look east, we would act east and once we act east India, we would automatically begin to look east,” he said. Governors and Chief Ministers of the northeastern states attended the meet, except for Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar.