Existing fund allocation is not sufficient for development of NE: Jitendra Singh
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
SHILLONG, May 26: Union Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) Jitendra Singh on Thursday admitted that the current budgetary allocation is not enough for the development of the Northeastern states.
Speaking at the iugural session of the 65th plery meeting of the Northeastern Council in Shillong, Singh said that the fund allocation should be enhanced.
“Funds were enhanced from 700 crore to 800 crore recently after I approached Fince Minster and told him that existing fund is not sufficient for the eight states of the Northeast,” Singh said.
He added that even Rs 800 crore is not sufficient and most of the developmental projects will be stuck due to fund crunch. “We need enhancement of fund but at the same time we must ensure that the existing funds are properly utilized,” he pointed out.
Talking about the liasoning with the other ministries, Singh said stated that the available funds allocated from 36 ministries amounting to Rs 33, 00 crores should be utilized in a proper manner.
The draft annual plan size was approved in the presence of Governors and Chief Ministers and the Secretary of the North Eastern Council (NEC), Ram Muivah.
Mentioning about 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 where the Council only received only 56 % and 40% of the earmarked funds, NEC secretary Muivah explained the physical achievements of the North eastern Council in the last fiscal.
“Construction of 201 kms of roads and 165 Kms of pavements, the conversion of six wooden bridges to RCC bridges, the completion of three inter-state bus termils are some of the major achievements of the council,” he said.
The NEC secretary also highlighted the annual Rs 47 crore funding pattern for the upgradation of the Tezpur, Lilabari, Sichar and Umroi airports. As per the action plan for the present fiscal, Muivah spoke about the Identification regiol plan strategy with target for preparations.
These include the upgradation of 1666.Km of roads of economic importance under the North east Road Sector development schemes, the setting up of the Regiol Technical institution like the institution of public health, the conversion of the T. Ao football tourment in the lines of the I league and Indian Super leagues, besides and array of initiatives in every sphere. The plery session of the NEC will conclude on Friday where Prime Minister rendra Modi will attend as the chief guest.
