Expedite funding, Tuki urges Centre

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

Itagar, March 19: The Centre has released substantial funds to Aruchal Pradesh under important allocations such as Special Plan Assistance (SPA) and other schemes related to TFC, health, education and social welfare following constant persuasion by Chief Minister bam Tuki.

Tuki who is in New Delhi since March 11 with his team of senior government officials including the Chief Secretary and Secretary Planning has been holding several round of discussions with senior central government officials regarding the resolution of several issues before the closing of this fincial year on March 31 next, an official release said here today.

More releases covering important sectors are expected before March end to facilitate timely completion of several ongoing projects. The Chief Minister held important discussions with Secretary DoNER R Vijayakumar who had called on him to apprise about the status of the projects under the Ministry. Tuki expressed his concerns over inordite delay in release of funds for ongoing projects funded by DoNER and requested the Secretary to take immediate measures to expedite the same. While reiterating the policy deficiencies in the Non Lapsable Pool of Resources (NLCPR) fund being administered by DoNER Tuki called for an overhaul of the provisions to ensure efficiency and diligence. Senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Ministry of Fince also called on the Chief Minister to discuss several important matters relating to the state. In another important development, a Steering Group to monitor the preparation of the Aruchal Vision 2030 document was formed by the Chief Minister here after consultations at various levels. The Steering Group that includes Gen J J Singh, Former Governor, Ex Members of the Planning Commission Saumitra Chaudhuri and B.K Chaturvedi is likely to meet for the first round of discussions on March 28 in the tiol capital. The Chief Minister hoped that with their experience and vast knowledge the Steering Group members will be able to give a new direction to the long term aspirations of the state.

The chief minister said that this Vision for Aruchal would not be isolated but prepared in participatory manner by including the views and suggestions of the people of the state. “Any vision would be successful only when the people, right from the grassroots, contributes to its evolution. Therefore, we are going to make this a very participatory exercise,” he confirmed.  As part of the state government’s thrust on expanding the renewable energy landscape of the state, Tuki also filized a 5 Mw Solar Plant in the state which will be commissioned within the next three months.

During this visit to New Delhi the chief minister also attended the prestigious India Today Conclave 2015 in which Aruchal Pradesh was showcased as a leading leisure destition of the country. He also participated in the 7th edition of the Delhi Dialogue on Indo ASEAN relations organized by the Ministry of Exterl Affairs on March 11 last, the release added.