417 projects under implementation in NE: Centre

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

NEW DELHI, Aug 3: As many as 417 projects to the tune of crores of rupees are currently under implementation for the development of Northeastern states.

At least 124 projects are under implementation in Agriculture and allied sector, 44 projects in Industry, 73 projects in Tourism, 96 projects in Education and 80 projects in Science and Technology sector respectively.

"Likewise, a number of projects in economic and infrastructure sectors have been undertaken under the aegis of NLCPR scheme, SID, Livelihood and Skills. The Agartala-Akhaura rail link is supported by the Ministry under Act East Policy. Interest-free loan is provided to NeDFI for providing credit and other facilities in the NE Region," said DoNER Minister Jitendra Singh in Parliament on Wednesday.

Singh said that the North Eastern Region Vision 2020 Document provides overarching development vision for the Northeastern region, and the North Eastern Council (NEC) is implementing the projects.

"Key focus areas identified to put the region on an accelerated, sustaible and inclusive growth path inter- alia include agriculture and allied activities including horticulture, floriculture, medicil & aromatic plants, tourism, improving infrastructure for connectivity, entrepreneurship development, capacity and skill building," informed the minister.

"Mandatory earmarking of at least 10 per cent of GBS of Central Ministries and Departments for NER and creation of Non Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) has augmented resource flow to the region," he said.

The total outlay for 56 Central Ministries for Northeastern region during the current year is Rs 33,097.02 crore.

Meanwhile, Singh said that the Act East Policy (AEP) which was origilly conceived as an economic initiative, has gained political, strategic and cultural dimensions.

"AEP focuses on the extended neighborhood in the Asia-Pacific region. It provides an interface between India and the Association of Southeast Asian tions (ASEAN) region," he said.