April 10, 2018: The Prime Minister has accorded maximum priority in putting the growth of North Eastern States on fast track. Responding to PM’s call, 100 per cent funding instead of 90:10 ration will be allocated to NER States avoiding delay in arranging funds by the States. Moreover, with the initiatives of the DoNER and NEC fund utilization increased by almost Rs six thousand crores during last 3 years. The DoNER Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said this today in Agartala State Guest House after 1st ever meeting of ‘Niti Forum for North East’. He also emphasized the need for establishing intra-regional connectivity which will ensure connectivity between ‘Asthalaxmi’ – the eight States of the North East.
In a series of tweets, Dr Jitendra Singh briefed about the meeting of the Forum:
Speaking to media, Dr Singh said, to expedite implementation of projects, Centre would provide 100 per cent fund. He also said, DoNER Ministry has taken several steps to ensure smooth functioning in simplified manner. Initiatives of the DoNER and NEC have resulted in raising the fund utilization from Rs 24 thousand crore in 2014-15 to almost Rs 30 thousand crore in 2016-17.
“The Niti Forum for NE was set up to supplement and give direction for optimal development of the region. The Forum will act as ‘Think Tank’ as well as ‘Action tank’, he said and added, the Forum offers opportunity for healthy synergism between DoNER, NEC and Niti Aayog.
Highlighting PM Modi-Government’s focus on Asthalaxmi, Dr Singh said, the Forum held discussions and explored ways to develop intra-regional connectivity. An airport in Sikkim, special road development etc were in prime focus of the discussion, he said.
