GUWAHATI:
Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on February 24 said the developmental gaps in the Northeastern region have been reduced significantly in the past couple of years.
“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and with the guidance of Home Minister Amit Shah who is also the chairman of the North Eastern Council (NEC), the developmental gaps in the Northeastern region have been reduced significantly in the past couple of years,” Mein said addressing a golden jubilee celebration of North Eastern Council (NEC) at the Dorjee Khandu Conventional Hall in Itanagar.
Mein also emphasised that Modi’s commitment towards the development of the Northeastern region has always been paramount, and also highlighted the announcement of the first budget in Amrit Kaal, which will be guided by seven priorities such as inclusive development, reaching the last mile, unleashing the potential and green growth which can steer the development of regions like the region.
Mein highlighted the significant enhancement in the budget outlay for the MDoNER during the financial year 2023-24, informing that the total budget estimate for 2023-2024 is Rs 5,892 crore, which will be utilised in the development of the regions and to fulfil the dreams of the people of the region.
Speaking about NEC, Mein appreciated the council for significantly helping Arunachal Pradesh in its infrastructure development and sanctioning a total of 221 projects in the State, out of which 154 projects have been completed and a total of 33 projects are ongoing.
The deputy chief minister said that the NEC has contributed to developing critical infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh, such as the iconic civil secretariat building and the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.
Mein also suggested the need for strategic planning regarding the future pursuits of the council in the next 50 years, which should be taken up by NEC to connect the region with various knowledge partners at regional, national and international platforms.
The deputy chief minister also opined to ponder on the procedural delay in the implementation of the project under NEC as North East has a short working season owing to heavy rainfall area.
Appreciating the work done by the NEC, Mein acknowledged the significant contributions made by the council to the socio-economic development of the region in the past five decades.
“Despite a 25-year gap in the beginning of development processes in the Northeast compared to other parts of the country, the NEC’s golden jubilee, coinciding with the Azadi Ka Amrit-Mahotsav, is symbolic. As we celebrate the golden jubilee of NEC, we would also like to take firm steps to achieve our centenary goal and work on NER Vision 2047,” Mein said.
Mein gave assurance to the NEC that the State government of Arunachal Pradesh will work together with the council to make Arunachal Pradesh one of the most sustainably developed regions of the nation.
The event marked the glorious achievements of the NEC and its contribution to the socio-economic development of the region of the Northeast.
CH Kharshing, planning advisor NEC and Dr Sharat Chauhan, principal secretary also attended the function.
To mark the occasion, a marathon race with the theme ‘Drugs Choro, Khel Mein Joro’ was also organized by the planning & investment department with the support of NEC and a symposium on ‘Contribution of NEC in the sustainable growth of Arunachal Pradesh’ was also conducted during the technical session.