Excelsior Correspondent
New Delhi, Jan 29: Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh,who is also Vice Chairman of the North Eastern Council (NEC) has lauded the decision at the Union Cabinet meeting today, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approving allocation of 30 percent of the NEC budget for new projects for focused development of deprived areas, neglected sections of society and emerging priority sectors in the Northeast.
As per the cabinet decision, the projects under the existing “Schemes of NEC” will accrue socio-economic benefits to the marginalized and vulnerable groups of people in backward areas and neglected sections of the North Eastern States. this will lead to faster decision making and quick implementation of the projects.
At a high level joint-meeting attended by senior officials of the union Ministry of Northeast as well as of the Gujarat and North Eastern State Governments, Dr Jitendra Singh also reviewed preparations for the forthcoming Madhavpur Mela of Gujarat. He directed the officials that events including cultural performances, crafts display and food festivals of the NER region be showcased in major cities of Gujarat including Ahmedabad to generate wider interest among the local population. He said the Madhavpur Mela will mark the cultural integration of Gujarat with the North-East.
Madhavpur Ghed, a small but culturally significant village, is the place where, according to folklore, Lord Krishna married Rukmini, the daughter of King Bhishmaka. Madhavpur lies on the seashore, close to Porbandar. A 15th century Madhavrai temple marks the site. This event is commemorated by a cultural fair held every year, commencing on Ram Navami. A colourful chariot carrying the idol of Lord Krishna circumnavigates the village and the festivities usually continue for five days.
The week-long ‘Utsav’ will see a vibrant cultural trail of art, dance, music, poetry, story-telling and folk drama from Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and other North-Eastern States with the aim to integrate the rich cultures of the two regions.
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