Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Dec 13: Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Dr Jitendra Singh chaired a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for Ministry of Northeast and Development of North Eastern Region, here.
The meeting was attended by MPs representing the North Eastern States from different political parties including BJP, Congress, NCP as well as the regional parties.
During the meeting, various issues related to the development of North Eastern region were discussed. The issue of utilisation of 10 percent GBS in NER by Non-exempt Central Ministries/Departments was discussed in detail.
Addressing the meeting, Dr Jitendra Singh said that Ministry of DoNER should play a role of facilitator and guide for other ministries. He said that other ministries can approach DoNER Ministry for identifying the projects. The Government provides high priority to the development of North East, he added.
The Minister also discussed the need to sensitise the ministries about the fund utilisation. He said that senior officers of DoNER/NEC have been appointed as Nodal Officers for each Aspirational District in addition to the Prabhari Officers.
The need for spending funds for Bamboo Mission was also discussed. Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised that technology can be optimally utilised in bridging the gaps. Video-conference meetings can be conducted between the State Governments and Central ministries to understand the needs and issues on the ground, he added.
During the meeting, it was informed that the BE allocation for 2019-20 for NER under 10 percent GBS is Rs 59369.90 crores. It was emphasised that the ministries should review the schemes from time to time and should fully utilise the allocated funds for NER in accordance with the laid down policy of the Government.
Pertinent to mention that 10 percent of Annual Plan Budget of non-exempt Ministries is being earmarked every year for spending in NER since 1998-99.
Prominent among the MPs from Lok Sabha, who attended the meeting, included Rebati Tripura, C Lal Rosanga, Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Rajdeep, Tapir Gao, Ranee Narah and others. Senior officers and representatives from Union Ministries of DoNER, Health, Rural Development, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare & Panchayati Raj, Shipping, Women & Child Development, Road Transport & Highways, Youth Affairs & Sports, Civil Aviation, Power, Human Resource Development, Department of Telecom and Posts etc were present at the meeting. Secretary (DoNER) Inder Jit Singh and Secretary, North Eastern Council (NEC) K Moses Chalai were also present.
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