According to Mr. Handique the Conference was held to discuss the possibilities for speedy and effective implementation of developmental works for the rapid economic and meaningful social development of the north eastern states. The Conference discussed the fund flow to the North Eastern Region through Non Lapsable Central Pool Resources (NLCPR) and other sources. It was agreed that fund flow should be enhanced and should be routed expeditiously. The Conference also agreed to set up a Committee which will organise sports, music and cultural festivals to tap the tremendous talent of the region.     

The Ministry of DoNER has set itself a 100 days agenda for improving the functioning of the Ministry by the end of August 2009. The DoNER Ministry has set before itself the following goals.

(a)    Simplification of guidelines for implementation of Non Lapsable Central Pool Resources.

(b)    Initiation of steps to increase connectivity to and within the North East Region within the broad road maps given in North East Vision 2020.

(c)    Selection of projects and finalisation of DPRs for all North East States out of Rs. 500 crores announced by the Finance Minister in his budget speech during 2008-09 to give a jump start to the development process.

(d)    Implementation of  North East rural livelihood project funded by the World Bank and associating revamped Ministry’s PSUs, NEHHDC and NERAMAC to provide linkages to the economic activities generated through the project.

(e)    Expansion of North East Region Community Resource Management Project (NERCORMP) to cover more villages.

(f)    Other activities including continued efforts of Look East Policy, more equitable role for NEDFI in all North Eastern Sates.

During the conference the Chief Minister of Meghalaya Dr. D.D. Lapang requested the DoNER minister to increase the budget spending under the NLCPR for the state of Meghalaya. According to the Chief Minister Dr. D.D. Lapang, the Government of Meghalaya has so far received a total of Rs. 383.82 crore for 60 projects from the Central Pool against a total approved cost of Rs. 627.40 crore. This amount of Rs. 383.82 crore received by Meghalaya is the lowest share amongst all the North Eastern States which accounts to 6.48 % only out of the grand total release of Rs. 5924.79 crore.

The Chief Minister has also sought special packages from the DoNER for Meghalaya to bridge the gaps of infrastructure development which are vital for the socio-economic development of the State. The Chief Minister Dr. D.D. Lapang sought Rs. 40 crore as a special dispensation towards Land Acquisition and other incremental infrastructure for the up gradation of the Umroi Airport during the current financial year.

The Baljek Airport located in the West Garo Hills District which was formally inaugurated by the President of India Ms Pratibha Patil on the 23rd of October 2008 is so far non functional. The Chief Minister urged the DoNER Minister to look into the matter with serious concern to make the Airport functional so as to make it feasible for landing of at least 50-Seater ATR Aircrafts.

It was decided by the Chief Ministers of the North Eastern states and the DoNER Minister that the development agenda for the region will be pursued in full throttle by the states and the central government ministries and agencies so that the goals in the Five Year Plan and the North Eastern Region Vision 2020 are achieved.

E P Desk