GUWAHATI, May 31 ? The Department of Development of North-Eastern Region (DONER) disbursed Rs 550 crore from the Non-lapsable Pool of Central resources to the NE States in the last financial year. This was disclosed by the Minister in charge of DONER, Dr CP Thakur today. Addressing a press conference here today, Dr Thakur said that an effective monitoring system has been evolved to ensure proper implementation of the projects. Apart from monitoring by the State governments, Planning Commission and CAG, the DONER is also monitoring the implementation of schemes by taking photographs and other related documents, he added. He also said that the DONER is also coordinating with concerned Union ministries to ensure speedy infrastructure development of the region.
The minister observed that insurgency has affected development of the North-east and ?though we do not have any concrete evidence, we are told that about 10 per cent of the development funds goes to the coffers of the insurgents.? He expressed the view that steps need to be taken to speed up and process of development to solve the problem of insurgency, and said that the Central Government has been taking keen interest in solving the insurgency problem.
Replying to a question, Dr Thakur expressed the view that the North-east region should be declared as a special economic zone and assured to take up the matter with the Union Finance Minister. The North-east has great potential for development and all-out effort should be made to exploit the potential, he added.
Stressing the need for improving the road and air connectivity within the region, Dr Thakur said that his Ministry is in constant touch with the Surface Transport Ministry and demanded that Guwahati should be the hub of civil aviation activities in the region and not Kolkata. He observed that the people of the bordering areas do not get to see the programmes broadcast by the Doordarshan and said that he has already written to the Information and Broadcasting Minister in this regard.
He said that though his Ministry is basically concerned only with infrastructure development, he was taking interest in other aspects of development also. ?When I came here last time, I visited the Dr B Barooah Cancer Institute and spoke to the Department of Atomic Energy for developing the Institute as a centre of excellence,? he added. He revealed that the DONER is also working on developing sectors like handloom, food processing, medicinal plants, etc. However, he lamented that Assam Government is yet to submit any scheme for development of medicinal plants but all other States have done so.
Replying to questions on mobile phone service, Dr Thakur said, ?Even my mobile phone is not working here.? He assured that he would take up the issue of obtaining clearance for expansion of mobile service to the entire region with the Defence Ministry. He also assured to take up the issue of launching of mobile service by the BSNL with the Communication Minister.