NEC to prepare vision document 2020 for the NER by January, 2007

New Delhi, Nov 15 (UNI) The Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (NER), Mani Shankar Aiyar has said that the vision document for 2020 would be finalised by January, 2007 as directed by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.

Inaugurating the two day conclave of the North Eastern Council (NEC) here today, Mr Aiyar said that the prospective plans would subsequently be prepared for the development of the region.

He announced that the periodical reviews of various infrastructural projects earmarked for the NER would also be taken up from next month onwards to ensure their timely implementation.

Expressing concern over the shortfall of expenditure earmarked for various Central Ministries, Mr Aiyar said that timely submission of the proposals and the projects have to be ensured for full utilisation of funds.

He said that construction of new roads to provide connectivity even to the remotest village of the NER would be taken up on priority basis.

Mr Aiyar said that making Guwahati as regional hub for the airlines would also be taken up with the Civil Aviation Ministry.

For this, he said, amendments if required, would be made in the procedures.

The two-day meet is being attended by the Governors and Chief Ministers of eight NE States including Sikkim. The meeting would review developmental plans and strategy for the region. It would also deliberate upon areas of specific concerns of each State and prospective plans for the region.

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