Vision Document 2020 for N E region by January

Shillong, Nov 15 (UNI) Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Mani Shankar Aiyar has said the vision document for 2020 for North Eastern Region would be finalised by January next as directed by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.

The Union Minister said the prospective plans would subsequently be prepared for the region's development, an official statement issued here today said.

Inaugurating the meeting of the North Eastern Council in New Delhi today, Aiyar announced that the periodical reviews of various infrastructural projects earmarked for the region 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, Aiyar said that timely submission of the proposals and the projects have to be ensured for full utilization of funds.

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

He said making Guwahati the regional hub for the airlines would also be taken up with the Civil Aviation Ministry. For this amendments, if required, would be made,he added.

The two-day meeting of the North Eastern Council is being attended by the Governors and Chief Ministers of seven North Eastern States and Sikkim. Chaired by the Minister of DONER 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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