Paltry Increase in NE Allocation

New Delhi, Feb 28 (UNI) The long-neglected North-Eastern Region of the country received a paltry increase in the Union Budget allocations for 2007-08 announced in Parliament today by Finance Minister P Chidambaram -- some Rs 2,300 crore only.

The total budget allocation proposed during 2007-08 for the North-Eastern Region -- culled out from allocations under different Ministries/Department -- sees an increase from Rs 12,041 crore in 2006-07 to Rs 14,365 crore in 2007-08.

Presenting the Budget, the Finance Minister said this amount included Rs 1,380 crore provided directly to the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DONER).

The new Industrial Policy for the North-Eastern Region -- with suitable fiscal incentives -- would be in place before March 31 next, Mr Chidambaram announced.

UNI