Aiyar stresses on restructuring NEC role

Aizawl, May 18 (UNI) DoNER Minister and NEC Chairman Mani Shankar Aiyar today underscored the need for restructuring the role of the NEC to suit the changing need of time.

Addressing the 54th North Eastern Council meeting here, Mr Aiyar pointed out that the condition of the NE states during its constitution in 1972 was completely different from that of today.

He also remarked that despite the ten per cent budget allocation of all the Central Ministries for the NE states, the rate of disbursement of fund was not as expeditious as desired.

Urging all the state governments to take more effort in preparing projects and utilising fund, Mr Aiyar assured that his Ministry would arrange a face-to-face meeting of the state officials with their Central counterpart to ensure expeditious release of fund.

The NEC Chairman pointed out that whereas the approved outlay for the eight NE states during the 10th Plan was Rs 2511.50 crore, the actual fund released was only Rs 1577.47 crore.

He also suggested a separate sub-committee to review the works of the NEC during the 35 years of its existence and to chalk out a roadmap for its future course.

Mr Aiyar also stressed on the need for pursuing the council thrust areas during the coming 11th Plan and taking up all areas sector by sector.

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