Vision NER 2020 for participatory planning for accelerated growth

Guwahati, Jun 30 (UNI) The Vision North East Region (NER) 2020 document, has targeted an average growth rate of GDSP at 12.95 per cent for the region, with the nodal agency North Eastern Council (NEC) banking on 10 per cent gross budgetary support (GBS) of 49 Central Ministries to meet the additional funds required, besides promoting entrepreneurship and private investment.

Disclosing the salient characteristics of the Vision NER before Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh releases it on July 2, NEC Secretary Falguni Rajkumar said here today, ''The document will target inclusive and involved growth of the region and its people and has been prepared with particular requirements of each area of the NE.'' He informed that the present growth rate of 7.5 per cent would have to reach nearly 13 per cent to catch up with the national average growth rate by 2020, with Rs 75,000 to Rs 80,000 crore required per annum to achieve the target.

While the government will provide for more than 50 per cent of the money, the private players would also have to chip in, Mr Rajkumar added.

He said the 10 per cent GBS of 49 Central Ministries, which amount to Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 crore, would provide substantial amount, with budgetary allocations for the region from other Ministries to also help in bringing in the money needed for implementing the Vision NER.

On the focus on coordinated planning in Vision NER for parallel growth of all regions in NE, Mr Rajkumar said, ''The NEC would now play the role of a statutory planning body for all developmental schemes in NE. Earlier there was no point of convergence in plans of various government departments for the region.'' Besides the government funds, the NEC would also promote private investment, the NEC secretary said, adding that the focus would be on employment generating industries rather than capital-intensive ones, keeping in view the present industrialisation status of the region.

Referring to a 'negative response cycle' when 'outsiders' invest money in NE, Mr Rajkumar said, ''It is required to involve the local entrepreneurs with outside investors for a marriage of convenience that would benefit all sides.'' MORE UNI SG DPM RL DS1440