North East Council asked to focus on optical fibre links

He said that the NEC was proposing around Rs 2,000 crore for the next budget. "I am assuring you that the NEC will get proper budget as per the demand," he said.

Shillong, Nov 14 Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal on Monday instructed the North Eastern Council (NEC) officials to focus on Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) to connect the eight northeastern states digitally.

The Union minister asked the council, which is the regional planning body, to focus on tourism activities besides infrastructural development.

"OFC connectivity should reach Panchayat level so that Direct Benefit Transfer to the common public will be a reality," he said.

Meghwal assured the council that the government will provide more funds to the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and NEC by requesting supplementary funds in the upcoming winter session of Parliament.

He said that the NEC was proposing around Rs 2,000 crore for the next budget. "I am assuring you that the NEC will get proper budget as per the demand," he said.

IANS