New Delhi: Noting that economic prosperity was crucial to root out insurgency, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Saturday sought “massive infusion of financial resources” by the Centre into the state during the 12th Five Year Plan. Demanding an “attitudinal change” in ensuring development of the state, Gogoi told National Development Council that a “holistic approach” coupled with an effective implementation and monitoring mechanism was key to help the economy of the state grow on par with rest of the country.
Identifying lack of adequate connectivity in the entire North Eastern region as a major hurdle, he sought special emphasise on strengthening of road, rail and aerial network in Assam during the 12th Plan period.
“Twelth Plan has to lay due emphasis in improving the infrastructure in terms of road, railway and air connectivity both within the NE region and with other parts of the country,” he said, also demanding better resource allocation for maintenance of 2,848 kms of National Highways in Assam.
Gogoi said Guwahati airport should be developed as hub for aerial connectivity in the region. Noting that although law and order situation has improved in the state remarkably, he said still the “perception” about the scenario has been influencing economic decisions such as flow of investment into the state.
He said ensuring connectivity to all parts of the state and building infrastructure were crucial for eliminating insurgency in the state. Seeking a special agricultural policy for the North East as part of the 12th Plan, he said extending institutionalised support to the farmers was necessary to transform the rural economy of the state. (PTI)