NEW DELHI: Development of North Eastern Region Minister Paban Singh Ghatowar flagged off a pilot scheme “Youth to the Edge” on Wednesday in Tinsukia, Assam.
According to an official statement on Thursday, Mr Ghatowar said the North Eastern Region (NER) is identified as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots for its natural resources as it hosts variety of species, rich tropical rain forests supports and diverse flora and fauna having abundance in mineral wealth, forests and water resources.
This region has yet to harness the vast developmental potential of these resources for the benefit of its inhabitants.
The Minister stressed that youth from NER are physically fit, good in sport but lack proper infrastructure to achieve greater excellence. Adventure activities have potential of overall development which can create discipline, team spirit and comradeship.
He added that these activities have the potential to help in skill development, leading to self employment like promotion of adventure and tourism which has vast potential in the region.
He opined that the successful conduct of the pilot scheme and experiences gathered will be efficiency of proposed scheme for 12th Plan.
The function concluded with remarkable enthusiasm shown by the youth of the area and expression of interest for holding of such more activities in future which will prove to be a potential connect between the youth of North Eastern Region and the youth of the rest of the India, he added.
Pilot scheme is being funded by the DoNER Ministry through North East Council. Administrative approval for Rs 2.87 crore has been accorded and first instalment of Rs 2 crore has been released by the NEC to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.(UNI)
