Wansuk slams Centre for ‘neglecting North East’

New Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP from Meghalaya, Wansuk Syiem drew attention towards the “step motherly” attitude of the NDA Government towards the remote and backward North Eastern region in the Union Budget.
Taking part in the discussion on the Union Budget, Syiem, on Wednesday said that the Centre has virtually withdrawn the “special category status” of the North Eastern states despite protest from Chief Ministers including Mukul Sangma of Meghalaya.
“The NE region falls under the special category because of its inherent topography and chequered history,” she said.
Despite this the 14th Finance Commission did not distinguish between the general category and the special category states, Wansuk siad.
Mukul Sangma had earlier urged the Centre to restore the preferential status of North Eastern states to attract investment and industries.
“Our Chief Minister has been working towards securing a fair and equitable share of developmental funds for the region by pleading with the Centre,” she said.
“The Centre seems to be ignorant of the ground realities and the feeling of alienation of the NE people,” she added.
The allocation of funds for the North Eastern states is also very minimal in this budget, Wansuk said adding that the region has abundant potential for both hydro-carbon and hydro power which has not been projected for exploitation.
“I would like to share my dismay at the neglect of this vital and strategic part of India,” Wansuk said.
“The region not only needs restoration of its special category status but also be provided with special packages for all round development,” she added.
“For the North Eastern region, the budget is a disappointing and despondent document,” the agitated Rajya Sabha M.P. said.