Sonowal lauds PM’s commitment to region in NEC meet

SHILLONG: Newly elected Chief Minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal lauded the importance given to the North East by the Narendra Modi-led NDA government at the Centre.
Addressing the 65th Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council here on Friday, Sonowal pointed out that it was for the first time that the Prime Minister of the country had asked all his Council of MInisters to visit North East at least once every fortnight.
“This reflects the PM’s commitment to the North East,” he said.
On the occasion he also urged the NEC to help the states of the region in availing the benefits of the schemes announced by the Prime Minister.
Sonowal also said that his government was committed to ensure that Assam realises its full potential.  He said that his government was committed to the development of human and natural resources in Assam even as he added that proper implementation of the Prime Minister’s flagship programmes will ensure the well being of the people of the Northeastern state.
“My government will remain ever committed to the simultaneous development of Brahmaputra Valley, Barak Valley and the two Hill Districts of the State,” Sonowal added.
He said Assam being the largest state in the North East and gateway to all NE states, always remains at the forefront of all regional initiatives. He added that Assam supports enhancement of the allocation for NEC and a rational distribution of funds among the states of the region.
He went on to say that the role of public investment is important to accelerate growth of the NER as scope of private investment in huge infrastructure projects in a backward region may be limited.
He stated that there should be a collective endeavor on the part of Northeastern states to secure the additional funds for development of the region.
“A decision of higher funding is essential if we have to move rapidly and grow at the same rate as the rest of the nation,” Sonowal said.
Speaking on the Special Category Status being given to the NER he said, “The categorization of the states of this region for the continuance of Central assistance for all development activities at a higher proportion is necessary.”
“We suggest that the Government of India may frame a special Agriculture Policy for NER in the line of the NEIIP so that private parties can play a bigger role in this sector,” he said even as he urged the Central Government to help in tackling the flood and erosion problems that the state of Assam faces.