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New Delhi : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, on June 6, 2020, launched a Booklet and its e-version on one year achievements of the Ministry of Department of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) here.
Secretary Ministry of DoNER and other senior officers of the Department were present on the occasion. Secretary, NEC, and other senior officers attended the launch through a Video Conference from Shillong.
In his address Dr Singh said that North Eastern Region has emerged as a role model in more than one way. After emerging as a successful model for development in the last six years, the region has also become a role model in Corona management and again by reverting back to normal working conditions, it has presented a model for the entire country to emulate the same. Dr Singh said that this has become possible due to priority and patronage, the North Eastern Region got from PM Narendra Modi Government in the last six years.
Dr Singh congratulated the team MDoNER for achieving 100% expenditure during 2019-20 and said that there has been a significant development in terms of Road, Rail and Air connectivity, helping facilitate the movement of goods and persons not only across the region but also across the country. So far, the region has received more than 400 tonnes of Air Cargo supply, apart from parcel facilities. He said that Bamboo will get a special impetus in post COVID era and the region will witness young entrepreneurs making a mark in different fields, according to a PIB release.
The Minister stated that last one year has seen significant development in Infrastructure, Energy and other Sectors in the North Eastern Region.Under Govt. Policy of earmarking at least 10% of GBS for development of NER, Rs. 53,374 crore were provided to NE States at RE stage by 55 non-exempt departments. Railways allocated of Rs 4,745 crore in addition to GBS. The allocation under 10% GBS has been rising sharply reflecting the focus of the PM on North East.
Some of the major projects which have been approved, started or completed in the last one year in the NER are : 1. Approved at a cost of Rs 9, 265 crore, Indradhanush Gas Grid Project would be a 1,656 km long North East Gas Pipeline Grid covering all eight States. This would provide clean energy to NER and boost industrial growth without pollution. This would greatly help in preserving NE environment. 2. The work on Greenfield Hollongi Airport for capital connectivity to Arunachal Pradesh, has started. The project with an estimated cost of Rs.955.67 crore is likely to be completed by December, 2022 3. Railways has completed Belonia-Sabroom (39.12 Km) Railway-line for providing easy access to Southern Tripura and Chattogram Port in Bangladesh. Doubling of Hawaipur-Lumding, 25.05 Km long Section of New Jalpaiguri-Lumding Project has also been completed 4. In the roads sector,35 National Highways Projects having a lenth of 536 Km, with an estimated cost of Rs 7,707.17 Cr have been awarded 5. Bulk cargo and container movement from Kolkata and Haldia Ports to Guwahati Terminal via Indo-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) Route and NW2 (Brahmaputra) has started 6. KrishiUdaan Scheme launched in Union Budget 2020-21 has been operationalised and Transport of agricultural produce such as pineapple, ginger, kiwi, organic produce has commenced from Bagdogra, Guwahati and Agartala Airports.
Dr Singh stated that the expenditure of Ministry during the last one year at Rs 2,803 crore has been highest over any one-year period.