Development in NE region led to decline in terrorism : Shah

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi  : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on August 19, 2019, said that overall development of North East region is the priority of the Government. He said that the country is proud of its culture and the aim is to take forward North East while preserving its rich cultural identity, along with its development. The development of the region has curbed terrorism and brought peace in the region. He was speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Karbi Bhawan and Dimasa Bhawan of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, Diphu, and North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, Haflong, at Dwarka, New Delhi, on August 19.

Shah said that PM Narendra Modi has given maximum time to the people of North East for their development. After 40 years of visit by Morarji Desai, PM Narendra Modi himself chaired the North Eastern Council (NEC) meeting at Shillong. He added that North East region lagged behind in development for many years, which gained momentum after the Government under the leadership of PMModi took charge. The north east is now well connected via roads, rail and air, he said. Shah said that this change is due to the love and respect for North East in the heart of the Prime Minister. He said that the practice of Central Ministers visiting North Eastern states every 15 days has been adopted by the Government, where they see the implementation of Central schemes on ground.

Speaking about the enhanced fund allocation for North east, Shah said that there has been 258 % rise in the funds allocated for North East between 13th and 14th Finance Commissions, with amount rising from Rs 87,000 crore to Rs 3,13,375 crore. He mentioned about various schemes for North east such as Skill Development centre, setting up of Medical College and  Law College, among others. He further said that DoNER Ministry has started work for setting up of ‘Bamboo Industrial Park’ in Assam. Emphasising on the rich flora and medicinal value of plants of NE, Shah said that the DoNER Ministry should set up a Research and Development Centre for medicinal plants at these Bhawan.

Speaking about the Karbi Bhawan and Dimaa Bhawan, Shah said that these two bhawans will be constructed at a cost of Rs 130 crore and they will give an identity to their unique culture on the world map. He said that with this initiative, a long pending work which was initiated in 2011, has now been completed. He added that these bhawans will help youth from North East to understand the world which will enable them  compete with the world.

MoS (DoNER) Dr Jitendra Singh said that the land for the bhawans was transferred by DDA in June this year. Speaking about the initiatives taken by the Government in the last five years, the Minister said that the focus of PM Narendra Modi, after taking charge in 2014, was to develop the hitherto neglected areas and bring them at par with other regions.

Dr Singh said that the Prime Minister has paid more than 30 visits to the North East in the last five years, which reflects the importance given by him to the North East and his commitment for its development. The minister said that the focus has been not to bring North East closer to rest of India, but to bring rest of India closer to North East.