(a) whether a delegation of North East Students Organization called on the Prime Minister recently demanding certain special rights for the development of the backward region;
(b) if so, the details of the issues discussed; and
(c) the reaction of the Government thereon and assistance likely to be provided to the said organization?
MINISTER, MINISTRY OF DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION (SHRI P.R.KYNDIAH)
(a)&(b): Yes, sir. A delegation of the North East students Organization (NESO) met the Prime Minister on 17.06.06 and submitted a Memorandum containing issues relating to Education & HRD, human rights & peace process, inter-state boundary issue, cellular services and Special Constitutional Status for the people of the NE States.
(c): The Central Government is according due importance to peace and development in the North Eastern States. The upgradation of the Department of Development of North Eastern Region was a step in this direction. The Central Ministries/Departments, except those specifically exempted, are required to earmark at least 10 per cent of their Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) for the NE Region. The unspent balance of this allocation is transferred to the Non-lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) which is used for infrastructure development in the NER. As regards any assistance to the Organisation, there is no such proposal in this Ministry.