MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION
(SHRI P.R.KYNDIAH)
(a) & (b): It has been provided under the North Eastern Council (Amendment) Act 2002,
that the North Eastern Council (NEC) shall function as a regional planning body for the north eastern area.
While formulating the regional plan for the north eastern area, the Council shall give priority to schemes
and projects which will benefit two or more States.However, in case of Sikkim, the Council shall
formulate specific projects and schemes for that State including review of implementation of such projects
and schemes. The Council also executes projects/schemes through the State Governments and other agencies.
(c) & (d). Yes, Sir. NEC projects are subjected to clearance from the Standing Finance Committee (SFC)/Expenditure
Finance Committee (EFC)/Public Investment Board (PIB) in terms of procedures prescribed by the Ministry of
Finance. Certain additional financial powers have been delegated to the Secretary, North Eastern Council
in the past. The procedure prescribed by the Ministry of Finance is aimed at ensuring that the project/scheme
proposals are properly appraised by the competent authorities from both the techno-economic and financial angles.
To get timely clearance, the NEC Secretariat has been advised to directly circulate their proposals for consultation
with the Line Ministries and the Planning Commission. Detailed `Check Lists` have also been provided to NEC
Secretariat for ensuring that their project proposals are complete in all respects before circulation as also
before consideration by the Standing Finance Committee/Expenditure Finance Committee. Proposals are also closely
monitored and followed-up by both the NEC Secretariat and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
(e) & (f). Projects under Non-lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) are not subjected to SFC/EFC/PIB
clearance. However, a similar and rigorous procedure for appraisal and consultation with Line Ministries and the
Planning Commission is followed. Presently, the NLCPR Committee chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Development
of North Eastern Region includes, among others, representatives from the Planning Commission, the Ministries of
Home Affairs and Finance and the concerned Central Ministry/Department. The Committee assesses projects/schemes
proposed by the States of the North East and Sikkim under NLCPR in terms of viability and tangible socio-economic impact.
