Question : DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN STATES

(a) whether inspite of additional allocation of funds for development projects in the North-Eastern States, this region still lags behind in several aspects as compared to the other regions of the country;

(b) if so, the reasons for the imbalance;

(c) whether the Government proposes to give special emphasis for creation of infrastructural facility in each of the North-Eastern State;

(d) if so, the funds allocated for the purpose under various projects during the current year in the region; and

(e) the initiatives taken/proposed to be taken by the Government for rapid and balanced development of this region?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN MINISTRY OF DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION (SHRI PABAN SINGH GHATOWAR)

(a) to (e) A Statement is laid on the Table of the Lok Sabha.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 103 FOR 5/3/2013, REGARDING “DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH-EASTERN STATES”.

(a) & (b) North Eastern Region (NER) has been getting increased fund allocation due to overall increase in Central Plan assistance to State Plans and gross budgetary support for Central Plan out of which at least 10% is earmarked for NER by non-exempt Ministries/Departments of Government of India. Larger plan investment and focused attempt by State Governments and Government of India on infrastructural development, has resulted in overall growth of NER. Inherent geographical disadvantages and isolation, including limited land connectivity, limited/short working season (due to long monsoon period) are the major challenges for significant growth in physical infrastructure namely, road, rail, air connectivity, power, telecommunications, etc. Increased allocation for NER during XI Plan period has resulted in annual growth rate of 9.95% of North Eastern States during this period which is higher than national growth rate of 7.4%.

General concern in North Eastern region has been that many projects of infrastructure development are delayed. Despite having large investment opportunities in sectors like hydro-power, infrastructure, natural gas, health care, tourism, horticulture and agro-based industries, minerals, etc., North Eastern States are yet to witness any major investments in these sectors by private investors.

(c) & (d) Government of India has taken special initiative for creation of infrastructural facility in all North Eastern States by actively involving infrastructure Ministries/Departments like Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Power, Deptt. of Information Technology and Ministry of Shipping, etc. in projects of infrastructure development in NER. Important projects are closely monitored by Delivery Monitoring Unit of Prime Minister`s Office.

Total funds allocated for various infrastructure projects in NER for current year is about Rs.5518 crore which includes allocations of Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (Rs.2000 crore), Ministry of Civil Aviation (Rs.91.802 crore), Ministry of Railways (Rs.2296 crore), Ministry of Power (Rs.1080.40 crore) and Inland Waterways Authority of India (Rs.50 crore).

(e) Government of India, through various policy initiatives, is devising concerted ways to fast track economic growth in the Region. North Eastern States are categorized as Special Category States and are provided central assistance to the extent of 90% of project/ scheme. Government is also supplementing development efforts of States in NER through Special Central Assistance (SCA) and Special Plan Assistance (SPA) through State Plans. Establishment of NEC in 1972 as an advisory body for socio-economic development of North Eastern States; earmarking of 10% of Plan Budgets of 53 non exempted Central Ministries / Departments for expenditure in NER; creation of Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) in 1997-98 from accrual of unutilized 10% earmarked funds of non exempted Ministries / Departments; are examples of policy initiatives of Central Government for development of NER.