Union Home Minister Amit Shah along with Governors ,Chief Ministers and other officials during the 71st Plenary Meeting NEC at State Convention Centre Shillong on January 19.
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 19 (MExN): Nagaland Governor, La Ganesan along with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang along with other senior state government officials attended the 71st plenary session of the North Eastern Council held at State Convention Centre, Shillong on January 19.
The Governor, during his address, called upon the NEC to consider an enhanced allocation under the 60% State Component, reflecting that this additional support will enable to implement projects that address the specific needs of our communities, contributing to the overall progress of the North Eastern Region. He also stated that 10% GBS Fund is a crucial lifeline for the development initiatives in the region and emphasized the need for effective utilization of this fund to catalyse growth and bridge developmental gaps.
The Governor said that the gathering is a testament to the collective dedication and vision shared for the holistic development of the North Eastern region. The Governor emphasised on strengthening the rural economy through agriculture, agro tourism, connectivity and communication, youth empowerment and skill development, educational infrastructure, water resource development, livelihoods generation through industrialisation, enhanced autonomy for NEC regarding NESIDS (Roads), sports, enhanced allocation under 60% component of NEC, and significance of the 10% GBS Fund.
Stating that agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, the Governor urged upon the people to aim to elevate the socio-economic status of rural communities through the implementation of modern farming techniques, providing access to credit facilities, and promoting agro-processing units and also encouraged the Agri-Tourism sector.
The Governor said that Nagaland has successfully integrated agriculture with tourism, providing visitors with an immersive experience of our traditional farming practices, local cuisine, and indigenous festivals. He also cited the example of the success of the Hornbill Festival which saw an unprecedented increase in the number of tourists proving that the tourism industry in the state is steadily growing.
The Governor said that enhancing connectivity within and beyond the borders is paramount. He encouraged everyone to have made significant investments in improving road and digital connectivity, facilitating the seamless movement of goods and information which is essential for fostering trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges within the region and beyond.
He informed that the state has invested significantly in skill development programs, ensuring that the youth is equipped with the tools they need to contribute meaningfully to the workforce. The Governor also urged the gathering to invest in educational infrastructure through the establishment of schools, colleges, and vocational training institutes. Additionally, the integration of technology in education should be given priority, bridging the digital divide and empowering the youth with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the 21st century, he stated.
The Governor underlined that the North East has immense untapped potential in terms of natural resources and skilled human capital. He urged them the NEC to collaborate with the respective state governments in formulating policies that encourage industrialization, with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity. Recognizing the crucial role played by NEC in the development of the region, the Governor said that it should advocate for enhanced autonomy, especially concerning the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) with a focus on roads. Strengthening the decision-making powers of NEC will undoubtedly expedite the implementation of vital infrastructure projects, he added.
The Plenary Session was attended by the Governors, Chief Ministers, senior government officials from the other North Eastern States. Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, who is also the chairman of the NEC was the Chief Guest. G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister DoNER; BL Verma, Minister of State, officials from MDoNER, NITI Aayog and NEC also attended the session.
