‘Seeks spl package for Eastern Nagaland, more assistance for infrastructure’
Vision Communications
New Delhi | June 25
The Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio and the Minister Planning T R Zeliang along with Chief Secretary and a team of top officials are scheduled to meet the Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia tomorrow to finalize the state plan for the year 2012-13.
Talking to the Vision Communications today the Chief Minister disclosed that “we will certainly ask for special development package for the backward Eastern Nagaland region from the Planning Commission. We are expecting a favorable response from the Planning Commission.”
It is to be noted here that on 4th June the Chief Minister accompanied by his cabinet members and officials met the Union Home Minister Mr P Chidambaram and asked for clarifications regarding the creation of a separate state within Nagaland as demanded by the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization. Mr Chidambaram, as reported by the delegation, rejected the demand and instead advised the state government to accelerate the development deficit in the Eastern region.
Taking a cue the state government has prepared a detailed plan proposal to be placed before the Planning Commission for its approval. The Chief Minister did not divulge the amount but it is a part of the total plan outlay for the year 2012-13.
Mr Rio is expected to attend the North Eastern Council meeting on 27th June at the Parliament annexe and highlight the need for more financial assistance to build up infrastructure like road, power projects besides other development activities in the state.
Peace has returned to Nagaland after long years of disturbance, and it is high time the Centre releases more funds for overall development of this hilly state of the North east, the Chief Minister opined.
