Expedite AEP: NERCPAC
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 16 2017: The two-day 16th North East Region Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference (NERCPAC 2017) has resolved to urge the Government of India to expedite implementation of the Act East Policy.

The two-day conference which opened yesterday noted that the North East region needs immediate expansion and upgradation of telecommunication and high speed bandwidth networks.

Observing that the region has huge potential for development in energy, tourism, trade and commerce, the conference concluded with an unanimous opinion that the North East region needs revival of special category State status, Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF), the North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP) etc.

for all round development and investment in the region.

Speaking at the closing session today, Governor Dr Najma Heptulla asserted that democracy is the only way to solve problems of North East Region.

She said the legislators, besides being the political representatives of the people, are also social reformers and social philosophers, who are mandated to articulate the grievances, hopes and aspirations of the people.

As such, it is their duty to be well aware of the ground realities, so that they could voice the concerns of the people in a more effective manner.

Heptulla said that the Presiding Officers, who watch the proceedings of the House from a higher pedestal, have an important duty to conduct the affairs of the House in a people-centric manner.

Recalling her efforts to highlight the topical issues during her long stint as the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, she urged the Presiding Officers to work beyond their conventional mandate to ensure that critical areas of National interest are debated and discussed inside their legislatures and outside it .

Dr Heptulla observed that North East region, due to certain reasons, has been historically and geographically cut off from the mainland.

As such, it is necessary that sincere efforts are made to attend to connectivity-related issues.

She emphasised that there should be more direct flights to North-East region from different cities of the country, which will not only lead to better connectivity but also to better prospects for tourism industry.

She highlighted the need for better roads and rail network as per the special requirements of the region.

Stressing that education and job-creation are two big challenges of the region, she underlined the need for setting up of more higher educational institutions.

On health related infrastructure, Heptulla urged the authorities concerned to explore the feasibility of 'flying doctors' to attend to emergency situations in the hilly areas.

She also pointed out that the population based criterion for allocating funds by the North Eastern Council needed to be revisited as the interests of smaller States tend to be adversely affected by such an approach.

Today, the conference held deliberations on second agenda item, viz.

'Special Plan for development of Railways, Airways, Surface Road and Inland Waterways connectivity for speedy economic development of North East Region' .

Deputy Speaker of Tripura Legislative Assembly Pabitra Kar said that the entire North East region lacks communication system even after 70 years of independence.

He urged that all the districts of the North East region should have four lane National Highways for better connectivity and broad-gauge railway line should be taken up firstly to State capitals and then to all district headquarters.

Speaker of Mizoram Legislative Assembly Hiphei said that the Central Government may be approached to have a special plan for overall development of the region.

Speaker of Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Tenzing Norbu Thongdok felt that money alone was not the major challenge in the delayed execution of projects but their clearance by various agencies is also a major problem.

He suggested to simplify acquisition of land and tendering process, etc.

Member of Manipur Legislative Assembly P Saratchandra called for finding ways and means for integration with the mainland and for connectivity with South East Asia.

Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly Dr Imtiwapang Aier emphasized that special plan for North East is required to be given a special status for economic rejuvenation of the region.

Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly Hitendra Nath Goswami delineated that conducive atmosphere, better connectivity, funds and strong will of the people as four dimensions for the development of the region.

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