State Govt places scores of proposals before NITI Ayog
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, September 22 2017:
Dr Rajiv Kumar, the Vice-Chairman of NITI Ayog visited Manipur today and held a high level meeting with Chief Minister N Biren Singh .
Ministers of the Cabinet, Deputy Chairman of the State Planning Board, Chief Secretary, other high ranking officials and heads of different Central Government institutes attended the meeting.
This was Dr Kumar's first visit to any State since he assumed charge as the Vice-Chairman of NITI Ayog on September 1 this year .
During the meeting, the State Government sought attention and intervention from NITI Ayog for speedy socio-economic development of the State.
Chief Minister N Biren said that the new Government is trying hard to accelerate development in the State in order to match with the progress of other States.
He expressed hope that NITI Ayog would extend all possible assistance to the State Government .
The developmental challenges, opportunities and several proposals of the State were presented to the visiting Vice-Chairman through a powerpoint presentation .
The State Government highlighted the urgency of providing piped water supply to people in rural and urban areas, road connectivity to district and block headquarters etc.
With just 4 per cent coverage of State population in term of household water supply, the NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman agreed to support State Government's proposal for a major project in this area for external funding .
Other proposals included introduction of ropeway from Ukhrul to Shirui, Marjing Hill to Langol and Chaoba Ching to Sendra, upgradation of National Highways, construction of flyovers and underpasses for Imphal city and surrounding areas, circular railways for connecting district headquarters and development programmes in hill areas.
The State Government drew Dr Rajiv Kumar's attention to the poor condition of NH-37 and NH-2 and urged him to request the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to grant adequate maintenance funds in time .
The State Government also proposed that the Barauni-Guwahati gas pipeline be extended up to Imphal along the main axis or its spur.
An alternative pipeline to transport surplus natural gas from Tripura to Imphal may also be considered, the State Government suggested .
The State Government for also urged for introduction of air ambulance service in the State .
Speaking at the meeting, the Vice-Chairman emphasised on formulating a better accountability mechanism regarding usage of funds .
The Vice-Chairman said that NITI Aayog intends to assist the States in bringing development through sharing of ideas, co-ordination and contacts .
Dr.Rajiv Kumar observed that the Government needs to create a condition to attract more and more private investments .
He stressed the need for better co-ordination between the State Planning Departments and NITI-Aayog to carry forward the proposals.