Imphal, December 11: The UPA government is committed towards the goal of rapid development of the North Eastern region of the country, and the North East Council (NEC) will act as a catalyst in the process by coordinating between various central ministries and state governments.

This was stated by the Minister for Development of North-Eastern Region (DONER) PR Kyndiah in an exclusive interview to All India Radio.

Targeting greater investments in infrastructure and more jobs for the educated youth would be the top priority before the North East Council, he said.

Kyndiah takes over as the Chairman of the reformed and revitalised NEC.

He pointed out that NEC is only one part of the concerted effort of the UPA government to address all the developmental issues faced by the region.

He said that for the first time there is a Prime Minister represents a North Eastern state in the parliament and there are three ministers from the region in the Union Cabinet.

Replying a question on the significant changes made in the composition of the NEC, he said the decision to associate Member (North East), Planning Commission as one of the member of the NEC will go a long way in getting more plan funds to the region.

Kyndiah also listed the other significant steps announced by him in the Parliament earlier this week - Organisational and functional restructuring of NEC Secretariat, Setting up of sectoral empowered committees, Financing of regional �lan from General Budgetry upport instead of Non Lapsable Central Pool, of Resources, Monitoring and evaluation of development projects, Increased role of NEC in border trade and operationalising NEC's mandate relating to security and public order.

Kyndiah also held a meeting on Dec 10 evening with the Parliament Members of the Region on issues relating to overall development of the North Eastern States.

A presentation was made on various activities and initiatives taken recently to accelerate the pace of development in North Eastern region by the Ministry.

This included recent initiatives to promote externally aided projects in core sectors including integrated road development, integrated energy development, water resource management, development of capital cities of all the North Eastern States, infrastructure development for international trade and integrated strategy for balanced growth.

It was disclosed that the Asian Development Bank has sanctioned Technical Assistance for two important projects of road network and urban development.

In a threadbare discussion on the above issues, the MPs pointed out that the newly created Ministry for DONER should take initiative in coordinating the overall development or the region.

They said instead of being bound by State sponsored projects, they should themselves take up projects of crucial economic importance.

They also felt that the North Eastern Council needs to play a more active role in bringing intra-regional connectivity and balanced development.

In this regard, focus needed to be given on primary sectors like agriculture, horticulture, flood control, irrigation etc.

They also felt that the MPs should be part and parcel of the planning and developmental process of the North Eastern States.

They felt that the en tire non-lapsable which is available with the government should be fully utilized for development purposes.

It was opined that the current level of funding to DONER and NEC is inadequate to make any significant impact.

The Minister observed that there is a need to re-focus on employment-oriented schemes for development at the grass root level.

The social sectors have emerged equally important as the economic sectors in the perspective of north east.

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