N-E CMs resolve council issue

G K Pillai, joint secretary, Union Home Ministry told the meeting that the Centre had decided to include the planning and development secretary in higher administrative wing of NEC secretariat. The joint secretary, who looks after the North-East affairs in the Home Ministry, circulated a note among the participants, suggesting restructuring or amendment of the NEC Act 1971.

One of the suggestions said the NEC be given full powers to sanction schemes within the outlay approved by the Planning Commission and amendment be brought to allow the Councilto allocate funds to specific states, subject to such schemes not exceeding 25 per cent of the total NEC outlay.