PM disappointed but minister defends NEC

Union Minister for Northeast P R Kyndhiah, does not believe the ‘‘exaggerated’’ stories of central funds meant for devel...

Union Minister for Northeast P R Kyndhiah, does not believe the ‘‘exaggerated’’ stories of central funds meant for development being routinely pilfered in the region. ‘‘There is surely an odd case in one or two states, but the whole thing has been blown out of proportion,’’ Kyndhiah told The Indian Express.

Kyndhiah’s remarks are crucial as he takes over as Centre’s pointman to implement a major plan to boost the development of these eight states viz, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Sikkim. In his new assignment as chairman of the revamped Northeast Council, Kyndhiah would also be monitoring the funds for the region.

The revamped NEC — the first meeting of which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh here on Tuesday — would be the first ‘‘regional planning body’’ in India. Kyndhiah said earlier the NEC was a mere recommendatory body and had no role in overseeing execution of the plans on the ground.

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However, PM Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said that the NEC had fallen short of expectations to deliver. He said issues related to economic development and security concerns should get the same kind of priority while ensuring rapid development of the region.

Sources said that appointment of a central minister as chairman NEC is clearly meant to keep tabs on usage of the funds in the North eastern states particularly after reports that the funds were being diverted under pretexts of security exigencies. Earlier governors of these state would take turns to head the NEC. The Centre has also nominated three members – a former bureaucrat and two members of the Planning Commission to the NEC.

Talking to The Indian Express, Kyndhiah said his first task would be to prepare a Vision 2020 document for the development of the North Eastern states. ‘‘The region is going to become a strategic area with far eastern countries opening up to collaboration with India.’’

The NEC’s priority, the minister said would be to gather authentic data on the region so that the plans are made on the basis of sound facts. The minister said this time the data-collection would be outsourced to unemployed youth and not entrusted to government officials.

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