The 53^rd meeting of the North Eastern Council in New Delhi decided to expedite the infrastructural development of the region. It decided to have sector wise meeting every month. The meeting was attended by chief ministers and governors of the all the eight North Eastern states.

This was second time the North Eastern Council meeting was held at the national capital. The region is naturally being given lots of attention by the central government. And for Mani Shankar Aiyar this was the wonderful opportunity to interact with all the leaders and understand the issues of the region after being appointed the Minister for the DONER.

“I think we have stepped into a new era of attention to the North East and in giving a real impetus to the development of the North East. Recognizing about the development in the North East and security issues. Security issues which are both internal security challenges as well as an external security challenge. And in a holistic manner we see it to improve it further",said Mani Shankar Aiyar,Union Minister for Panchyati Raj and North East Region.

The major decision arrived at in the two day conference are: sector specific meeting every month to review progress, top priority will be accorded to the rapid improvement of road connectivity in the Region. Next in importance is power sector and the state governments have been asked to make perspective plan. For the development of remote and inaccessible region inland water transport is to be developed. Railway development has to be viewed viable in terms of development rather than narrow commercial returns. Border trade has to be opened and greater emphasis would be given to agriculture, horticulture and floriculture.

The whole idea is to develop the region economically so that insurgency in the North East is neutralized. This will lead to the holistic and comprehensive development of the resource rich region.

“Look East policy must have two composites one is to recognize that North East India is where South East Asia begins and therefore if you are able to link the North East of India with the extraordinary markets of South East Asia to Myanmar we will be able to make progress”,said Aiyar.

“NEC meeting was held before and was a very encouraging and good. And this time also I hope that it will be moving in the direction of development of the North EAST. We will be looked upon as a very bright future I believe. I have a great hope”,that was the reaction of Zoram Thanga,Mizoram Chief Minister

With India and the Association of South East Asian Nations or ASEAN coming closer on so many issues it is the North East region which stands benfitted. The vision document prepared by the North East Council recognize this reality and it is preparing the region to take advantage of the emerging trade opportunities, and usher in a new era of development.

NEC was constituted in 1971 by an ACT of parliament to act as an advisory body in respect of socio economic development of the North East Areas.

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