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| Major Events Vol. 3 Issue No. 20 | February 16 -28, 2007 |
Centre evolves new funding pattern for NE States The Centre has finally decided to apply 90:10 (grants and loan) formula to all the Externally Aided Schemes that were sanctioned for North-Eastern States since April 2005. The decision was taken keeping North East States’ socio-economic status in mind. Tripura, which has sought Rs 360 crore loan from Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC) will obviously be benefitted. Besides Tripura, almost all the NE States will get extra benefit as they will have to pay only 10 per cent of total loan money under externally aided schemes. Tripura Tribal Welfare Minister Jitendra Choudhury was happy with the Centre’s stand and felt that it would bolster the development of the region to a great extent. Giving details about the status of JBIC loan, he said the government is expecting to receive the money during the next financial year (2007-2008). He said Tripura Government has decided to sanction Rs. 20 crore in the coming budget and the money will be reimbursed by the JBIC though the foreign bank has not cleared the proposal. The State Government has placed a proposal seeking Rs. 360 crore for overall development of forest wealth and improvement of people living in reserve forest areas last year. Revealing the future plan for development of forest wealth, Choudhury on Friday said a comprehensive plan has been envisaged for massive Jatropha cultivation in Tripura. Currently, an area of 3,000 acre has been covered with Jatropha cultivation that will be increased many folds in the days to come. He also made it clear that Jatropha cultivation will not have bad impact on state’s bio-diversity. “Tripura’s 60 per cent geographical area is covered with reserve forest, according to a survey conducted by Forest Survey of India (FSI) and involvement of local people through Joint Forest Managements (JFMs) has generated positive result in protecting forest”, he added. | Headlines | Editorial | Coverstory | | Travel Column | News Briefs | | OT Main Page | |
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