NEW DELHI, Dec 15 - In a major relief to Northeastern States, the Union Cabinet on Friday cleared the continuation of the existing Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) scheme with funding pattern of 90:10 till March, 2020 with an outlay of Rs 5,300 crore.
A Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approving the extension said that it would enable completion of ongoing projects.
The move to discontinue the NLCPR had sent alarm bells ringing in Northeastern States, so much so that several Chief Ministers had lodged complaints with Minister DoNER, Dr Jitendra Singh.
Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet also approved the introduction of a new Central Sector Scheme of �North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme� (NESIDS) from 2017-18 with 100 per cent funding from Central Government to fill up the gaps in creation of infrastructure in specified sectors till March, 2020.
According to official sources, the new scheme will broadly cover creation of infrastructure relating to water supply, power, connectivity and specially the projects promoting tourism, besides infrastructure in social sectors of education and health.
The assets to be created under the NESIDS will not only strengthen health care and education facilities in the region but will also encourage tourism and thereby employment opportunities for local youth. The scheme will act as a catalyst in overall development of the region in the years to come, said sources.