ITANAGAR, Jan 2 � Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today said that the North Eastern Council (NEC) should devise a roadmap for sustainable development of all NE States keeping in view the common concerns about critical areas such as communications & connectivity, resource management, employment generation, internal security, among others.
Attending the 63rd plenary session of the regional plan body at Shillong today, Tuki emphasised that the essence of regional planning would be justified only when the NEC reinvents itself and amplifies its role to address the concerns of the Northeastern region in a more holistic manner. He also appealed that NEC plays a proactive role by being sensitive to the collective aspirations of the youth of the region.
While mentioning that mainstreaming the youth of the region would result in an environment conducive to the long-term growth and peace in the region, he called for a comprehensive framework for youth development including creating avenues for employment and capacity building.
While conveying his optimism on the NEC increasing its effectiveness in the future, he appealed for enhancement of the annual budget for the NEC in the coming financial year, 2014-15. Tuki highlighted several issues related to the State including the status of inter-State roads that Arunachal Pradesh shares primarily with Assam and to a small extent with Nagaland.
He appealed for funds from both NEC and DoNER Ministry for maintenance and upgradation of inter-state roads many of which are in deplorable conditions due to non-maintenance. He also sought a proper plan and allocation from NEC for improving the telecommunications network in the State, especially in the border areas.
�Security related issues should also be raised during the plenary meetings and issues common to the entire region should be highlighted at the national level through the NEC Secretariat�, the CM said.
