The Tripura Chief Minister, Mr Manik Sarkar, has expressed apprehension that the goals set in the North-Eastern Region (NER) Vision 2020 for its integrated development might not be achieved if adequate funds were not made available by the Centre to North-Eastern Council (NEC).

The funds available for NEC stood at Rs 1,935.55 crore against the approved outlay of Rs 2,450 crore during the Ninth Plan and Rs 2,500 crore against the approved outlay of Rs 3,500 crore during the 10th Plan, Mr Sarkar said addressing the 60th meeting of the NEC in New Delhi on Thursday. During the 11th Plan too, this trend continued, he said adding the actual allocation was Rs 2,548.50 crore in the first four years while the approved outlay was Rs 7,394 crore.

“If this trend continues in the 12th Plan, it would be impossible to achieve the goals set in the NER Vision 2020 as only eight years are left to materialise the dream of NER Vision 2020 into reality,” Mr Sarkar said.

The Chief Minister also demanded that divisional railway headquarters in Tripura. “The railway line from Agartala to Sabroom is slated to become a gateway for transportation of goods from Chittagong port to the entire North-Eastern region. Hence, there is need to set up a divisional railway headquarters in Tripura,” he said.

He urged the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to take necessary steps for the work of four-laning of the NH 44.

Published on June 17, 2011