Presentation of Presentation of

Ministry of Development ofMinistry of Development ofNorth Eastern RegionNorth Eastern Region

for for

The Editors ConferenceThe Editors Conference

on on Social Sector IssuesSocial Sector Issues

2222

DONER & Its Charter

In order to sharply focus on the development of North In order to sharply focus on the development of North Eastern Region, the Department of Development of Eastern Region, the Department of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) set up in September, North Eastern Region (DONER) set up in September, 2001.2001.

Upgraded to Ministry on 27th May, 2004.Upgraded to Ministry on 27th May, 2004.

As per the Allocation of Business Rules, the Ministry As per the Allocation of Business Rules, the Ministry deals with the following subjects:deals with the following subjects:

• Planning, execution and monitoring of development Planning, execution and monitoring of development schemes / projects of NER including Roads, Power, schemes / projects of NER including Roads, Power, Irrigation & communicationIrrigation & communication

• Non-lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR)Non-lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR)• North Eastern Council (NEC)North Eastern Council (NEC)

3333

Continued

Border Area Development Programme (BADP) & Hill Area Development Programme ( HADP) in NER (However, the Programmes continue to be handled by MHA and Planning Commission respectively).

North Eastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi)

North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC)

North Eastern Handlooms and Handicrafts development Corporation (NEHHDC)

Road Works and Inland Waterways transport in NER.

44

Major Functions

Ministry’s Plan Schemes. Review of 10% earmarked GBS of Central

Ministries. Facilitating GOI Initiatives/Programmes in the

NE NE’s interface with GOI. Monitoring PM’s Announcements and critical

projects in NER.

1010

Summary Observations

NER lags behind national average in pace of development and economic transformation.

GSDP growth rate for the North Eastern States have picked-up during 1999-2000 to 2007-2008, but remained below the growth rate of national economy.

Growth rate lower than the national economy has translated into the economic gap between the NER and that the rest of India not narrowing down at the desired pace.

Though there is higher industrial growth in NE Region as compared to All India level but this has not resulted in the shrinking of primary sector and growth of secondary sector, particularly manufacturing sector has remained almost at the same level. Growth in Tertiary sector is due to continuously increase in Governments spending.

1313

Flow of Plan Funds to NER

Investment in NER during the 10th Five Year Plan

Source of funding 10th Plan Period

2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 Total

1. Assistance for State Plans 5367 5702 6833 8274 9685 35861

2. NEC Plan Outlay 450 500 500 462 600 2512

3. NLCPR 550 550 650 679 700 3129

4. Central Ministries/Departments 5460 6776 6787 9150 11268 39441

Total 11827 13528 14770 18565 22253 80943

Investment in NER during the 11th Five Year Plan

Source of funding 11th Plan Period

2007-08 (RE) 2008-09 (RE) 2009-10 (BE/AP) Total

1. Assistance for State Plans 9705 11598 14563 35865

2. NEC Plan Outlay 600 624 624 1848

3. NLCPR 700 750 750 2200

4. Central Ministries/Departments 12417 14219 16342 42978

Total 23422 27191 32278 82891

1414

11th PLAN (Critical parameters for growth

of NER)

Vision 2020 for growth of NE Region;

Creation of critical infrastructure;

Improvement in security, law & order and governance;

Thrust on major sectors of connectivity, Power, Health, Education and Tourism, by identifying gaps therein;

Emphasis on Primary Sector of economy;

1515

11th PLAN (Critical parameters for growth of NER)

Synergy and dovetailing of programmes/ schemes between Central Ministries and the State Governments for filling up gaps in infrastructure;

Building capacity and bringing professionalism in NEC as Regional Planning Body.

Involvement of Autonomous District Councils, Panchayati Raj and local Self Government institutions, Communities and Self Help Groups in various development welfare schemes.

Creation of conducive and investment friendly environment through North East Industrial & Investment Promotion Policy 2007, both in Secondary and Tertiary Sectors.

1616

Budget of DONERScheme 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 (B.E)

NLCPR 600.00 650.00 700.00 800.00

BTC 100.00 100.00 50.00 50.00

NEC 600.00 624.00 623.00 700.00

NEDFi 60.00 60.00 60.00 60.00

Capacity Building

12.00 12.50 13.00 19.50

Advert. & Pub. 6.50 6.50 6.00 7.00

EAPs 0.01 2.00 3.00 103.00

Inland Water Transport

1.49 - - -

PMU for NESRP

- - 0.50

Total 1380.00 1455.00 1455.00 1740.00

1717

Plan Schemes 2008-09

2009-10

allocations (Rs. Crore)

expenditure

(Rs. Crore)

allocations (Rs. Crore)

expenditure (Provisional)(Rs. Crore)

Non Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR )

650.00 660.39 700.00 668.62

BTC Package 100.00 67.03 50.00 3.15

North Eastern Council (NEC)

624.00 611.22 623.00 621.08

Loans to North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited (NEDFi )

60.00 60.00 60.00 60.00

Advertising & Publicity 6.50 3.54 6.00 4.89

Capacity Building & Technical Assistance

12.50 12.22 13.00 13.36

EAPs 2.00 0.73 3.00 2.50

TOTAL 1455.00 1415.13 1455.00 1373.60

Performance of Ministry

1919

Expenditure of Central Ministries in NER

YEAR

GBS*

10% for NER

EXPENDITURE IN NER

ACCRUALS TO

NLCPR

Funds Released to

StatesAmount %

1998-99 32,113.1032,113.103211.31

2,128.282,128.28 6.636.63 1,189.851,189.85 106.34106.34

1999-00 35,651.4635,651.463565.15

2,228.572,228.57 6.256.25 1,571.781,571.78 409.96409.96

2000-01 42,478.5442,478.544247.85

2,920.492,920.49 6.886.88 1,440.601,440.60 309.25309.25

2001-02 52,186.1252,186.125218.61

3,802.933,802.93 7.297.29 1,603.841,603.84 491.57491.57

2002-03 55,297.0855,297.085529.71

5,139.595,139.59 9.299.29 1,339.701,339.70 550.00550.00

2003-04 58,356.1858,356.185835.62

5,237.315,237.31 8.978.97 657.24657.24 550.00550.00

2004-05 63,030.7563,030.756303.08

6,403.746,403.74 10.1610.16 663.35663.35 650.00650.00

2005-06 87,061.62 87,061.62 8706.16

7,325.39 7,325.39 8.14 8.14 1,960.12 1,960.12 679.18679.18

2006-07 106763.73106763.7310676.37

9723.069723.06 9.119.11 #1307.38#1307.38 700.00700.00

2007-08 137630.85137630.8513763.09

11048.0711048.07 8.038.03 #1933.33#1933.33 636.00636.00

Total 670569.43670569.4367056.94

55957.4355957.43 8.348.34 13667.1913667.19 5082.305082.30

(Amount in crore Rs.)(Amount in crore Rs.)

* Excluding Externally Aided Projects (EAP)

# Provisional information;.

2121

Major Schemes and Programmes of Ministry

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NLCPRNLCPR

Normal budgetary Allocation for the Scheme.Objective is to ensure speedy development

of social and economic infrastructure.Provision for retention of projects (25%) from

the Backward / Scheduled Areas of the State.Funding under NLCPR is on 90:10 basis.Up to 31.03.2010

1079 projects worth Rs.8149.10 crore approved and Rs.6141.61 crore released to the States.

States submitted Ucs for Rs. 4933.19 crore and Rs. 1208.42 was balance with them.

2323

Special Package to BTC AreaSpecial Package to BTC Area

Under Bodo Accord, GoI to provide financial assistance of Rs. 100 crore per annum for 5 years for socio-economic development of BTC areas.

Accordingly, Ministry sanctioned 42 projects with approved / indicative cost of Rs. 476.26 crore against which Rs. 439.89 crore has been released. 17 of the 42 Projects completed.

Additional Package of Rs. 250.00 crore given in August 2008. Against it fourteen (14) projects with estimated cost of Rs. 161.36 crore have been retained.

2424

Utilization of NLCPR & BTC FundsUtilization of NLCPR & BTC Funds (31.03.2010)(31.03.2010)

State No. ofProjects

Total Project

Cost (Cr Rs)

Total Release(Cr Rs)

Utilized by States(Cr Rs)

Unspent Balance

with States

Arunachal Pradesh

118 1227.76 855.83 570.04 285.79

Assam 292 1746.06 1313.95 1020.57 293.38

BTC Area Projects

42 476.26 439.89 332.13 107.76

Manipur 115 988.84 707.93 551.01 156.92

Meghalaya 74 691.48 460.55 333.26 127.29

Mizoram 86 669.70 549.26 501.68 47.58

Nagaland 114 1030.21 809.52 674.53 134.99

Sikkim 199 674.91 518.14 466.40 51.74

Tripura 77 1098.73 907.97 797.24 110.73

Common to NER

4 21.41 18.46 18.46 0.00

Total 1121 8625.36 6581.50 5265.32 1316.18

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Sl. Sl. NoNo

SectorSector AllocationAllocation ExpenditureExpenditure

11 Agriculture and Allied Agriculture and Allied 90.8590.85 78.1378.13

22 Power and Water DevelopmentPower and Water Development 218.63218.63 201.49201.49

33 Industry and TourismIndustry and Tourism 76.0176.01 76.8376.83

44 Transport and CommunicationTransport and Communication 1461.021461.02 1465.441465.44

55 Medical & HealthMedical & Health 361.76361.76 358.00358.00

66 Human Resource Development & Employment

98.2198.21 105.59105.59

77 Externally Aided Project 89.5089.50 98.6098.60

88 Science & Technology 94.9694.96 91.6391.63

99 Information & Public Relation 8.548.54 7.957.95

1010 Evaluation & MonitoringEvaluation & Monitoring 12.0212.02 12.0212.02

TotalTotal 2511.502511.50 2495.672495.67

NORTH EASTERN COUNCIL (NEC)NORTH EASTERN COUNCIL (NEC)SECTOR-WISE OUTLAY AND EXPENDITURESECTOR-WISE OUTLAY AND EXPENDITURE

Xth PLAN Xth PLAN (Rs.in crore) (Rs.in crore)

2929

NECNECSECTOR-WISE OUTLAY AND EXPENDITURESECTOR-WISE OUTLAY AND EXPENDITURE

IN FIRST THREE YEARS OF XI PLAN (2007-08, 2008-09 & 2009-10) IN FIRST THREE YEARS OF XI PLAN (2007-08, 2008-09 & 2009-10)

(Rs.in crore) (Rs.in crore)Sl. Sectors Allocation Expenditure

1 Agriculture & Allied Programme 42.75 36.55

2 Power Development 232.45 270.12

3 Renewable Resources Energy 1.00 1.73

4 Water Development 61.10 74.50

5 Industries 23.46 24.09

6 Tourism 21.50 17.93

7 Transport & Communication 1234.76 1170.43

8 Medical & Health 71.70 66.17

9 Human Resource Development & Employment

75.16 54.23

10 Externally Aided Project 25.50 25.75

11 Science & Technology 36.66 37.41

12 Information & Public Relation 9.50 5.88

13 Evaluation & Monitoring 12.46 4.74

  Total 1848.00 1789.52

3232

North Eastern State Roads Project North Eastern State Roads Project (NESRP)(NESRP)

 

ADB assisted project to be implemented in 6 NE States – Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim & Tripura

The project objective is to improve 522.6 Kms of identified roads including

bridges and causeways in 6 NE States, capacity building of the implementing agencies, i.e.,

State PWDs, efficient management of road assets.

Total Project cost – Rs.1463.14 Crore. ADB loan- about 70% of project cost. GoI to contribute remaining project cost.

EFC meeting held on 7.1.2010 recommended the project. Action initiated for obtaining CCEA’s approval.

Will be implemented in 2 Tranche

3434

Technical Assistance & Capacity Building

Skill upgradation of youth for employment and self-employment.

Capacity building of State officials for better service delivery.

Reputed institutes like IIM, NIFM, EPIL, NIFT, DOEACC, CIPET, ITDC, Indo-German Tools, etc. engaged for various trainings.

About 12,000 youth and officials trained during 2009-10.

3535

Advertising & Publicity Mainstreaming and Positive projection

of the Region.

Trade Expositions, Business Meets: An estimated investment of Rs. 15180 crore mobolized.

Seminars.

Cultural Shows.

Youth Festivals.

3636

Enterprises of the Ministry

3737

North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development

Corporation (NEHHDC)

PSU of the Ministry set up in 1977. Objective is to provide support and exposure

to artisans and unique crafts of NER. Organizes exhibitions and craft fairs all over

the country. Capacity building and marketing support to

artisans. 33% increase in turnover in 2008-09.

Turnover in 2009-10 Rs. 13.94 crore (upto February 2010).

3838

North Eastern Regional Agricultural North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Limited Marketing Corporation Limited

(NERAMAC)(NERAMAC)

Incorporated on 31st March 1982

Objective - to help farmers of NE Region in procurement/ marketing of agro-horticultural commodities

Activities include procuring, processing and marketing of agri, horti and minor forest produces.

Processing units Fruit Juice Concentration Plant at Nalkata, Tripura Cashew Processing Unit at Agartala, Tripura.

Integrated Ginger Processing Plant at EPIP, Byrnihat, Meghalaya

Total turnover during 2008-09 – Rs. 3593.04 lac an increase of about 23 % over 2007-08.

3939

North Eastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi)

Parameters 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

Net Worth 255.25 281.21 308.08 -

Income 31.2 36.58 52.83 59.20#

Net Profit 15.61 24.34 29.68 34.51#

No. of Projects 300 169 173 188

Amount Sanctioned

139 279 267332

Amount Disbursed

94 116 184192

Capital Formation 750 1635 854 1093

Direct Employment Generation

3525 2541 23051504

Balance Outstanding

267 331 426521

Net NPA (%) 4.93 2.35 3.73 -

(Amount in Rs. crores)

4040

FY 08-09 FY 09-10* Cum. as on 03/10

Amount Sanctioned 1510 1688.50 6759.59

Amount Disbursed 1229 1688.40 5748.72

No. of Projects Assisted 20 25 398

No. of Groups/SHGs/JLGs

3147 3103 13280

No. of Beneficiaries 23638 16774 100141

No. of Women Beneficiaries

21253(89.9%)

14437(86.06%)

74684(74.57%)

No. of SC/ST Beneficiaries

6825(28.9%)

7190(42.86%)

36180(36.13%)

(Amount in Rs. lakh)(Amount in Rs. lakh)

NEDFi – Achievements in Micro Finance

(* As in March 10)(* As in March 10)

Capacity Building/Training: 12 programmes with 210 participants Capacity Building/Training: 12 programmes with 210 participants

4141

RECENT INITIATIVES BY DONERRECENT INITIATIVES BY DONER1.1. NEC and Power Grid Corporation have jointly funded preparation of DPRs for NEC and Power Grid Corporation have jointly funded preparation of DPRs for

transmission, sub-transmission and distribution network which is likely to cost transmission, sub-transmission and distribution network which is likely to cost around Rs.10,000 crore.around Rs.10,000 crore.

2.2. Development Seminars focusing on backward districts of the region held in Development Seminars focusing on backward districts of the region held in cooperation with the State Governments:cooperation with the State Governments:

Bishnupur & Senapati in ManipurBishnupur & Senapati in Manipur West Garo Hills in MeghalayaWest Garo Hills in Meghalaya Karbi Anglong and North Cachar hills in AssamKarbi Anglong and North Cachar hills in Assam Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire and Longleng in NagalandMon, Tuensang, Kiphire and Longleng in Nagaland

3.3. Review of Central Schemes for their suitability for NER for seven selected Review of Central Schemes for their suitability for NER for seven selected Ministries. Ministries.

4.4. Supplementary loan obtained from International Fund for Agricultural Development Supplementary loan obtained from International Fund for Agricultural Development for expansion of North Eastern Regional Community Resource Management Project for expansion of North Eastern Regional Community Resource Management Project for Upland Areas (NERCORMP) in Assam, Manipur and Meghalaya. for Upland Areas (NERCORMP) in Assam, Manipur and Meghalaya.

5.5. Master Plan for tourism being prepared by NEC through Tata Consultancy Services. Master Plan for tourism being prepared by NEC through Tata Consultancy Services.

4242

Infrastructure - POWERInfrastructure - POWERAction TakenAction Taken

NEC and PowerGrid Corporation have joing funded preparation NEC and PowerGrid Corporation have joing funded preparation of DPRs for transmission, sub-transmission and distribution of DPRs for transmission, sub-transmission and distribution network which is likely to cost around Rs.10,000 crore.network which is likely to cost around Rs.10,000 crore.

PGCIL to invest more in the trunk transmission lines to PGCIL to invest more in the trunk transmission lines to improve inter and intra-region connectivity.improve inter and intra-region connectivity.

About 100 projects for hydro power development awarded in About 100 projects for hydro power development awarded in Arunachal Pradesh.Arunachal Pradesh.

Two gas based projects – Palatana and Monarchawk coming up Two gas based projects – Palatana and Monarchawk coming up in Tripura.in Tripura.

Bongaingaon Thermal Power Project being implemented by Bongaingaon Thermal Power Project being implemented by NTPC. NTPC.

Foundation stone laid by Hon’ble Prime Minister for Pare (110 Foundation stone laid by Hon’ble Prime Minister for Pare (110 MW) and Dibang (3000 MW) Power Projects in Arunachal MW) and Dibang (3000 MW) Power Projects in Arunachal Pradesh.Pradesh.

4343

The key objective of SARDP-NE is to strengthen The key objective of SARDP-NE is to strengthen the intra-region road connectivity in the North the intra-region road connectivity in the North East. The States Capitals would be connected by East. The States Capitals would be connected by at least two-lane road to the National Highways. at least two-lane road to the National Highways. Similarly, District Headquarter towns which are Similarly, District Headquarter towns which are not already connected or covered under other not already connected or covered under other schemes are also proposed to be covered under schemes are also proposed to be covered under SARDP-NE.SARDP-NE.

Components:Components: Total covers construction/improvement/DPR preparation of Total covers construction/improvement/DPR preparation of

9740 km in three phases:9740 km in three phases:• Phase-APhase-A 2596 km 2596 km• Phase-B Phase-B 4825 km (only approved for DPR so far) 4825 km (only approved for DPR so far)• Arunachal Pradesh PackageArunachal Pradesh Package 2319 km2319 km• Total approved cost so far Rs.27644 croreTotal approved cost so far Rs.27644 crore

Implementation by State PWDs, BRO, NHAIImplementation by State PWDs, BRO, NHAI Likely completion Likely completion 20172017

Infrastructure - Roads Infrastructure - Roads SARDP-NESARDP-NE

4545

Infrastructure - Roads Infrastructure - Roads PMGSY - PMGSY - Connectivity StatusConnectivity Status

(as on 31st March 2008)

S. No

State 1000+ 500+ 250+

Eligible Balance Eligible Balance Eligible Balance

1 Aru. Prad. 49 5 127 30 290 123

2 Assam 7323 1834 4862 2722 0 0

3 Manipur 80 8 211 89 363 276

4 Meghalaya 9 3 150 67 597 537

5 Mizoram 32 1 104 44 115 89

6 Nagaland 24 0 44 3 48 22

7 Sikkim 16 0 138 0 164 108

8 Tripura 169 10 606 42 1177 310

Total 7702 1861 6242 2997 2754 1465

46464646

Infrastructure - Railways Infrastructure - Railways National Projects of Railways in NERNational Projects of Railways in NER

• Bhairabhi – Sairang New Line (Assam – Mizoram, Bhairabhi – Sairang New Line (Assam – Mizoram, 51.38 kms) 51.38 kms)

• Bogibeel Bridge with linking lines (Assam, over Bogibeel Bridge with linking lines (Assam, over Brahmaputra, 73 kms) Brahmaputra, 73 kms)

• Dimapur – Zubza (Kohima) New Line (Nagaland Dimapur – Zubza (Kohima) New Line (Nagaland and Assam, 88 kms) and Assam, 88 kms)

• Jiribam - Tupul - Imphal New Line (Manipur, 97.9 Jiribam - Tupul - Imphal New Line (Manipur, 97.9 kms)kms)

• Lumding – Silchar – Jiribam and Badarpur – Lumding – Silchar – Jiribam and Badarpur – Kumarghat Gauge Conversion (Assam-Manipur Kumarghat Gauge Conversion (Assam-Manipur and Assam-Tripura, 367 kms) and Assam-Tripura, 367 kms) 

• Rangia-Murkongselek with linked fingers Gauge Rangia-Murkongselek with linked fingers Gauge Conversion (Assam, 510.3 kms) Conversion (Assam, 510.3 kms) 

• Azra – Byrnihat New Line (Assam-Meghalaya, 30 Azra – Byrnihat New Line (Assam-Meghalaya, 30 kms) kms)

• Agartala – Sabroom New Line (Tripura, 110 kms) Agartala – Sabroom New Line (Tripura, 110 kms) • Sevoke-Rangpo New Line (West Bengal-Sikkim, Sevoke-Rangpo New Line (West Bengal-Sikkim,

52.7 kms)52.7 kms)• Byrnihat – Shillong (Meghalaya - announced in Byrnihat – Shillong (Meghalaya - announced in

Railway Budget Speech of 2010)Railway Budget Speech of 2010)

4747

Infrastructure - Inland Water Transport Infrastructure - Inland Water Transport DevelopmentsDevelopments

• Indo-Bangladesh IWT Protocol on Trade and Transit extended Indo-Bangladesh IWT Protocol on Trade and Transit extended upto March, 2011. upto March, 2011.

• During the visit of PM of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, to India, During the visit of PM of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, to India, in December 2009, it was agreed that Ashuganj in Bangladesh in December 2009, it was agreed that Ashuganj in Bangladesh and Silghat in India shall be declared ports of call. and Silghat in India shall be declared ports of call.

• Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Facility between Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Facility between Myanmar and India being constructed. Expected to be Myanmar and India being constructed. Expected to be completed by 2014. Will provide alternate sea routes through completed by 2014. Will provide alternate sea routes through Myanmar from eastern sea ports of India.Myanmar from eastern sea ports of India.

• Brahmaputra river from Dhubri to Sadiya (891 kms) declared as Brahmaputra river from Dhubri to Sadiya (891 kms) declared as National Waterway-II.National Waterway-II.

• Barak river from Lakhipur to Bhanga (121 kms) to be declared Barak river from Lakhipur to Bhanga (121 kms) to be declared as National Waterway-VI – is under process.as National Waterway-VI – is under process.

48484848

Infrastructure - Civil Aviation Infrastructure - Civil Aviation

ActionsActions

1.1. Comprehensive study to be taken up by DGCA on all aviation Comprehensive study to be taken up by DGCA on all aviation related issues in NER. Study will be funded by NEC.related issues in NER. Study will be funded by NEC.

2.2. NEC has been giving viability gap funding to Air since 2002 for NEC has been giving viability gap funding to Air since 2002 for operating intra-NER services. Arrangement will continue upto operating intra-NER services. Arrangement will continue upto 2011.2011.

3.3. Up-gradation of operational airports being done by Airport Up-gradation of operational airports being done by Airport Authority of India with financial support by NEC (60:40). All Authority of India with financial support by NEC (60:40). All works almost completed. works almost completed.

4.4. Greenfield airport for Sikkim at Pakyong, Gangtok will be Greenfield airport for Sikkim at Pakyong, Gangtok will be completed by January, 2012. completed by January, 2012.

5.5. Ministry of DONER is in discussion with Ministry of Civil Aviation Ministry of DONER is in discussion with Ministry of Civil Aviation for promoting aviation sector in NER. for promoting aviation sector in NER.

4949

Infrastructure - Civil AviationInfrastructure - Civil Aviation

ActionsActions

6.6. NEC is going to fund AAI for construction of NEC is going to fund AAI for construction of airport at Tezu, Arunachal Pradesh. airport at Tezu, Arunachal Pradesh.

7.7. Ministry of Defence is constructing Advance Ministry of Defence is constructing Advance Landing Grounds in eight locations in Landing Grounds in eight locations in Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal Pradesh.

8.8. However, number of flights and airlines serving However, number of flights and airlines serving the region has improved considerably. the region has improved considerably. Improvement in connectivity in terms of Improvement in connectivity in terms of number of aircrafts and points connected is the number of aircrafts and points connected is the need of the hour. need of the hour.

5050

Look East Policy and the North EastLook East Policy and the North East

Objective of Look East Policy vis-à-vis the North East is to leverage its 96% Objective of Look East Policy vis-à-vis the North East is to leverage its 96% international boundary and cultural and historical ties with East and South-East Asia international boundary and cultural and historical ties with East and South-East Asia for trade, commerce and cultural relations.for trade, commerce and cultural relations.

Look East has entered the lexicon of the North East Region and Central Ministries Look East has entered the lexicon of the North East Region and Central Ministries have been sensitizedhave been sensitized. .

Recent Initiatives:Recent Initiatives:

Opening of Nathula Pass in Sikkim for Border Trade.Opening of Nathula Pass in Sikkim for Border Trade. Agreement on Kaladan Multimodal Transport Project with Myanmar.Agreement on Kaladan Multimodal Transport Project with Myanmar. Commencement of Agartala – Dhaka – Kolkata bus service.Commencement of Agartala – Dhaka – Kolkata bus service. Exchanges of trade and cultural delegations between North Eastern Exchanges of trade and cultural delegations between North Eastern

States and neighbouring countries particularly Bangladesh, Thailand States and neighbouring countries particularly Bangladesh, Thailand and Myanmar are on the rise.and Myanmar are on the rise.

51515151

Thank You