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PM reviews NE projects

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh said his Government viewed infrastructure development in the North East as a key element in the strategy for developing the region and increasing connectivity with the rest of the country. Opening the north east chief ministers’ conference in New Delhi on Monday, Dr Singh directed the Planning Commission to constitute a Monitoring Committee with representatives from the region to improve coordination among ministries. This meeting was organized by the Planning Commission which is the nodal agency initiating and monitoring developmental work in the region. Deputy Chairman of the planning plan Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia made a detailed presentation on Infrastructure Development in the region and noted that continuous focus on the region has led to satisfactory results during the 11th Plan period. The State Domestic Product growth in the region has been above the national average for the first time ever in the 11th Plan underscoring success of the initiatives and constant monitoring by the Planning Commission. The GSDP of North East region grew nearly 10% during the 11th Plan period from 2007-2012 compared to 8% for the country as a whole. This growth was supported by good agriculture sector performance including horticulture, floriculture, fisheries, rubber and oil palm production. He said that the ministries have focused on development of infrastructure including Railways, Roads, Airports, Telecom and Power.

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