Tripura Chief Minister 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 fund was not made available by the Centre to North Eastern Council (NEC).
The fund available for NEC was Rs 1935.55 crore as against the approved outlay of Rs 2450 crore during the 9th five year plan and Rs 2500 crore against the approved outlay of Rs 3500 crores 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 2548.50 crore in the first four years while the approved outlay was Rs 7394 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 materialize the dream of NER vision 2020 into realities”, Mr. Sarkar said.
The Chief Minister also demanded that a Divisional Railway Headquarters be set up in Tripura. “Railway line from Agartala to Sabroom which is slated to become a gateway for transportation of goods from Chittagong port to the entire north eastern region, 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 4-laning of the NH44, which “has been delayed for long”.
He said, the facilities at the Agartala airport need immediate improvement and special fund should be given for the acquisition of land for extension of the airport.
