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On the top of it such projects invite lots of local resistance from locals, especially on the issue of resettlement. We have to work through those models while (they) need to recognise the village councils, brought into existence for increasing role in developmental planning and implementation.On my personal behalf, I have asked that a group of well known personalities led by Sanjoy Hazarika should look at the document."-Mani Shankar AiyarMani Shankar Aiyar, Union Minister for Panchayati Raj, Sports and Youth Affairs and the Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) calls himself an honorary member of northeast. Can you illuminate on the issue and the development in that regard ?Mani: I visited Assam in October (2007).For more news, information updates, and articles from India log on to http://www. The whole northeast is required to be looked upon integrally. Furthermore, Tripura has made enormous strides in Panchayati raj in areas it is applicable. The concept paper deals as how the NEC can actually function as regional advisory planning body, what would be its relation to Planning Commission as well as with the states. They have come out with a 'paper' on poverty eradication. Unlike the general populace, he is overwhelmed at the overall effort going on to develop the region - the Seven Sisters and the eighth brother Sikkim, the description of which is generally put forward by two words, 'alienation' and 'neglect'. The progress of Arunachal Pradesh is not as satisfactory on paper but they have assured me of prompt and efficient implementation of plans. Unfortunately in the hilly areas the autonomous district council mandated by state law has not yet been set up. We are very conscious of Manipur's role and within the limitation of security in the state a great deal is being done to promote sports. At this stage what I can say is, that it would be much larger than ever before. The role of DONER must be to go beyond NLCPR. We have held an internal discussion in the North East Council (NEC) plenary, which took place on 17th and 18th December.How is Pachayati Raj system going to aid in development of the region?Mani: Panchayati raj is the crux of development measures in north east. Since then, lots of development have taken place on this issue. The steering committee met at the beginning of October, where the members expressed their views. Infact, 20 per cent of the total workforce in the Bangalore IT sector are from north east.Being specific to the power sector, we would like to know your views on the estimates, which profess that sixty per cent of the power need of the North- East can be addressed, if hydro electricity potential of the region is fully tapped. We need to conceive in such a way that DONER ministry act as an envoy to the eight northeastern states and NEC at Shillong act as eyes, ears, voice of the central government vis a vis northeast states. A number of athletes from the state have represented the country, both at the national and international level. Sikkim is amongst the best states for Panchayati raj as a whole. Other form of local government that has been prescribed for different parts in Bodoland includes Bodoland territorial council. Therefore, the process of implementing those can commence."We look forward to an era of emotional integration of Northeast region with the rest of India. Basic point to understand is that the existing Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) and NEC funds become too small in proportion to the proposed 10 per cent GBS.What is the proposed budgetary allocation during the Eleventh Five Year (2007-2012) plan for the north east region ?Mani: I have not added up the number. At present the focus is on three modes : first is mini hydel projects, second is exploitation of non- conventional sources like solar power, biomass.Any message for the people of northeast and Indian populace in general on the northeast region as such. We have reviewed all the eight sectoral summits at the NEC level and have decided that each state should submit 'action taken report'. It is also being discussed in the NEC plenary and we hope to incorporate that as a chapter in the vision 2020 document. Moving towards Manipur, on paper the system is excellent, though it is confined to the valley.
Apart from the Look East Policy, what are the other developments going on in the region ?Mani: Another major development in the region has come through the initiatives of NIRD's (National Institute of Rural Development), north eastern branch (Guwahati). The draft was taken to a twelve different public hearings in different parts of north-east. Your views.You singled out sports as one area where the youth can be engaged. Next in the league is strengthening distribution, transmission and sub transmission systems. Its not enough to have beautiful place that the northeast is. However, mega projects have huge gestation period. It should be a ministry for development of the region. What is your ministry doing in that respect. Some of the decisions would take some time before getting executed, but atleast there has been identification by consensus on what steps is required to be taken and in which areas. Government of India has decide that 10 per cent of the gross budgetary support (GBS) of all, except the excluded ministries would be spent in the region. Similarly the meet on industries and all related aspects is scheduled in May. On 31st October, Minister for External Affairs Pranab Mukherjee convened a meeting of all the eight chief ministers of the region along with the principal union ministers concerned. Here the record is uneven but the V Ramachandran committee has just reported to me on grass root planning in sixth schedule and other areas that are not covered by Part 9 and part 9 (A) of the constitution. Thirdly, we should be in a position to advise the state government on technical matters . How can one talk about alienation when the Delhi University is flooded with students from NE. I am particularly inspired by the Naga example of setting up village councils. Meghalaya is completely exempt from having a local government but is declared as a sixth schedule area. The observation in the public hearings were incorporated in the final version of the document. The government has pledged to spend 10 per cent of GBS in a region that comprises only 4 per cent of the population. On that basis, we can make a considerable progress. is participatory governance.You visited Assam recently and spoke on the need that there has to be a 'full northeast component' in the Look East Policy.Mani: We had a meeting in Gangtok last April and we are sincerely following it. Power is the first and highest requirement for any kind of development.Tourism is another potential sector, which can contribute significantly to the development of northeast.
If we attempt to decode the militancy factor prevalent in the region, youth unemployment is cited as one of the most important reason. We are trying to address the issue in the "poverty eradication programme" ( mentioned earlier) and also in vision 2020.com/. We also need to ensure that 10 per cent of the GBS is spend in consultation with local state governments so as to give them a sense of involvement and participation. The general idea with respect to of 'Look East Policy' have received far more concrete content. Their participation is must not only in bringing up its standard to the desired, but also to give a sense of participation to northeast intellectuals. Similarly each state have their own scenic beauty, which are still virgin. The funds allocated to sports in Manipur are more on per capita basis than anywhere else in the northeast. The majority of the population is covered by Panchayati raj. The meet would also look up on horticulture, floriculture,forestry etc. For example, awareness creation through publicity, promotion of specific destinations.As far as NEC is concerned, the act itself will modify as how NEC would act as the regional advisory planning body. I have persuaded my colleagues in the NEC that we will have a special session in April (2008), where we will give final shape to the vision document so that we are able to perhaps present it to Parliament in the second half of the upcoming budget session.headlinesindia. We would also have a deep look on the question of flood control and irrigation at a meet in June. I can only say that it would be in the interest of everybody to participate in a critical democratic exercise which will affect the lives of millions of people in their immediate neighbourhood. To the extent possible we ourselves are able to effect clearances. Summing it up, the institution of local government is well established in the northeast, the question is one of empowering them and mobilising them. I also commend the government of Assam for having one of the best activity maps, which is the essence of Panchayati raj. The first and foremost issue which must be addressed is removal of the general perception that the region is unsafe as a tourist destination. There are also question of connectivity and accommodation, which is crucial for a place to become a hot spot of tourism. In the mean time, Phalguni Raj Kumar, Secretary of NEC is working on how these paper could be merged. I fail to see any alienation. What is the government doing to upgrade the sports facility in the state?Mani: Well, we already have a major Sports Authority Centre in Imphal. Nagaland under its system of communitisation , has the best system of participatory government than any other state in India, even though it is not a part of the Panchayati raj system.Mizoram is entirely covered by the sixth schedule.By early February we would be holding an exhibition on lawns of India gate to explore on the possibilities.
We need to mobilise the totality of the resources in terms of human power as well as in terms of money. He was quite open and confident in sharing his views with Headlines India about the ongoing drives in the North East, which is aimed to bring the effect of the economic boom in the region at the earliest. The old days of negligence are completely behind us and it's time we look forward to an era of emotional integration of NE with the rest of India. we propose that our ministry at Delhi should have a much more active role in bringing to the attention of the union ministries, the priorities that the states have in respect of the 10 per cent GBS spending. For him the crux of development lies in the participatory form of government. Shillong is termed as the Scotland of the East. Here I would like to single out sports as a major avenue for employment.Mani: Solution to unemployment lies in generalised economic development that needs to take place largely at the grass root level. However, under our constitution election can't be made compulsory, so one can only hope that the people will participate in building their own future.Mani: We had summit at Pashighat (Arunachal Pradesh) on power. Secondly, there is a need to have more technical expertise in our ministry, so that we don't have to refer everything and anything to the lined ministries. Based on those discussions, we are now introducing a Vision 2020 document with an appropriate chapter on the Look East Policy. Manipur is one state that has contributed significantly to athletics. We have three more important summits scheduled in early part of 2008. After that we will be bringing together all aspects related to promotion of tourism. So agriculture, industries and flood control remains the three broad areas, which would be looked upon. Genuine affirmative actions are being undertaken.During your visit (Assam) you also mentioned about the need of revamping both North East Council (NEC) and DONER, Can you elaborate on this ?Mani: The concept papers of both DONER and NEC would be merged into a single paper in a meeting in January (2008). To make a beginning, the best would be with government servants who get leave travel concession. There the state representatives suggested that the vision should include state component to ensure correspondence in vision of states and the nation for 2020. The discussions held, for the first time gave real content on what needs to be done. In March, we are holding a meeting on agriculture where all the forward and backward linkages would be explored.Second major achievement in that regard is that 'National Institute of Public Financing Policy', who were asked to draft the a Vision 2020 document have competed their exercise. However, talking about unemployment, there is also a need to combat drug abuse, as also HIV/AIDS which is more acute among the youth as against the older people.Being a Minister for DONER as well as for Ministry for Panchayati raj, what do you think of the ongoing agitation in view of the upcoming Panchayat elections in Assam?Mani: I am not the minister in charge of law and order.Mani: Yes, I would like to say that the two words 'alienation' and 'neglect' often used for north Terminal Blocks Suppliers east have become completely obsolete. On 16th January we are organising a major conference of 2000 government employees, to show them, educate them, about the real security situation as how safe it is to be in most of the region apart from acquainting them with the tourist facilities
Apart from the Look East Policy, what are the other developments going on in the region ?Mani: Another major development in the region has come through the initiatives of NIRD's (National Institute of Rural Development), north eastern branch (Guwahati). The draft was taken to a twelve different public hearings in different parts of north-east. Your views.You singled out sports as one area where the youth can be engaged. Next in the league is strengthening distribution, transmission and sub transmission systems. Its not enough to have beautiful place that the northeast is. However, mega projects have huge gestation period. It should be a ministry for development of the region. What is your ministry doing in that respect. Some of the decisions would take some time before getting executed, but atleast there has been identification by consensus on what steps is required to be taken and in which areas. Government of India has decide that 10 per cent of the gross budgetary support (GBS) of all, except the excluded ministries would be spent in the region. Similarly the meet on industries and all related aspects is scheduled in May. On 31st October, Minister for External Affairs Pranab Mukherjee convened a meeting of all the eight chief ministers of the region along with the principal union ministers concerned. Here the record is uneven but the V Ramachandran committee has just reported to me on grass root planning in sixth schedule and other areas that are not covered by Part 9 and part 9 (A) of the constitution. Thirdly, we should be in a position to advise the state government on technical matters . How can one talk about alienation when the Delhi University is flooded with students from NE. I am particularly inspired by the Naga example of setting up village councils. Meghalaya is completely exempt from having a local government but is declared as a sixth schedule area. The observation in the public hearings were incorporated in the final version of the document. The government has pledged to spend 10 per cent of GBS in a region that comprises only 4 per cent of the population. On that basis, we can make a considerable progress. is participatory governance.You visited Assam recently and spoke on the need that there has to be a 'full northeast component' in the Look East Policy.Mani: We had a meeting in Gangtok last April and we are sincerely following it. Power is the first and highest requirement for any kind of development.Tourism is another potential sector, which can contribute significantly to the development of northeast.
If we attempt to decode the militancy factor prevalent in the region, youth unemployment is cited as one of the most important reason. We are trying to address the issue in the "poverty eradication programme" ( mentioned earlier) and also in vision 2020.com/. We also need to ensure that 10 per cent of the GBS is spend in consultation with local state governments so as to give them a sense of involvement and participation. The general idea with respect to of 'Look East Policy' have received far more concrete content. Their participation is must not only in bringing up its standard to the desired, but also to give a sense of participation to northeast intellectuals. Similarly each state have their own scenic beauty, which are still virgin. The funds allocated to sports in Manipur are more on per capita basis than anywhere else in the northeast. The majority of the population is covered by Panchayati raj. The meet would also look up on horticulture, floriculture,forestry etc. For example, awareness creation through publicity, promotion of specific destinations.As far as NEC is concerned, the act itself will modify as how NEC would act as the regional advisory planning body. I have persuaded my colleagues in the NEC that we will have a special session in April (2008), where we will give final shape to the vision document so that we are able to perhaps present it to Parliament in the second half of the upcoming budget session.headlinesindia. We would also have a deep look on the question of flood control and irrigation at a meet in June. I can only say that it would be in the interest of everybody to participate in a critical democratic exercise which will affect the lives of millions of people in their immediate neighbourhood. To the extent possible we ourselves are able to effect clearances. Summing it up, the institution of local government is well established in the northeast, the question is one of empowering them and mobilising them. I also commend the government of Assam for having one of the best activity maps, which is the essence of Panchayati raj. The first and foremost issue which must be addressed is removal of the general perception that the region is unsafe as a tourist destination. There are also question of connectivity and accommodation, which is crucial for a place to become a hot spot of tourism. In the mean time, Phalguni Raj Kumar, Secretary of NEC is working on how these paper could be merged. I fail to see any alienation. What is the government doing to upgrade the sports facility in the state?Mani: Well, we already have a major Sports Authority Centre in Imphal. Nagaland under its system of communitisation , has the best system of participatory government than any other state in India, even though it is not a part of the Panchayati raj system.Mizoram is entirely covered by the sixth schedule.By early February we would be holding an exhibition on lawns of India gate to explore on the possibilities.
We need to mobilise the totality of the resources in terms of human power as well as in terms of money. He was quite open and confident in sharing his views with Headlines India about the ongoing drives in the North East, which is aimed to bring the effect of the economic boom in the region at the earliest. The old days of negligence are completely behind us and it's time we look forward to an era of emotional integration of NE with the rest of India. we propose that our ministry at Delhi should have a much more active role in bringing to the attention of the union ministries, the priorities that the states have in respect of the 10 per cent GBS spending. For him the crux of development lies in the participatory form of government. Shillong is termed as the Scotland of the East. Here I would like to single out sports as a major avenue for employment.Mani: Solution to unemployment lies in generalised economic development that needs to take place largely at the grass root level. However, under our constitution election can't be made compulsory, so one can only hope that the people will participate in building their own future.Mani: We had summit at Pashighat (Arunachal Pradesh) on power. Secondly, there is a need to have more technical expertise in our ministry, so that we don't have to refer everything and anything to the lined ministries. Based on those discussions, we are now introducing a Vision 2020 document with an appropriate chapter on the Look East Policy. Manipur is one state that has contributed significantly to athletics. We have three more important summits scheduled in early part of 2008. After that we will be bringing together all aspects related to promotion of tourism. So agriculture, industries and flood control remains the three broad areas, which would be looked upon. Genuine affirmative actions are being undertaken.During your visit (Assam) you also mentioned about the need of revamping both North East Council (NEC) and DONER, Can you elaborate on this ?Mani: The concept papers of both DONER and NEC would be merged into a single paper in a meeting in January (2008). To make a beginning, the best would be with government servants who get leave travel concession. There the state representatives suggested that the vision should include state component to ensure correspondence in vision of states and the nation for 2020. The discussions held, for the first time gave real content on what needs to be done. In March, we are holding a meeting on agriculture where all the forward and backward linkages would be explored.Second major achievement in that regard is that 'National Institute of Public Financing Policy', who were asked to draft the a Vision 2020 document have competed their exercise. However, talking about unemployment, there is also a need to combat drug abuse, as also HIV/AIDS which is more acute among the youth as against the older people.Being a Minister for DONER as well as for Ministry for Panchayati raj, what do you think of the ongoing agitation in view of the upcoming Panchayat elections in Assam?Mani: I am not the minister in charge of law and order.Mani: Yes, I would like to say that the two words 'alienation' and 'neglect' often used for north Terminal Blocks Suppliers east have become completely obsolete. On 16th January we are organising a major conference of 2000 government employees, to show them, educate them, about the real security situation as how safe it is to be in most of the region apart from acquainting them with the tourist facilities
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