10% of budget allocated to NE, says MoS Gurjar

DIMAPUR — India’s progress will be hindered until the north-eastern region sees a significant development, said Minister of State of Power and Heavy Industries, Krishan Pal Gurjar on Saturday.

He said this during the Bharat Sankalp Yatra programme at Niuland district to review the progress and implementation of various central schemes as well as interact with the NGOs and beneficiaries of various schemes at the DC conference hall, Niuland.

A significant progress unfolded in the Northeast after Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India, after development eluded the region for 70 years, said Gurjar, claiming that the Modi government has allocated 10% of the national budget towards the Northeast, marking the first instance of such substantial investment.

While highlighting the achievement of various central schemes, the MoS informed that 7 crore citizens have reaped the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Yojna, for which the government has allocated over INR 1 lakh crore.

Over a span of nine years, the Centre has facilitated the construction of more than 4 crore sturdy houses, ensuring access to essential amenities like electricity, LPG connections, toilets, and tap water, he added

He mentioned that 4480 farmers in Niuland have been enrolled under PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi, receiving assistance of INR 6,000, while over 12 crore women have been provided with free LPG connections.

Under the NHIDCL, the road connection between Showuba to Pangsha is nearing completion, while the Jal Jeevan Mission is progressing, and Niuland has been chosen for the Akito wellness centre under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 initiative, he said, adding that a water park is in the offing as part of developmental endeavour in the district.

In an interaction with the journalists, Gurjar said that the Centre is committed to developing the Northeast, and expressed contentment on learning that both the state government and Niuland district administration have been diligently executing various central schemes.

While maintaining that setting up industries in Nagaland hinges on the availability of raw materials, he said the central government would earnestly consider and examine if the state government forwards proposals for establishment of

industries.

Regarding power issue in Nagaland, the MoS mentioned the establishment of a 5 MW Mega Solar Power Plant at Hovukhu village, aiming at providing substantial benefits to the village and the adjoining areas.

Also speaking at the event, Minister of Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and Cooperation, Jacob Zhimomi, said that various central schemes and welfare programmes have been effectively implemented in the state.

Significant developmental strides have been made in Nagaland and across the Northeast region since 2014 with unwavering commitment, he said, adding that the present ruling government is characterised not just by rhetoric but by tangible action.

The event was followed by inspection of projects at Hovishe village.

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