New Delhi: Noting that economic prosperity
was crucial to root out insurgency, Assam Chief Minister Tarun
Gogoi on Saturday sought "massive infusion of financial resources"
by the Centre into the state during the 12th Five Year Plan.
Demanding an "attitudinal change" in ensuring development
of the state, Gogoi told National Development Council that a
"holistic approach" coupled with an effective implementation
and monitoring mechanism was key to help the economy of the
state grow on par with rest of the country.
Identifying lack of adequate connectivity in the entire
North Eastern region as a major hurdle, he sought special
emphasise on strengthening of road, rail and aerial network in
Assam during the 12th Plan period.
"Twelth Plan has to lay due emphasis in improving the
infrastructure in terms of road, railway and air connectivity
both within the NE region and with other parts of the
country," he said, also demanding better resource allocation
for maintenance of 2,848 kms of National Highways in Assam.
Gogoi said Guwahati airport should be developed as hub
for aerial connectivity in the region.
Noting that although law and order situation has improved
in the state remarkably, he said still the "perception" about
the scenario has been influencing economic decisions such as
flow of investment into the state.
He said ensuring connectivity to all parts of the state
and building infrastructure were crucial for eliminating
insurgency in the state.
Seeking a special agricultural policy for the North East
as part of the 12th Plan, he said extending institutionalised
support to the farmers was necessary to transform the rural
economy of the state.
PTI
First Published: Saturday, October 22, 2011, 17:01