New Delhi: The allocation for development of North Eastern states had more than doubled to Rs 184,000 crore in the XIth Plan period, the Rajya Sabha was informed Thursday.
Replying to supplementaries during Question Hour, Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Paban Singh Ghatowar said allocation for North Eastern states has risen from Rs 81,000 crore in the Xth Plan to Rs 184,000 crore in the XIth Plan ended March 2012.
"Central Government has not sanctioned any special package for overall development of North Eastern Region. However, depending upon requirements and state-specific needs, Central government has taken up various schemes/projects from time to time," he said.
As much as 10 per cent of the budgetary allocation of 52 ministries is to be spent in the region, he said, adding development work has been going on in North Eastern states.
Since North Eastern Region being strategically important, the Centre has taken up road, rail and air projects, he said.
Apart from East West Corridor and several roads under Special Accelerated Road Development Programme-North East in road sector, new railway lines, gauge conversion and doubling projects have been taken up, he added.
PTI
