New Delhi: Niti Aayog on Friday convened an interaction with the chief ministers of the northeastern states to deliberate on development priorities, innovations and challenges, according to an official statement.
Niti Aayog Vice Chairperson Ashok Lahiri, members and the CEO, as well as chief secretaries and senior officers from northeastern states, participated in the interaction, it added.
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The deliberations witnessed constructive and outcome-oriented discussions, the statement said.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu highlighted that the northeastern region is undergoing a significant transformation and emerging as a key engine of growth, according to the statement.
Emphasising the state's immense potential, particularly in hydropower, he stressed the need to further strengthen the skill and capacity building of its human resources.
He also shared innovative governance initiatives being implemented in the state, such as Sarkar Aapke Dwar, Seva Aapke Dwar and Cabinet Aapke Dwar, aimed at ensuring efficient service delivery and swift redressal of public grievances.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma opined that the development must be balanced to avoid regional disparities and ensure inclusive growth.
He appreciated the historic tripartite agreement signed on Thursday between the central government, Assam and Nagaland for facilitating mineral oil operations in the Assam-Nagaland boundary areas, highlighting it as a model of cooperative development.
Sarma also noted that Assam has emerged as the fastest-growing state in the country while making significant strides in social development indicators.
He stressed the importance of addressing regional requirements to sustain and accelerate this progress.
During the interaction, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma emphasised that economic growth must translate into meaningful human development.
He shared Meghalaya's vision in the form of 'Transformation Journey 2032', which aims to realise the goal of a Viksit Meghalaya.
Sangma highlighted the significant role of Externally Aided Projects in creating critical assets and accelerating development.
He also advocated greater collaboration among northeastern states in trade, exports and environmental sustainability while underscoring the need for policies tailored to the unique requirements of the region.
According to the statement, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio emphasised the importance of continuing the support provided through the 15th Finance Commission to sustain the state's development momentum.
He highlighted the potential for new infrastructure projects, expansion of economic activities, oil and gas exploration and strengthening the agriculture sector.
Rio also stressed the need for improved transport infrastructure and enhanced global market access for products, such as Nagaland coffee.
Reaffirming his commitment to collaborative development, he expressed support for the shared vision of achieving a Viksit Bharat.
Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh highlighted the ongoing efforts associated with rehabilitation and resettlement measures in the state.
He stressed the importance of robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure the timely implementation of reconstruction and housing initiatives, underscoring the need for coordinated efforts to support affected communities and restore normalcy.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang discussed the critical role of tourism, connectivity and digital infrastructure in driving the state's development.
He emphasised the need for commercially viable air connectivity and improved digital infrastructure to enhance accessibility and economic opportunities across the region.
Tamang also called for the continuation of the North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS) to promote industrial growth, attract investments and generate employment.
He underscored the importance of policy frameworks that reflect the unique demographic and ecological realities of the northeastern region while ensuring sustainable development.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha highlighted the state's geographical constraints, extensive international border and skill gaps, emphasising the need for targeted interventions to accelerate economic growth and investment.
He observed that trade and connectivity infrastructure, including integrated check posts, rail services and air connectivity, need to be enhanced.
Saha also underscored the potential of sectors, such as bamboo, rubber, textiles, pharmaceuticals, sports and tourism and called for greater support towards skill development, innovation, value addition and export promotion.
He stressed the need for enhanced healthcare and educational infrastructure, while noting that Tripura is among the first few states to prepare its Viksit Tripura vision document.
The statement said the discussions focused on sharing of successful initiatives, policy innovations and impactful development schemes across sectors, such as agriculture, rural development, healthcare, education, skill development, tourism, livelihoods, and infrastructure.
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In her concluding remarks, Niti Aayog Member Joram Aniya thanked everyone for their participation and for sharing the progress, achievements and developmental priorities of their respective states.
She noted that the issues and suggestions raised during the interaction and stated that Niti Aayog would continue to work closely with the concerned ministries and departments of the central government to facilitate the development of the northeastern states.
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