Shillong, 19 January (MTNews): The Governor of Nagaland La Ganesan along with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang, and other senior state government officials attended the 71st plenary session of the North Eastern Council held at State Convention Centre, Shillong on 19th January 2024.
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The 71st Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) witnessed the presence of distinguished leaders, including Governor La Ganesan of Nagaland, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang, and other senior state officials. The Plenary Session was also attended by the Governors, Chief Ministers, senior government officials from the other North Eastern States. The event was attended by Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, who serves as the chairman of NEC, and G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister DoNER, among others.
Governor La Ganesan, addressing the gathering, underscored the collective commitment to the holistic development of the North Eastern region. Highlighting key areas for focus, he emphasized strengthening the rural economy through initiatives in agriculture, agro-tourism, connectivity, and youth empowerment.
The Governor stressed the significance of enhancing autonomy for NEC in various domains, including road infrastructure, sports, and an increased allocation under the 60% component of NEC.
Agriculture, being the backbone of the economy, was a focal point in the Governor’s address. He urged the adoption of modern farming techniques, access to credit facilities, and the promotion of agro-processing units. Acknowledging Nagaland’s success in integrating agriculture with tourism, exemplified by the Hornbill Festival, Governor Ganesan encouraged other states to explore similar synergies for economic growth.
Connectivity, both physical and digital, was deemed paramount by the Governor. He commended the investments made in road and digital infrastructure, facilitating seamless trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges within the region and beyond.
Governor Ganesan also highlighted the state’s commitment to skill development, emphasizing the need for educational infrastructure. He urged investments in schools, colleges, and vocational training institutes, with a focus on technology integration to bridge the digital divide and empower the youth.
Recognizing the untapped potential in natural resources and skilled human capital in the North East, the Governor urged collaboration with state governments to formulate industrialization policies, with sustainability and inclusivity in mind. He emphasized the role of NEC in advocating for enhanced autonomy, particularly in the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) for roads.
In his concluding remarks, Governor La Ganesan called for an increased allocation under the 60% State Component and emphasized the critical role of the 10% GBS Fund in catalyzing growth and addressing developmental gaps in the region.