NE wants infra development for better connectivity: Ahluwalia

GUWAHATI: The North Eastern states have stressed on development of infrastructure for improved connectivity and rural transformation for development, Planning Commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said on Monday.

"Many of the states pointed out that the Government of India's Look East Policy puts the Northeast in the centre," Ahulwalia told reporters after the first day of the Regional Consultative Meeting on the Approach Paper on the 12th Five Year Plan.

"They want connectivity with the neighbouring countries to be improved for trade," Ahluwalia said.

Stating that a strong case was made out for integration of the Northeast with neighbouring countries, he said, "We will take proactive action through diplomacy for it".

The 'Look East' policy, he said, was designed to achieve greater integrity of the country with the South-East Asian countries for trade.

"The areas benefiting are strategically situated in the NE region. Concerted efforts will be made for better air connectivity," he said.