CM Nabam Tuki urges centre to consider the uniqueness of North-East

ITANAGAR: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has urged the Centre that various developmental and welfare schemes of the North-East be conceived and sanctioned considering the uniqueness of each state and region.

Attending the Pre-Budget discussion for the Financial Year 2015-16 at New Delhi yesterday, Tuki, who also holds the Finance portfolio, urged that Arunachal Pradesh must be viewed from the prism of its inherent uniqueness of Low Resource Base coupled with its sparse population, an official communiqué said here today.

Tuki pointed that the state government has been facing enormous fiscal challenge because of the gap in NPRDG (Non Plan Revenue Deficit Grant) recommended by the 13th Finance Commission and the actual expenditure, it said.

He said the issue was highlighted in detail to the visiting Chairman and Members of the 14th Finance Commission and hoped that the Commission would recommend some measures to bring the State out of this problem.

He appealed that the Special Package for comprehensive Border Development proposal under submission to the MHA may be given due cognisance and funds earmarked in this budget.

From the strategic point of view, Tuki said that most roads in the state need adequate maintenance fund as harsh climatic conditions weather the roads in very short span of time.

He also advocated that the North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIP), which has been suspended, may be revoked.