Northeastern states against NDA government over curbs on special status

GUWAHATI: Despite their different political affiliations, the Seven Sisters of India have come together against the NDA-ruled Centre, alleging that it is taking away the special category status of the region, slashing funds of several schemes, and even stopping several welfare projects. The north-eastern states, including Sikkim, which are members of the North Eastern council (NEC), have recently adopted a resolution, voicing concerns about losing some of the benefits they enjoyed.

The resolution, which was leaddrafted by Tripura chief minister Manik Sarkar, said the funding pattern of the region was 90:10, where the Centre contributed 90%, and the state chipped in with 10%. However, from the Union Budget, it seems that the funding pattern of centrallysponsored schemes (CSS) have undergone a change.

Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi said that these developments will affect implementation of different schemes. “We have been seeking an interview with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but he's yet to give us time.” Gogoi added that all eastern states, at a meeting, decried the new funding mechanism.