Union Budget 2011: Political parties in NE cheers Budget

GUWAHATI: FM Pranab Mukerjee's budget proposal to virtually double allocation for the Northeast to Rs 8000 crore has enthused political parties in the Northeast. The Congress in Assam is particularly pleased in the run-up to assembly polls in the state.

Allocation for special assistance has been doubled to Rs 8000 crore for 20111-12, out of which Rs 5400 crore has been allocated as united special Centre assistance.

Assam's industry minister Pradyut Bordoloi said: "It is a positive development since the Northeast requires massive investments in roads, bridges and other infrastructure to be able to compete .”

R S Joshi, chairman of Federation of Industries for Northeast Region (FINER), said doubling of the funds for Northeast will take care of some problems. However we expected more.”