Recounting the implementation of the Look East Policy, the minister rued that though the policy was comprehensive in nature, no tangible project has been accorded to the Northeast region under the policy and people have began to lost faith. He, however, expressed hoped that under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh the Centre will be able to do more under the ongoing Vision 2020 policy for the Northeast region. He also expressed the need to rectify the Vision 2020 guidelines so as to make it more applicable and practical in the Northeast region. “There are certain guidelines which need to change to the suits the region. Giving money will not be the problem, but the guidelines will be the problem if not properly rectify to suit the hill region,” the minister added.
Stating that the Planning Department can change and transform the face of the State, the minister called upon the planning officers to have proper planning, have all the district data on their fingers tips and prepare accurate report of their respective districts so as to make the schemes and projects genuine and a reality. He also urged upon the planning officers to update themselves with latest technology especially e-governance and have the will power to achieve the vision. (Agencies)