Assam CM asks DoNER Minister’s steps for expeditious implementation of projects

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Monday impressed upon the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for DoNER, Dr. Jitendra Singh to take steps to expedite the completion of the projects like multi-level car parking, water ways project and expansion of LGBI Airport and release of necessary funds ear-marked for these projects at the earliest.

He also requested the DoNER Minister to take proactive step to evolve a framework to address all delays in implementing the projects at a meeting held at his office chamber in State Secretariat in Dispur.

The DoNER Minister who is on a one day visit to Assam, met Chief Minister Gogoi and assured to remove all bottlenecks for the quick implementation of the projects.

Gogoi said that, because of the delays in executing the projects, benefits keep eluding the people for whom the projects have been envisaged.

Gogoi also suggested that the Centre and State Government Officials should sit together to address all the shortcomings to avoid inordinate delays in releasing the funds and implementing the projects.

The Assam CM also drew the attention of the Union Minister of suspending the Special Category Status granted to the North East and asked him to make the Centre’s stand clear on the issue.

The Chief Minister informed the Union minister that the development of the State sans Special Category Status would lead to slowing down of several developmental activities which might again lead to popular resentment and law and order problem.

Gogoi pointed out that, the North East required significant investment in infrastructure to enter into the next phase of development. Roads, airway projects and development of inland water transport need to be adequately funded to bring about inclusive development of the region.

Referring to the expansion of the LGBI Airport in Guwahati, Gogoi also urged the DoNER Minister to take steps to improve intra-regional connectivity which would not only bring about all-round development of the North Eastern region but also bring the region closer to the mainstream.

The Assam CM requested the Ministry of DoNER to take up with the appropriate authority to increase the frequency of flights to major cities and towns of the region.

Chief Secretary VK Pipersenia, Additional Chief Secretary MGVK Bhanu and KV Eipen along with other top officials of the Central and State Governments and NEC Official were present at the meeting.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)