Imphal, March 31: Union Minister of State for Defence O Raja Gopal has stated that NDA Government at the Centre would be soon finalizing certain new schemes for accelerating the pace of development in the North East region.

Addressing a press conference convened at the residential bungalow of MP Th Chaoba at Babupara here this afternoon, Gopal iterated that the Centre has been giving special attention to the development of the region.

The Union Minister is presently in Imphal in connection with the function held yesterday to mark the completion of five years of NDA Government led by BJP under Atal Behari Vajpayee.

He said that 10 percent of the total budget allocations are being earmarked for infrastructural development of the North Eastern States.

Centre is not giving as much attention to other States as it giving to the States in the North Eastern region, he added.

In recognition of the unique nature of the problems of the North East, the NDA Government has also instituted a separate Ministry.

A Union Minister of Cabinet rank has been closely watching the progress of developmental works being taken up here, he said.

Over the years, huge amount of fund have been released through the departments concerned of the States, including Manipur, but it has been noticed that the fund thus released are not being used properly as it should be, the Union Minister noted with concern.

As far as utilization of Central fund is concern, Manipur is in complete contrast to Meghalaya where fund for developmental works are being utilized properly.

Replying to a question, Gopal said that Centre is in full knowledge of the activities of the various underground outfits operating in the State.

However, he declined to divulge details of the steps and measures being taken up by the Centre to combat militancy in the State.

On the steps being taken up to rescue German National Heinrich Wolfgang who is still in the captivity of Kuki Liberation Army (KLA), he informed that the Centre is in constant touch with the State Government on the issue.

He said that he would be discussing (he matter with the Union Home Ministry once he goes back to New Delhi.

On being asked how much have been released by the Centre for the development of road and communication in the State so far.

Union Minister replied that he did not have the exact knowledge and asked MP Chaoba to provide the information.

Accordingly, Chaoba informed that a total amount of Rs 40 crores under PMGSY was released during 2000 besides another Rs 40 crores the following year.

Out of these amounts, there is proper account for utilization of Rs 20 crores only, he said.

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