New Delhi, June 29: In order to fight the militancy problem through rapid economic development, the North Eastern States today demanded revision of funding pattern for centrally-sponsored rural development schemes.

"Any further delay in the revision of the funding pattern will be a setback to our ongoing progress in bringing about peace and stability through rural development in Assam," Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said at the Conference of Chief Ministers and State Ministers of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj here.

He demanded revising financing pattern to 90:10 as against the current ratio of 75:25 in keeping with the plan financing pattern for Special Category States.

The centrally-sponsored schemes and programmes are vital for development 'as an antidote to militancy', Gogoi said.

Expressing similar concerns, Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said "Manipur and- other NE States are facing the perennial problem of release of State shares in full due to the financial crunch".

He urged the Planning Commission and the Finance Ministry to ensure speedy implementation of the new ratio.

Meghalaya Chief Minister DD Lapang said acute soil erosion and ecosystem degradation has taken place in the State, primarily due to deforestation.

Chief Minister of Sikkim Pawan Chamling asked the Centre for devising an exclusive programme for the development of the State's rural areas, creation of a national fund for rural reconstruction, primarily aimed at building infrastructures.

Our Reporter adds: Chief Minister O Ibobi accompanied by some of his colleagues met a host of Congress leaders including AICC chief Sonia Gandhi at the AICC office at New Delhi today evening, said an official source.

Other key AICC leaders present at the meeting included Arnbika Soni.

The Chief Minister and his team also met other AICC leaders before meeting Sonia Gandh.

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