Ministry of Urban Development to launch North Eastern Urban Development Programme

New Delhi 5 June 2009

A meeting to review implementation of projects under 10% lumpsum provision for Infrastructure Development in towns in North East was held under the Chairmanship of Dr. M. Ramachandran, Secretary (UD) here today.

Speaking at the meeting the Secretary informed that the Ministry will Launch North Eastern Urban Development Programme assisted by Asian Development Bank in Aizawl, Shillong, Gangtok, Kohima, and Agartala in the first phase very shortly.

He said that the programme at a total cost of Rs. 1371.4 crore will help improve basic municipal services in the identified cities. He also stated that every effort shall be made to expedite launching of Phase - II of the Programme to cover cities in remaining three States in the North East.

The Scheme was launched in the year 2001-02 and 213 projects at an estimated cost of Rs. 1,700 crore have been sanctioned under the scheme out of which 1080 crore have been released as Central Assistance. Over 40% projects have been completed under the scheme so far. During the course of discussion, Dr. M. Ramachandran highlighted the need for early completion of ongoing projects and requested the States to adhere to the timelines committed by them for completion of projects. He also highlighted the fact that during two consecutive years, Ministry has been providing more than 10% for the development of urban areas in North East. He emphasized the need for early completion of projects. TFK/RK