2 July:The North East Region Vision 2020 document was released today by the Prime Minister in New Delhi. Speaking on the occasion the Prime Minister, Mr. Manmohan Singh said “ a vision is not merely a static statement but is embedded in the hearts, minds and actions of the people and their leaders.
In this room today, there are a thousand or more leaders of public opinion whose commitment to the path of sustainable, equitable development can make a great deal of difference to the development of future of the North East. Therefore, the time has come when the Union and State Governments of the region should stand shoulder to shoulder to pledge themselves to the rapid realization of the ambitious but realistic goals of the Vision 2020 for the North Eastern Region. I pledge that the Government of India will work with the people of the North East to convert this region into a living shining reality.”
Speaking on the occasion the Minister of Development of North Eastern Region Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar said that this document is a people’s plan. In preparation of this document a questionnaire was sent to 50,000 people of which 35,000 responded and the Vision document was formulated on the basis of their responses. He also said that the North East has an enormous potential for growth and if emphasis is laid on the growth of North East the growth rate of the country as a whole can go up to double digit from present 9%.
The Vision document lays emphasis on catching up with the rest of the country, structural transformation, poverty eradication in North East, maximizing self-governance, harnessing resources for the benefit of the people, building capacity in people and institutions, strengthening infrastructure, creating a center for trade and commerce, effective governance: establishing peace and harmony.
The Governors and Chief Ministers of various states of North East were also present on the occasion.