Northeast states have to release funds for projects

New Delhi, Aug 10 (IANS) Completion of projects in the north-east depends on the release of funds by the state governments, as well as the utilization of central funds, parliament was informed Monday.

“The completion of the projects depends, inter-alia, on the utilisation of funds by the state governments in the region and the release of 10 percent of the approved cost of each project by the state governments,” Development of North Eastern Region and Mines Minister B.K. Handique told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.

He said that sufficient budgetary provision is made in the North East Council’s budget for various ongoing and delayed projects, which are monitored by the ministry and NEC at various levels.

“The completion of ongoing/delayed projects is a priority area of the NEC,” said Handique.