Infrastructure development key to developing northeast: PM

Infrastructure development is a key element in the strategy for developing the northeast and increasing the region's connectivity with the rest of the country, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Monday.

"Considerable progress is being made in each of the sectors reviewed today," Manmohan Singh said at a meeting with the chief ministers of the northeast region here.

The meeting was organised by the Planning Commission, the nodal agency initiating and monitoring developmental work in the northeast region, an official release said.

Manmohan Singh said the government viewed infrastructure development in the northeast as a key element in the strategy for developing the region and increasing connectivity with the rest of the country.

He directed the Planning Commission to constitute a monitoring committee with representatives from the northeastern states to improve their coordination among central ministries.

Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia made a detailed presentation on infrastructure development in the northeast and noted that continuous focus on the region had led to satisfactory results during the 11th Plan period.

The domestic product growth in the region has been above the national average for the first time in the 11th Plan, underscoring success of the initiatives and constant monitoring by the Planning Commission, he said.