400 projects pending in NE states due to various reasons: Govt

Over 400 projects sanctioned by the Centre have been pending in North Eastern states, a number of them for over three years due to various reasons including law and order issues and limitation of technical expertise in the region.

Over 400 projects sanctioned by the Centre have been pending in North Eastern states, a number of them for over three years due to various reasons including law and order issues and limitation of technical expertise in the region.

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Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) BK Handique told Rajya Sabha that out of total 666 sanctioned projects, 402 have not started yet due to various bottlenecks.

"The main reason for their pendency, inter-alia, includes the shorter working period because of long rainy season in the North East, delay in release of funds by state governments to the implementing agencies, law and order problem and limitation of technical expertise," he said.

Handique said his ministry is regularly monitoring implementation of various projects.

"The state governments have been advised to ensure timely release of funds to the implementing agencies and also review the progress on quarterly basis," he said.

The DoNER Ministry provides central assistance for developmental projects in the North Eastern region under Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR). The North Eastern Council also sanctions projects for the region.