A twelve-member delegation of Young Leaders Connect (YLC) from Northeast called on union minister of finance, Arun Jaitley at New Delhi on January 14.
Chaired by Bhaichung Bhutia (Indian football icon), the delegation comprised of Kiren Rijiju (minister of state, MHA), Hekani Jakhalu (director, YouthNet), Sushmita Dev (MP), Gaurav Gogoi (MP) Karma Paljor (business editor, CNN-IBN), Conrad Sangma (chief executive member, GHADC), Imo Singh (MLA, Manipur), G G Kamei (IRS), Tanushree Hazarika (managing director, Eclectic Group), Dr Lalrin Jahau (surgeon, Mizoram) and Bjorn Deneise (GM, Mayfair Hotels). Towards reaching a common goal of preparing North-East for the next level, YLC discussed and deliberated with Jaitley on several topics and issues related to the region.
In a press release, YLC said it also sought on creating a platform for expression of ideas that could harness the immense potential and the strategic location of the North-East and transform it into a model region by drawing a roadmap for developing it in a sustainable, time-bound and planned manner.
With this objective, they submitted recommendations to the finance minister to ensure optimum utilization of the rich natural resources and human resource base in the region.
YLC group also suggested that a special employment-linked skill development drive along the lines of “Udaan” for Jammu and Kashmir should be launched in the North-East as well.
Such an initiative would ensure adequate employment or entrepreneurship opportunities and put more emphasis on youth development, stated YLC.
They also stressed on creating new higher education institutions (HEIs) which would strengthen the existing ones through improvement in governance, curricula etc. Vocational training, scientific education, research centers and institutes of excellence needed for the development of the North-East’s youth, said YLC.
While pointing out that there are government policies aiming to promote the north East region but recent modifications have negatively impacted the desired objectives of these policies, YLC recommended a few points like strengthening of the North East council (NEC), better coordination amongst agencies focusing on North east, ensuring proper utilization of development funds meant for the region, reverting to the original composition of the central assistance funds including special category status, special plan assistance, special central assistance, normal central assistance and north east industrial and investment promotion policy.
New and pending projects to connect the north east region through road, rail and air must be given special priority including connecting state capitals through rail, intra-regional and international air connectivity, multi-modal Kaladan project and Asian trilateral highway, YLC mentioned in the recommendations.
YLC further stated that the urgent focus on these recommendations would enhance peace and prosperity in the region.
Meanwhile, according to YLC, the finance minister was happy to see the initiatives of the young delegation and encouraged the group to continue their good work for the benefit of the region. He also urged the young leaders to focus on the good governance of the Northeast.