Financial assistance to cash strapped NE states soon

Chowdhury, who attended the meeting of chief ministers of the north eastern states in New Delhi on June 5, said the assurance was given by the Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee regarding formation of  the 14th Finance Commission this year to address the financial problems of the region.

He quoted Mukherjee as telling the meeting that the central government was committed in implementing the 'Look East Policy' which would not be possible without development of the north east states.

"Mukherjee also said the north eastern region would be included to achieve the second green revolution in the 12th Five Year Plan period and the North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy 2007 would be implemented to boost investment in the region," Chowdhury said.

Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia, who was present in the meeting, said another meeting with the north eastern states would be held within three to four months.