SHILLONG, Nov 23 (NNN): The Minister of State for DoNER, Paban Singh Ghatowar informed the Lok Sabha on November 22 that a total sum of Rs.368.09 crores has been released to the North Eastern states under the Non Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) scheme during the year 2011-12.
The funds utilised under NLCPR during the same year is Rs.305.85 crores in the NE states. The total amount of outstanding utilisation certificate (UCs) & unspent balances with the state governments as on June 30, 2011 with the NE states is Rs.748.27 crores under NEC releases.
Ghatowar informed that the main reasons that result in delayed full utilization of released funds to North East Region in a particular year are shorter working season, inclement weather, shortage of professionals, geographical disadvantages, etc.
The Minister informed that the Planning Commission is involved in the finalisation of the annual plans of the NE States.
Grant-in-Aid to NE state governments are also released under the NLCPR scheme by the Ministry of DoNER. In addition, 52 non-exempted Central Ministries earmark 10% of their gross budgetary support for the NE states.
