Minister for Development of North-Eastern Region, Dr Jitendra Singh today said, Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the first Prime Minister who realised the significance of the North Eastern region.
Addressing the gathering, during a homage meeting at his Ministry in New Delhi, Dr. Singh recalled the contribution to the development of North Eastern Region by the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Dr Singh said, Atal Bihari Vajpayee conceived of a separate Ministry for this purpose and initially set up a department for the development of North Eastern region.
Mr Singh said, under the Prime Ministership of Atal Bihari Valypee, a non-lapsable pool of funds for the North Eastern Region was set up, Sikkim was included as a member of North Eastern Council, mobile phone connectivity was launched and also Prime Minister’s Gram Sarak Yojna expanded to benefit the people of North East. He said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has undertaken nearly 30 visits to the region and the present rapid development of the North Eastern Region, is the best homage to Atal Behari Vajpayee.
