DoNER & NEC to provide Rs 25-crore for North Eastern States to fight COVID-19

A Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Ministry and the North Eastern Council (NEC) would provide Rs 25 crore to the States in the Northeast for gap funding to fight COVID-19.

Official sources said that this fund would be in the nature of untied fund, which can be utilized on any activity relating to COVID-19 pandemic, and not covered under existing Central packages.

“The flexibility of untied funds would enable the states to respond quickly. This fund would be in addition to the funds otherwise allocated by the Ministry of DoNER and the NEC to the North Eastern States under the existing schemes,” the source said.

Meanwhile, DoNER Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Friday reviewed the overall situation in the Northeast following the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic across India.

As of now, only two states in the Northeast – Manipur and Mizoram – have registered one COVID-19 positive case each.

Officials said that Dr Singh held a detailed review meeting by Video Conference with the Officers of Ministry of DoNER and the NEC.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary, Ministry of DoNER and others.

“At the outset Dr Singh was informed that 100 per cent work of the Ministry was on e-Office, making it easier to comply with the directions of government to work from home mode,” the official said.

The minister stated that designated cargo flights for carrying essential commodities to Northeast have been planned.

“Secretary, NEC may obtain the feedback regarding supply of essential commodities in North Eastern States and the same may be brought to the notice of Ministry, so that the matter may be taken with appropriate Central Ministries,” he said.

Also Read: 41 new Railway Stations constructed in NE since 2014, says DoNER Minister

Also Watch: East Siang District Administration in Arunachal Pradesh cautious over corona virus