Action plan for greater integration of Northeast: Prakash Javadekar

Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday said government has an action plan for greater integration of the Northeast with the rest of India through telecom, digital, radio and TV connectivity.

"We have an action plan for greater integration of Northeast India with rest of the country through telecom, digital, radio and TV connectivity and that would be reflected in the Union Budget", he told reporters here.

Javadekar said he had told a committee looking into the concerns of persons hailing from Northeast that there should be greater integration of the Northeast with the rest of the country.

The committee headed M P Bezbaruah, a former Union Tourism Secretary, was set up by the government to suggest measures to address concerns of people from the Northeast following outrage over the death of Nido Tania, a student from Arunachal Pradesh, here. It will submit its report next month.

"The minister has said the aim should be to create connectivity physically and in the mindset of the people with the Northeast, sensitise people in the metros, particularly people in the middle class with whom Northeast people come into contact," Bezbaruah told reporters.

Emphasizing on strengthening Indian TV and radio channels, he said these channels should promote harmony in the states and "take our rich culture beyond the borders of India".

The discussions in the committee meeting held here on Friday included recommendations for promoting North-east as a filming destination and featuring films from the North-East in various film festivals. Given the talent in the region, the Minister said there should be better participation of Northeastern people in the various genres of information and entertainment.

The meeting also favoured a constant dialogue and an inclusive approach to integrate "our Northeastern brethren into the mainstream".