246/2024-2025

AIZAWL; the 28^th September, 2024: The 21st Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) entered its second day with a productive plenary session at the Mizoram Assembly's Session Hall in Aizawl, today. This significant event brought together esteemed parliamentarians to deliberate on the crucial topic of "Merging the Ministry of DONER with NEC for better strategic planning and coordination of various projects in the region"

Shri Sharingain Longkumar, Hon'ble Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and Chairman of CPA, India Region, Zone- III, presided over the session and invited Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha to give remarks on yester day’s topic 'Inclusion of the Northeast Region in the India-ASEAN vision for Trade and Cooperation’ and set the tone for today’s topic as well, to pave the way for meaningful discussions and exchange of ideas among the participants.

Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha first congratulated Government of Mizoram and The Mizoram Assembly for the smooth and successful conduct of the 21st Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and profusely thanked Mizoram for the hospitality and warm receptions extended to all the CPA members and their entourages. Then he reiterated that the plenary session provided a platform for delegates to share their perspectives and expertise on the proposed merger, exploring its potential benefits and challenges. The deliberations focused on enhancing strategic planning and coordination of projects in the region, ultimately aiming to drive development and prosperity.

Shri Sharingain Longkumar, Chairman of CPA, India Region, Zone- III, reminded the august gathering that, through events like this plenary session, the CPA, India Region, Zone- III, reinforces its commitment to strengthening parliamentary democracy and promoting inclusive growth. As the organization continues to work towards its goals, its efforts will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the lives of citizens across the North Eastern states of India. Therefore, he requested all the members to actively participate and share their thoughts and ideas wholeheartedly.

Members of the CPA, India Region, Zone-III, presented their viewpoints on the pros and cons of merging the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) with the North Eastern Council (NEC), as well as other pertinent issues. Following thorough deliberation on 'Merging the Ministry of DONER with NEC for better strategic planning and coordination of various projects in the region,' the 21st Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) formally adopted the subsequent resolution:

RESOLUTION OF THE 21^st  CPA INDIA REGION ZONE-III CONFERENCE HELD AT AIZAWL, MIZORAM

The 21^st  Annual Conference of the CPA India Region, Zone-III was held at Aizawl, Mizoram on the 27^th  and 28^th  September, 2024 with the theme "Fostering the Legislative Sanctity."

During the Plenary Sessions, the Hon'ble Speakers, Deputy Speakers and MLAs of various States of Northeast India deliberated upon and discussed threadbare the following two topics: -

(i) Inclusion of the Northeast Region in the India-ASEAN Vision for Trade and Cooperation.

(ii) Merging the Ministry of DONER with NEC for better strategic planning and coordination of various projects in the region.

After the discussions concluded, the members unanimously agreed/resolved the following on the 28th of September, 2024: -

(I) Inclusion of the Northeast Region in the India-ASEAN Vision for Trade and Cooperation: 

The House sincerely appreciated and acknowledged the renewed efforts of the Central Government under the leadership of Honourable Prime Minister,  Shri Narendra Modi to work towards the socio-economic upliftment of the North East Region, which is also renowned as Ashtalakshmi through visionary policies of the “Act East Policy.” 

i) At the same time, impresses upon the Central Government to extend the scope of the Act East Policy and Ashtalakshmi by incorporating the North East Region into the Indo-ASEAN bilateral trade agreements to encourage the North East Region in becoming a growth engine for the Nation while appreciating the regions International Border trading potentials. 

ii) To accelerate the completion of key infrastructure projects such as the India – Myanmar – Thailand Highway and the Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project. 

iii) To identify and upgrade existing International Trading outpost namely; Moreh in Manipur, Zokhawthar in Mizoram, Pangsha and Avangkhu in Nagaland, Pangsu Pass in Arunachal Pradesh, to name a few. 

iv) To make more efforts in encouraging tourism related projects appreciating the rich cultural diversity and resources and potential of the Region for promotion and at the same time, employment livelihood generation, stressing regional inclusiveness policy.

v) To promote cultural exchange programmes of the Region with ASEAN Nations as a multiplier factor in promoting potential Foreign Trade in the Region. 

(II) Merging the Ministry of DONER with NEC for better Strategic Planning and Coordination of various Projects in the Region:

Having noted that at present, legislative oversight over the functioning of Ministry of DONER and NEC is under the Parliamentary Department Related Standing Committee on Home Affairs, it was felt that a separate Departmental Related Standing Committee (DRSC) in Parliament exclusively for the Ministry of DONER to oversee the functioning of DONER and NEC would strengthen the legislative oversight on their functioning and in effective implementation of the schemes and policies implemented by them. This will ensure greater accountability and strengthen the oversight of the Ministry of DONER and its implementing agencies to the people through the Parliament of India. Towards this end, the Northeast MPs forum may be approached for taking up the matter with the Government of India as well as the Hon'ble Speaker, Lok Sabha and the Hon'ble Chairman, Rajya Sabha at the earliest.