The Union Minister on Tuesday reviewed the status of implementation of various urban missions in the North-Eastern states at a meeting in Guwahati and stressed on the top priority given by the Central Government to the growth and development of the entire North-Eastern region.

Urban Development Ministers and Secretaries/Commissioners of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura presented the major challenges and issues in implementing the Centre's schemes.

He urged the Center to consider increasing financial assistance to the North-Eastern states due to the unique geographical and environmental concerns of all the states in the region.

The Union Minister highlighted the geo-strategic importance of the North-Eastern region as well as the tourism potential.

He also acknowledged the concerns over supply of adequate land at appropriate locations, increasing demand for housing, basic services and infrastructure due to increasing urbanization in the region.

Speaking about the implementation of various missions of the Ministry in the region, he congratulated Assam for being the best performing state in the region under the PM Swanidhi Scheme and the first state to adopt the Model Tenancy Act, and he appealed to all the States Urged to adopt it. Enact legislation as soon as possible in the interest of your citizens.

The Minister also appreciated the timely completion of projects in 10 smart cities of the region under the Smart Cities Mission.

He also expressed optimism about the strategic and comprehensive roadmap for sustainable urban development in the North Eastern States.