partment of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) upgraded to a Ministry in order to sharply focus on development issues of the North-Eastern Region

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  The Department of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) upgraded to a Ministry in order to sharply focus on development issues of the North-Eastern Region.
  
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  The North Eastern Council (NEC) restructured with Minister, DONER as its Chairman.
  
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  Major initiative to seek international cooperation for development of the North-Eastern Region in 5 core Sectors - road, urban development, trade and investment, water resources and energy.
  
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  Under the scheme of Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR), 80 new projects sanctioned to the North-Eastern States at a cost of Rs.601.21 crore.
  
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  In the Central Budget of 2005-06, Rs.9306 crore earmarked for expenditure in the North-Eastern States, an increase of 51.7 per cent over 2004-05.
  
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  Indian Institute of Management (IIM) to be set up in the North-Eastern Region.
  

PANCHAYATI RAJ

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  Seven Round Table Conferences of State Ministers of Panchayati Raj held to formulate a draft Action Plan towards achieving the objective of strengthening of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to enable them emerge as institutions of self-government as envisioned in the Constitution.
  

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  A set of around 150 points emerged through consensus at the conclusion of the Round Table Conferences.
  

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  A Council of Ministers of Panchayati Raj of States/Union Territories constituted under the Chairmanship of the Minister of Panchayati Raj to monitor the implementation of the 150 recommendations.
  

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  A Committee of Chief Secretaries of States and State Panchayati Raj Secretaries constituted under the chairmanship of the Secretary (Panchayati Raj) to monitor the progress on the implementation by States and UTs of the 150 recommendations.
  

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  A process of visiting each of the States/UTs initiated to review the progress in implementing the points for action agreed upon in the Round Tables.
  

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  A task force of State secretaries set up for working out modalities for implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes through PRIs in all States and Union Territories.
  

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  A National presentation made on Rural Business Hubs, “Economic Empowerment Through Panchayats”, in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry.
  

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TRIBAL AFFAIRS

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  The benefit of insurance coverage under ‘Janashree’ scheme of Life Insurance Corporation of India given to Primitive Tribal Groups for the security.
  
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  Rs. Two crore released to the UT Administration of Anadaman & Nicobar Islands for resettlement and rehabilitation of Tsunami affected PTGs.
  
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  A number of developmental projects taken up for the improvement in Human Development Index of the Scheduled Tribe population and creation of critical infrastructure in tribal areas.
  
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  Steps taken to formulate a Scheduled Tribe (Recognition of Forest Rights) Bill.
  
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  Comprehensive Land Based Plan taken up for development of STs.
  
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  Planning Commission constituted a Task Group on development of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes with focus on the tribal areas taking the social, economic and geographical parameters into consideration.
  
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  An amount of Rs.330 crore released for infrastructure development projects and establishment of Eklavya Modern Residential Schools.
  
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  The State government asked to conferownership rights in respect of Minor Forest Produce including tendu patta on the Scheduled Tribes.
  
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  Need-based schemes in the area of education for ST population being implemented.
  
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  National Overseas Scholarship approved for continuation till 2007.
  
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  Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship Scheme conceived to provided fellowships for M.Phil and Ph.D. courses.
  
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  A quarterly newsletter “Janjatiya Jagran” stated to create awareness among the people about the various schemes being implemented for the welfare of the STs.
  

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EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

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  High priority given to relations with Neighbours.
  

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  Engaged in a sustained and comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan.
  

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  Establishing strategic and cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity with China.
  

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  Engaged in broad range of discussions with US while maintaining both maturity and dynamism in relations between the two countries.
  

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  The visit of the Prime Minister of Canada resulted in a Joint Statement highlighting many initiatives including strengthening the India-Canada partnership in advancing collaboration in Science & Technology and creation of Tsunami warning system for Indian Ocean countries.
  

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  Visits of the Russian President, Deputy Prime Minister, Defence and Foreign ministers resulted in establishing multifaceted relations with Russia that include establishing new banking links and identifying IT and energy as areas and facilitating business travel and tourism both ways. The possibility of trilateral cooperation in the economic field between Russia, China and India also being explored.
  

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  Growing recognition of India as an indispensable partner of the European Union, now consisting of 25 members, seeking strategic partnership with India
  

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  Efforts being made to develop energy relationship with the Central Asia.
  

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  India’s “Look East policy” furthering a partnership with the ASEAN countries and adopting of document on “ India – ASEAN Partnership for Peace, Progress and Prosperity” symbolising that India now forms the inner core of the countries in ASEAN’s political relationship with the rest of the world.
  

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  India’s relations intensified with West Asia, Gulf & Arab World as well as with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) with which India signed a Framework Agreement for Economic Cooperation and also facilitated Indian citizens in the region by establishing a 24-hour Helpline Centre in Saudi Arabia. The Government also decided to send no troops to Iraq.
  

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  The ‘Focus Africa Policy’ led to a greater exchanges of high level visits, greater economic and technical cooperation, both bilateral as well as within the context of the African Union and India’s contribution to peace – keeping operation in several African countries.
  

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  Intensifying relations with Latin America & Caribbean region by engaging the political leaders of Latin America for support on bilateral and multilateral issues and extending relief assistance to countries such as Jamaica, Grenada and Bahamas.
  

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  .To ensure a more consultative approach in Indian foreign Policy, a mechanism initiated for domestic developments by coordinating with other Ministries and agencies as well as with State governments, particularly those which border India’s neighbours.
  

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  Indian Diplomacy, Multidimensional and Consultative process based on National Consensus and needs of the times
  

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  Number of Haj pilgrims from India increased and subsidy restored.
  

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