Development of North East a foremost priority, says President

Terming the North-East "a special part of the country", President Pratibha Patil today said development of the region was one of the foremost priorities of the central government.

"The contribution of the North East states to the development of our country has been tremendous. I can assure you that the development of the North East region is also amongst the foremost priorities of the nation," Patil said.

Stressing on the need of strengthening the transport infrastructure in the region, she said it would help creating greater connectivity within and with other parts of India.

Speaking on a conference of access to justice and socio-economic development programmes in the North Eastern region, the president emphasized the importance of education.

"The North Eastern region has better literacy rates as compared to other parts of the country. However, no efforts should be spared to ensure that quality education is made available to children," she said.

With many tribes with their varied customs and religious practices living in the region, these people "represent what is India - a diverse nation," she said.

During her address, Patil was full of praise for natural beauty of the state and the river Brahmaputra.

"I was here last year and the beauty of the area is touching. Being in Guwahati on the banks of the Brahmaputra I wish all people of the country peace and progress", she said.

She later flew to New Delhi from the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport here.