Kohima: Announcing a slew of measures for development of physical infrastructure and human resource development, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on October 28 said the Centre would provide Rs 520 crore financial assistance to Nagaland within the next two to three years.

Addressing a mammoth gathering at Indira Gandhi stadium, Vajpayee announced that the proposed golden quadrilateral would be extended from Silchar (Assam) to Kohima and the Centre would provide Rs 400 crore for development of a four-lane express highway within next two years.

At the same venue where he was accorded a public reception by the state government, the Prime Minister announced that the Centre would provide Rs 50 crore for development of road network in the state, but asked the government to judiciously utilise the fund.

He also assured to work together with the state government to create 25,000 jobs through direct and self-employment in the areas of tourism, agro-based industry, village industry, horticulture etc.

Later attending the first convocation of Nagaland University at civil secretariat, the Prime Minister announced that the centre would provide Rs 35 crore for development of infrastructure at Lumami campus of Nagaland University in Mokokchung district.

PTI