Itanagar: Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today (Nov 14) stressed that immediate efforts should be made to implement various developmental activities in the Northeastern region, while ensuring that the funds sanctioned for the purpose are spent fully.

Inaugurating a 500-bed referral hospital at Naharlagun near Itanagar, he said India's development has not been commensurate with its potential.

"We have not grown according to our potential primarily because we have not paid attention to education and health," Advani said.

Though we attained swaraj (self-governance) in 1947, good governance has not been given, he said, adding that over these years while we are appreciated by the world community over our functional democracy, development must be given more emphasis.

Calling for greater accountability in pursuing developmental activities, he quoted former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi as saying, "Ek rupiah sanction hone ke bad jahan par kam hona hota hai to wahan par 15 paise hi pahunchte hain" (After a rupee is sanctioned, only 15 paise reached the target).

Advani also inaugurated an energy park at Itanagar and later held meetings with Governor V C Pande and Chief Minister Gegong Apang and his Council of Ministers.

Earlier, Advani was received at the Naharlagun helipad by Governor, Chief Minister and his Cabinet colleagues.

PTI