The Northeastern states have been given special packages in law and order and tourism with New Delhi increasing the allotment to the region for financial year 2012-13.

Meghalaya, Sikkim and Jammu and Kashmir have been placed under Category A for 100 per cent central assistance under the scheme for modernization of state police forces as their resource base is very low. This was stated by Mullappally Ramachandran, union minister of state for home affairs, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha late last week. 

Ramachandran said, "Other states, including Chhattisgarh, are placed under Category B and are provided 75 per cent Central assistance and the state governments contribute the remaining 25% matching share." He also stated that no proposal has been received from the Government of Chhattisgarh to upgrade the state from B to A category under the Scheme for Modernization of State Police Forces.

In the tourism sector, a total outlay of Rs 121 crore has been provided to northeast by the union ministry of tourism. "Tourism is an important instrument of economic development and employment generation, particularly in remote and backward areas," an official release here said. "The ministry of tourism formulates and implements policies and programmes for the development and promotion of tourism through proper infrastructure, publicity and promotion by coordinating with state governments and various stakeholders."

Projects that would be applicable for such assistance include products and infrastructure development for destination and circuits, assistance for large revenue generating projects etc.