The Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley announced some major initiatives for North Eastern States and the States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana while presenting the General Budget for 2014-15 in Lok Sabha today. In his maiden budget speech FM Shri Jaitley said, ₹ 100 crore is being provided for development of organic farming in North Eastern States in the current financial year. With a growing global demand for organic food, North Eastern States will benefit from development of commercial organic farming, the Minister added.

The Finance Minister proposed a sum of ₹ 1000 crore for development of rail connectivity in the North Eastern Region over and above the amount provided for in the interim budget.

Shri Jaitley said, in order to provide a strong platform to rich cultural and linguistic identity of the North-East, a new 24x7 channel called “ArunPrabha” will be launched for the expression of cultural identity and for creating greater awareness of the richness of the diversity of our country.

The Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley also announced that his Government is committed to addressing the issues relating to development of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the AP Re-organization Act, 2014. Provision has been made by various Ministries/Departments to fulfil the obligation of Union Government for both the states.

Regional development funding and infrastructure commitments expand agricultural, rail, and cultural initiatives under the national budget. Announces Budgetary Allocations and policy initiatives targeted at regional development in the North Eastern Region and implementation of Union obligations from state reorganisation. Funding is designated for promotion of commercial organic farming in the North Eastern States, for expansion of rail connectivity in the North Eastern Region, and for creation of a 24x7 broadcast channel to promote the region's cultural and linguistic identity. The statement also records the Government's commitment to fulfil obligations under the Andhra Pradesh Re-organisation Act through departmental provisions.