The implementation of the action plan would usher in rapid socio-economic transformation in rural areas, Sharma, currently on a two-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh told newsmen here yesterday. The process has already started, he said.

Elaborating he said the regional council and monitoring cell started functioning at Guwahati to take KVIC's activities to the remote parts of the north-eastern states.

In consonance with union finance minister Yaswant Sinha's recent budget announcement about setting up of `100 cluster-based development centres' throughout the country, KVIC has set up 50 clusters to uplift the rural economy, he said, adding the rest would be planned shortly.

Sharma said the cluster-based programme would give new impetus to the khadi movement and go for package efforts rather than piecemeal approach.

KVIC and state khadiboards would embark on a joint effort for involving panchayats in a greater way to make the schemes more action-oriented.

As regards Arunachal Pradesh, Sharma said a special task force for the state would be set up soon to study the prospect and emphasis would be given on agro-forestry based activities. KVIC would give due attention to the available potentialities on medicinal plants and cane and bamboo works.

Sharma yesterday inaugurated the Multi-disciplinary Training Centre (MDTC) at Doimukh near here which had been handed over by KVIC to Arunachal Pradesh Seva Sangh, a non-government organisation working in the state for more than two decades.

The centre was constructed by KVIC with an estimated cost of about Rs 20 lakh in early eighties, but could not be activated as planned. KVIC ultimately decided to hand over it to the Arunachal Pradesh Seva Sangh for revival. Sharma assured all assistance to make the centre fully operational in providing training to the rural folks in various self-employmentschemes.

Sharma called on chief minister Mukut Mithi seeking his help in revitalising KVIC and state khadi boards to implement various schemes initiated by KVIC. The chief minister handed over a nine-point memorandum to Sharma which suggested changes in the funding pattern to the state by the commission.

The KVIC chairman also met the governor Mata Prasad and urged the governor, who is also the chairman of the North-east Council, to earmark adequate funds for the programmes of KVIC at the regional level.