The Union Minister for Development of the North-East Region (DoNER) Mr. Bijoy Krishna Handique has asked all the Chief Ministers of the North-east to ensure proper utilization of Central funds sanctioned for development of the region. He also asked them to submit the utilization certificates in time.<br/><br/>The Minister said delay in submission of utilization certificates causes problem in releasing the second installment of funds. Quoting official records, the DoNER Minister said different States had not submitted 271 utilization certificates to the North Eastern Council (NEC) involving around 250 crore rupees till January this year.<br/><br/>This was stated by the Minister while attending the 58th review meeting of the North Eastern Council (NEC) held at Guwahati on Tuesday.<br/><br/>Later talking to media, the Union Minister said efforts were being made for better inter-region flight service in the North-east. He said negotiation with the Alliance Air was on for extension of the agreement by two more years to extend air services in the uncovered areas of the region.<br/><br/>Mr. Handique said the North Eastern Council is in touch with public and private airlines for introduction of ‘north-east core area service’.