"The Russian North is a huge and common treasure, which will serve our children and grandchildren," the president stressed while speaking at the assembly of Russia's northern territories.
"So we should reasonably use and increase these riches," the head of state said.
Yesterday, the presidium of the State Council discussed the modern state policy on the Russian North, Mr. Putin added.
"The policy should meet present demands and reveal the Russian North's potential and competitive advantages in new social-economic conditions," the president said.
According to him, "the great riches and the vast territory give the country unique possibilities and substantial resources and realize the stable development of the northern regions and well-being of millions of Russians".
People living in the North have always faced serious health care, education and housing and communal problems, which demand more complete solutions, the president noted.
Mr. Putin also mentioned the complex demographic processes, the disproportional labor market, one-sided economic development and ecological crises.
"We considered all these issues yesterday," he added.
The head of state called on businessmen to be more responsible for the territories that they develop. "This is very important," he said.
"I am not sure if big companies should make deals with the municipal or regional authorities," he continued. "This problem has not been solved in the North yet."
"We need a systematic approach, which would prevent irresponsible people from developing these territories," he said.
People living in the North should not feel that they are separated from the country, he added. They should see definite prospects.
"We should provide them access to high quality social, transportation, medical and education services and other public goods," he stressed.
According to him, the federal authorities should solve the infrastructure problems in the northern regions. "This is a long-term task," Mr. Putin said.
