Rajya Sabha takes up discussion on working of Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
The Rajya Sabha has taken up the discussion on the working of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region. Initiating the discussion, Congress MP Ripun Bora has said the Congress’ government has taken a series of measures during its tenure for the development of the North Eastern region. Appreciating the efforts of Atal Bihari Vajpayee for creating the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, he alleged, the present government has diluted the vision of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He alleged that no single mega project has been initiated in the North East by the present government.
He also alleged that two Public Sector Undertakings have been closed down in Assam in 2015. He further alleged that BJP has undermined the State government and promoted other agencies.
Sushmita Dev of Trinamool Congress raised the issue of ecology and environment saying that illegal coal mining is a biggest issue in the North Eastern region. She also raised the issue of inter-state border dispute saying that an office must be set by the DoNER Ministry in the North East for efficient reddressal of grievances. Raising the issue of Armed Forces Special Power Act, Tiruchi Siva of DMK said, it is a high time to reconsider the enforcement of AFSPA in the North Eastern region. Jharna Das Baidya of CPI(M) said the Ministry of Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region must provide sufficient funds for the all round development of the region.
BJP MP Bhubaneswar Kalita countered opposition saying that there is vast difference in the implementation of projects between the UPA government and the present government. He said, implementation of the projects have become faster now as the BJP government does not believe only in the announcement of the projects but focus on their implementation in a time-bound manner. He lauded the government efforts made during the Covid-19 period in the North-Eastern region. Dr. M Thambidurai of AIADMK said, it is high time to give importance to the development of the North Eastern region. The discussion is underway.
