NEW DELHI, May 23 – Union Cabinet Minister PR Kyndiah has been given charge of Tribal Affairs and DONER, Santosh Mohan Deb Minister of State (Independant) charge given Department of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprise and BK Handique made Minister of State for Defence and Parliamentary Affairs.
While Kyndiah and SM Deb wee more less satisfied, Handique was expecting some developmental ministry having importance for NE region. They are likely to join next week.
Earlier, with wrangling over distribution of portfolios among allies of the United Progressive Alliance, the newly-elected Ministers of Congress party were at their wits end, even as the endless wait for announcement of portfolios continued through the day. Meanwhile, Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi today visited all the three Ministers at their residence to greet them. He spent some time with the Ministers and their family, official sources said.
Indications were Union Minister, P R Kyndiah may be given charge of Department of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER), Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Santosh Mohan Dev the Steel Ministry and Handique, MoS in Ministry of Home Affairs.
Meanwhile, reacting to their induction in the Union Cabinet, Kyndiah said that it was in recognition of the North-eastern region. “We will always work as a team so that we can apply our mind together and keep our focus better trained on development of the region,” he added.
Asserting that ‘Peace through development’ would be the new slogan, he said that uplift of North-east was a must to deal with insurgency. He said the North East MP’s Forum, of which he is the chairman has been always highlighting the need to increase the employment avenue. The unemployment problem is a major challenge and needs attention, he opined.
That apart there is an urgent need to develop trade and commerce in the region and open the international borders with neighbouring countries of the region to promote commerce, he said.
Saying that his personal thanks goes to Sonia Gandhi, he added that their inclusion in the ‘Ministry was personal handiwork of Smt Gandhi, which reflected her love for the region. By not accepting the post of Prime Minister, our leader has added a new element to politics and that is values, which goes back to our civilisation” he reflected.
Echoing similar sentiments, Santosh Mohan Dev said that he was happy to be inducted in the Ministry and by the trust placed in him by the Prime Minister and madam. He said he would work for betterment of North-east. Reacting to his induction, Handique said this was a great opportunity to work for the people of the region. “We will certainly take advantage of this opportunity” he added.