NEW DELHI, Jan 30 ? Amidst mixed reactions over his appointment as the Union Minister in-charge for Department of Development of the North Eastern Region (DONER), Dr CP Thakur has offered his services to mediate with the underground outfits, even as he emphasized the need to complete ongoing projects in the Region.
The unexpected shifting of Arun Shourie from DONER and his replacement by Dr Thakur has caught all by surprise here. Sri Shourie?s understanding of the complex problems facing the region and a close rapport with all section of the political leadership were among many advantages that he enjoyed over any other BJP leader. It was because of these qualities that Prime Minister hand-picked him for the job when DONER was launched last year.
As the Minister in-charge, Sri Shourie brought in many radical changes including streamlining of the funding pattern and the accountability in utilisation of Central funds by the North Eastern States. The Minister for instance prevailed upon the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) to conduct concurrent audit in same selected projects. Perhaps because of this the opposition despite having objection to several of the clauses in the North Eastern Council Amendment Bill ensured its smooth passage in both the Houses of Parliament in the Winter Session. The Prime Minister has however, strengthened the department by appointing a Minister of State, Tapan Sikdar.
Dr Thakur, meanwhile took up his new assignment this afternoon in a simple function in presence of senior officials at Udyog Bhavan here. Earlier in morning, talking to ETV the Minister said he was ready to take up responsibility of political interlocutor in the Naga peace talks if the Union Government gives him the responsibility. Dr Thakur disclosed that he already had an opportunity to meet the NSCN (I-M) leaders during their recent visit to Delhi. The confidence building is almost created and the NSCN(I-M) leaders are also willing to come for a negotiated settlement, he added. The Minister also expressed confidence of evolving a consensus among all the concerned North Eastern States on amicably resolving the Naga problem.
In the afternoon after joining his new post, Dr Thakur said that his priority would be on development of infrastructure. ?My ministry would take major projects in this sector and emphasize on completion of ongoing projects. The Minister announced that he would be announcing a special package for cultural exchanges among the students.
Meanwhile the Minister held the view that development of the infrastructure would ensure that militancy would come to an end. The common feeling in the North-East that it is a neglected region. This feeling itself needs to be removed. Replying to a question, Dr Thakur said insurgency in the region has not come to an end because adequate infrastructure projects could not be taken up.
The Minister then recalled his experience as the Union Health Minister, when on a visit to the region he discovered foundation stone of the same hospital project was laid by several Prime Ministers. ?I found that foundation stone of the hospital was laid by Indira Gandhi and then by Rajiv Gandhi. On enquiry it was found that some minor problem held back the implementation of the project.? Dr Thakur conceded that the North-East suffered from regional imbalance. This imbalance and underdevelopment has to be removed, he added.