The Centre is "passionately" working to usher in all-round development of North East, including improving connectivity and encouraging organic farming, Minister-in-charge of the region Jitendra Singh told the Lok Sabha today.
He, however, refused to respond to the demand of some members for repeal of the "draconian" Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the region, saying the matter concerns the Home Ministry and he was not competent to speak.
He made the comments while replying to a debate on Demand of Grants (2015-16) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) which was passed by voice vote.
Also Read
Focussing his reply on developmental issues, Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made half a dozen visits to North-East and union ministers are regularly touring the region reflecting the importance being accorded to it by the present government.
Asserting that the central government was keen to ensure all-round development of North East, the Minister talked about the steps being taken since last two years to improve transport, telecommunications, healthcare and education services in the region.
Observing that he would favour higher budgetary allocation, Singh said, "with all constraints, we trying to pursue development of the region, (supplementing) lack of resources by our passion."
DONER ministry is also organising camps in different districts of North East to address grievances of people, he said.
Singh also mentioned the decision of the government to nominate renowned Manipuri boxer Mary Kom to the Rajya Sabha.
Responding a specific query whether DONER is a implementing ministry or coordinating ministry, Singh said that it was both and "we also act a liaison ministry and often go beyond our mandate" to push development of the region.
Participating in the discussion BJD member Tathagata
Satpathy and Thokchom Meinya (Cong) said demanded immediate repeal of AFSPA from Manipur, saying the Act has been "draconian and black law".
Satpathy said the government has allocated only Rs 33,097 crore under 56 account heads in 2016-17 Budget, just Rs 4,000 crore higher than Rs 29,087 crore in 2015-16.
K Rammohan Naidu (TDP) said that North Eastern states are a victim of bad governance, lack of political will and extremism and appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts towards bringing in progress in the region.
During the discussion, Prahlad Patel (BJP) remarked that National Anthem is not sung in schools in North East.
Thokchom Meinya (Cong) said the funds allocated to the North Eastern region is less.
He also asked the Centre to take steps to settle the vexed Naga issue within the Constitution.
Bijoya Chakravarty (BJP) said the Centre is coming out with a new industrial policy for North East and is also encouraging organic farming in Sikkim and in the entire region.
Chakravarty accused the UPA regime of not doing enough for the development of North Eastern region.
K Rammohan Naidu (TDP) said the per capital income in North East is low at Rs 6,600 crore, from the national average of Rs 10,000 crore. Also there are 35 per cent BPL families, less than 26 per cent nationally.
Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM) wanted to know whether DONER is implementing ministry or coordinating ministry. He also regretted that there were several developmental projects which has been pending for long.
Among those who participated in the debate included Rameshwar Teli, Ashwini Kumar, Satyapal Singh (all BJP), Saugata Roy (TMC), Arvind Sawant (Shiv Sena), Jitendra Chaudhury (CPI-M), and Badruddin Ajmal (AIUDF).
