Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Shillong, June 18:
"The Union Ministry of DoNER never favours the abolition of the Ministry," stated the Union Minister of DoNER Mani Shankar Aiyar.
Questioned on the Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) prior to its recommendation to abolish the DoNER meant for the North Eastern region, Mani Shankar Aiyar told newsmen in Shillong on Wednesday, "I respect the ARC recommendations but the commission never consulted me and my Ministry before making such a recommendation".
"I respect their comments but it has gone without a single word of opinion from me and my Ministry",stated Aiyar.
Aiyar, who cited the eight Chief Ministers of the North Eastern region opposing to the proposed abolition of the DoNER Ministry said, "I am not only the man opposing it, the entire region is against it and we will collectively place before the right "formulae", even as he refereed to the forum to be chaired by the Prime Minister in few months time as the right place to take on the ARC recommendations.
"From our sight, we have prepared a detail note .It has been circulated to the Chief Secretaries of the eight States" stated Aiyar, adding, "Besides our defiance to the proposal, we will push ahead with our stand that abolishing of the DoNER Ministry has no basis".
Aiyar was categorical in lamenting that the DoNER ministry has not got the right funds to meet the purpose of developing the North Eastern region.
"Rs 600 crores is the budget.
We have so many pending liabilities.
How can we further the growth when the bulk of funds meant for the development of the region is jammed in the Finance Ministry?", asked Aiyar.
Meanwhile Aiyar was lucid in describing the flood preventive measures in the region as "lackadaisical".
"Enough of funds under the NCLPR have been utilized for flood prevention.
Nothing has happen and all our investment in infrastructural works has borne the worst brunt", stated Aiayar.