| |
|
|
Left front Election Manifesto-2008
Dear Sisters and Brothers of Tripura
Preparation has been started in full swing for constituting the 10th
Tripura Legislative Assembly. Tripura will go to the polls on 23rd
February 2008.
SITUATION OF THE COUNTRY IN WHICH THE ELECTION IS TAKING PLACE
Elections to the Tripura Legislative Assembly are going to be held
at a time when the country is passing through a difficult phase.
Signs of such difficult situation prevailing can be seen all around.
Prices of foodgrains and essential commodities are galloping and the
inflation rate is spiraling out of control. Because of this, value
of the rupee is getting rapidly depreciated and this is leading to
erosion of the real income of the people and decrease in their
purchasing capacity. The public distribution system, essential to
supplement the food security structure of the nation, is almost on
the verge of collapse. This is because the Central Government has
virtually abdicated its responsibility for ensuring the supply of
essential commodities at fair price to the common man. Instead, the
Central Government seems to be focusing its energies in implementing
policies and programmes dictated by the World Bank, IMF and WTO in
the name of liberalization, privatization and globalization. Even
domestic issues and internal governance seem to be dictated by these
international organizations which have benefited only some select
national and foreign capitalists. These policies have had a highly
detrimental effect in our agriculture, industry and commerce
sectors. Faced with unfair competition on the one hand, and loss of
markets on the other, farmers are falling into debt-trap and finding
no way out, are committing suicide by the thousands in different
parts of the country. Similar situation is there in the industrial
sector too, where being unable to compete in an uneven playing
field, small scale industries are being compelled to down their
shutters, one after another. Employees and workers have also been
badly affected, because not only has Central Government practically
stopped all fresh recruitments, but is also compelling employees to
undertake forced retirement in the name of “down sizing” or “right
sizing” the Government. Lakhs of posts under the Central Government
are lying vacant while at the same time the number of educated and
semi-educated unemployed youths is constantly rising. Even pension
funds have not spared from the “globalization” phenomenon with the
Central Government using pension funds in the share market. This
step is fraught with danger and will put in jeopardy the entire
savings of employees.
Problems pertaining to the social security, social justice and
economic development of the Schedule Caste, Schedule Tribe,
religious minorities and OBC communities continue to remain but the
Central Government even now has no comprehensive programme for
finding a permanent solution to these problems. Communal forces are
remaining virtually unchecked in their attempts to divide the people
of the country in the name of religion, caste and community and to
weaken the fabric of unity and integrity. The Central Government,
rather than strongly confronting such divisive forces, has been
maintaining an indifferent attitude, pursuing such a policy for
deriving narrow political gains. The Central Government has also
shown itself to be quite ineffective while dealing with the
activities of anti-national extremists and secessionist forces.
The lack of proper basic physical infrastructure across the country
has resulted in under-development and disparities between States and
regions. Such imbalance in growth and development has resulted in a
feeling of deprivation, injustice and alienation in such regions.
The Central Government has not done enough, it has rather shirked
its responsibility to bridge this gap with the result that the
disparities are widening. State Governments are also unable to take
any effective steps on their own as many States face resource
crunch, a major reason for which is the unequal sharing of taxes
between the Centre and the States. For these reasons the unity and
integrity is being weakened and the harmonious and cordial
atmosphere existing amongst the people is being put to severe
strain.
Our foreign policy, based on the well-founded principles of
non-alignment and a matter of national pride and international
appreciation, is also being compromised by the present Government at
the Centre. The foreign policy is increasingly being tailored to
suit the requirement of the American imperialism, a country which is
almost universally disliked for its hegemonistic and aggressive
attitude. The prestige and high-standing that India enjoyed in the
international community is being eroded as a consequence.
With this type of approach and policies, the people are now not
finding much difference between UPA Government led by the Congress
and the earlier NDA Government led by the BJP. People are becoming
increasingly resentful of such policies and are feeling the need to
search out a suitable alternative which can not only address the
national issues, but can also effectively tackle the problems and
concerns of the working people and the common masses. The
alternative now being thrown up by the Left Parties is getting an
encouraging response from the people and their acceptability is also
on the rise. The anti-people policies of the Central Government and
the efforts to protect and shield the interest of domestic and
foreign capitalists and monopolists are being strongly opposed by
the Left Parties who have become a rallying point for like-minded
people and parties on these issues.
EXPERIENCE DURING THE LAST ASSEMBLY POLL
During the previous Assembly Poll ( 2003), the main rival of Left
Front was an opportunistic alliance of Congress and INPT which had
formed an unholy nexus with some outlawed anti-national secessionist
armed extremists. Earlier, in 2000, the political facade of the
extremists - the IPFT, subsequently rechristened as INPT – captured
the TTAADC at gun point, making the entire poll process a farce.
Emboldened by such tactics, the armed extremists arrogantly
announced that they would also capture the 2003 Assembly Election in
a similar fashion and oust the Left Front Government. Throwing his
weight behind such extremists groups, INPT leader Shri B.K.
Hranghawl in his speech at a conference in Geneva lent his support
to statements made by the extremists earlier like opposing the
merger of Tripura with the Indian union, preaching communal hatred
etc. There was strong and vociferous protest and resentment all over
Tripura against Hranghawl’s utterances. However, the Congress party
turned a deaf ear to all this and entered into direct alliance with
INPT - and thereby an indirect alliance with the extremists - with
the intention to oust the Left Front Government from office. To
allure voters, they used huge sums of money and indulged in
malicious propaganda, scandals, falsehoods and made impracticable
promises. A major section of the print and electronic media took
part in the campaign on behalf of Congress party as usual. The
extremists, taking advantage of then open and porous Indo-Bangladesh
border and inadequate strength of security forces, roamed about the
tribal hamlets, specially in areas having mixed population, to
terrorize the voters at gun-point. They carried out attacks in many
places and there were also killings and bloodshed. A desperate
attempt was thereby made to try and create an atmosphere of
uncertainty, instability and panic.
However, all their attempts were frustrated as the democratic,
peace-loving and conscious people of Tripura were able to see
through all these manipulations, conspiracies and fabrications and
firmly backed the left front by returning them to power with massive
mandate of two-third majority to form the 5th Left Front Government.
EXPERIENCE OF THE LAST FIVE YEARS.
After being voted back to power in 2003, priority of the government
has been to consolidate the achievements of the past. For this
purpose a large number of development works are going on or were
newly introduced in the State. For a proper and planned development
in the primary sector comprising of agriculture, horticulture,
fisheries and animal resource development, 10-year Perspective Plans
were formulated for each of these sectors. Various steps and
initiatives taken under these Perspective Plans have started
producing results. Production in each of the sectors is steadily
going up and this is reflected in the fact that dependence on
outside markets and imports of food grains, fruits and vegetables,
fish etc. which was common in the past is gradually decreasing. In
fact in some items, the production has increased to such an extent
that it is now possible to export some quantities outside the State
also. In sectors like irrigation, road connectivity, power, drinking
water etc. significant success has been achieved. There is visible
improvement in respect of air services and tele-communications. All
efforts are being made to not only complete expeditiously works
pertaining to basic infrastructure related to development, but also
to try and surpass the targets fixed earlier. It has been possible
to achieve significant progress in development and expansion of
health related infrastructure at all levels. Employment
opportunities have been increased with on-going recruitment in
government departments as well as increase in the overall number of
posts and jobs in government. The all round development and
expansion of the State’s economy is visible with the growing trade
and commerce activities and setting up more and more small and
medium industries. The general law and order situation has shown
continuous improvement and notable success has been achieved in
combating and containing the secessionist and anti-national armed
extremists. The prevailing atmosphere of peace and amity and
democratic vibrancy has been consolidated. Steps are being taken to
further decentralize the administration and empower different tiers
of elected bodies. To extend the reach of administration and make it
more accessible, related infrastructure is being set up in the
remote and far flung areas of the State. All these measures have
been taken to make available a transparent, responsive and
pro-people administration.
However, this path towards progress and prosperity has not been a
smooth one. One major hindrance in our efforts for building up
infrastructure and strengthening financial capacity is the
indifferent attitude of the Central Government towards Tripura and
the politically motivated destructive activities of extremists aimed
at disrupting development activities. To overcome these hurdles in
the path of development, the Left Front Government has been waging a
lone battle but with the active support and cooperation of the
people. In this situation, the people of Tripura have not been able
to notice any positive aspect in the role of opposition parties who
have only been indulging in mudslinging, making fictitious
allegation and picking holes in the role of Government. No one has
seen any constructive step that opposition parties may have taken,
either to address the problems of underdevelopment of the State or
to utilize gainfully prospects for progress or against the apathetic
attitude of the Central Government towards the State. Neither has
the opposition at any time raised its voice against the violent and
destructive activities of the extremists. Rather, people have noted
the tendency of the opposition parties to make political capital and
mislead the people whenever there is an unfortunate incident of
extremists attack, killing, kidnapping, extortion of money etc.
ANTI-LEFT ALLIANCE
Despite their best efforts to challenge the Left front, opposition
parties have been quite unsuccessful and in fact are steadily losing
their base because of their anti-people and anti development
activities. After the last Assembly Election, more than 57000
families earlier being long time supporters of Congress party and
INPT became totally disillusioned with and isolated themselves from
these parties and joined Left-front with a view to participate in
the development process. This has now become almost a regular
feature. Anti-national secessionist extremists are also steadily
losing their strength. Hundreds of youths associated with them have
returned to their homes, shunning the path of violence and joined
the mainstream to live a normal life. Faced with such a situation,
the Congress Party – a major component of the country’s ruling
alliance - finds itself with its back to the wall and forced to
confront the Left-front by once again forming an alliance with INPT
which is a party virtually isolated from the tribal people and for
all practical purposes the political front of anti-national armed
extremists who are having camps in foreign countries and who get
active support from Pakistan’s intelligence organization ISI. Though
in this process Congress party has managed to garner support of some
rag-tag groups, these are basically having individualistic outlook
and have been formed mainly to oppose left parties.
BJP – the other political party driven by communal ideology – is
struggling to keep itself afloat just before the election. People of
Tripura have not noticed that this party has taken up any worthwhile
cause or activity in the interest of development of the State.
WHY IT IS NECESSARY TO FORM AGAIN LEFT-FRONT GOVERNMENT
It would not be incorrect to say that the people of Tripura view
growth and development in the State and the Left Front Government as
synonymous. They see this Government as a symbol of a bright future,
peace and amity, tranquility and transparency. It is a fact that the
situation in Tripura has been turned around and people do not want
to look backward. They are keen to move ahead on the path of rapid
progress, consolidating the success achieved so far. It is against
this background that people from all walks of life, from all
sections and from all quarters feel the necessity of continuing with
the Left Front Government. The Left Front humbly acknowledges this
reality and is presenting below a minimum programme for
implementation if with the blessings and spontaneous support of the
people of Tripura the Left Front is voted to power for the sixth
time. It would be hardly necessary to reemphasize that the Left
Front is committed to translate all the pledges made hereunder to
reality.
STANDARD OF LIVING:
Our basic objectives are clear and simple: eradication of poverty
and improvement in the standard of living of the people. To achieve
this we are working in full earnestness and sincerity with the aim
of making Tripura a self-sufficient and self -reliant State. We have
been able to achieve success in this regard in the last few years on
account of the different developmental activities which were taken
up. Per capita income of Tripura has risen considerably in this
period and while we were once lagging behind the national average in
this respect, the gap has been substantially reduced. However, we
are not resting on our laurels: sustaining these efforts in full
measure is necessary not only to reach the national average of per
capita income but to surpass the same.
The policy of providing land to the hard core jhumias, homeless and
landless and providing dwelling houses for the home-less who are
below the poverty line would be continued with full vigor. The
Central Government would also be persuaded to adopt a common
yardstick for the whole country for determining the below poverty
line (BPL) numbers. Continuous up-dating of the BPL status in
Tripura would be followed so that persons of BPL category are
identified properly and timely and thereby are able to avail of the
benefits meant for them.
Left Front Government as well as the Left Front of Tripura have been
consistently voicing the demand that the barbed wire fencing on
Tripura Bangladesh border should be raised on the zero line of the
border. But ignoring the strong objection of the Left Front
Government and the Left Front fencing is being raised beyond 150
yards of the zero line. Because of this impractical stand huge
amount of arable land and thousands of dwelling houses of Indian
citizens have fallen on the other side of the fencing. This has
caused immense problems and hardship for thousands of people who
have been residing near the border areas for years together. To help
these families to construct their houses at an alternative place and
continue their activities of cultivation without hindrance on their
own land shall be looked into and taken care of by the Government
with all seriousness.
MOTHER AND CHILD CARE:
For a society and nation, children are its wealth. A child of today
is a citizen of the future. It is the bounden duty of society to
care for its children in a proper manner. Child care is inter-linked
with welfare of the mother and no meaningful childcare programme can
be implemented without providing proper health cover for mothers. In
the last few years significant progress in this important sector has
been made in Tripura. Birth rate, infant mortality rate and maternal
mortality rate in Tripura are lower than the national rate.
Immunization programme for children of different age groups is
highly acclaimed in the national context. Programme for nutrition of
mother and child based on Anganwadi Centre has received very good
response from the people of the State. While these efforts would
continue unabated, all possible steps would be taken to build up
interest towards studies amongst the children and to inculcate in
them consciousness about cleanliness, sanitation and environment.
All out initiative will be taken to provide proper health care
service to all mothers and children and also bring all children of
the age group 3 – 6 years and their mothers to the Anganwadi
Centres.
SAFE DRINKING WATER:
There is no alternative of drinking water. At one point of time
there were habitations, particularly tribal hamlets in the hilly
areas of our state, which either did not have source of water or the
availability was very deficient compared to the requirement. Because
of this, some times there was serious out break of water borne
diseases in some places in the State. Now, due to continuous efforts
it has been possible to create source of drinking water in every
habitation. Of course, due to shifting of habitations it takes some
time to create fresh source of drinking water at the new habitation
but it can now be said that there is no such case where habitation
exists but it does not have a source of water. Presently, work has
been taken up to ensure availability of water to meet the per head
average requirement of every adult and minor. At the same time an
action plan is under implementation to ensure piped water supply in
all habitations free from arsenic, iron and bacteria. Every endeavor
will be made to complete these works at the earliest.
HEALTH:
To ensure health care facility for all, a programme has been drawn
up for the creation of health infrastructure covering the entire
state. Full efforts will be made to achieve this task as early as
possible.
This action plan includes:
One sub-health Centre in each and every Gram Panchayat, village
committee area and urban ward area .
One Primary Health Centre covering 3 / 5 Sub-centres.
One Rural Hospital covering 2 / 3 Blocks.
Besides this, bed strength will be increased in the inpatient
department of existing Sub –Divisional Hospitals. Modern diagnostic
and treatment facilities would be introduced in all hospitals in a
phased manner. Priority would be given for the treatment of women
and children while steps have been taken to increase the number of
doctors, nurses and other technical staff and assistants to man the
expanding Health services. On going works of District Hospitals are
being targeted for quick completion with all modern facilities while
necessary infrastructure for surgical operations would also be
provided in these hospitals. Similar exercise for up-grading and
modernizing the facilities in the major hospitals is also under way.
Earnest efforts will be continued to set up Blood banks in each of
the sub-divisional hospitals and infrastructure of existing Blood
banks attached to major hospitals would be improved. Efforts of Red
Cross Society and Voluntary Organizations would be supported if they
come forward to set up blood banks.
For emergency aid in incidents of road accident and mishaps
initiative would be taken to set up trauma centers along the
National high way so that medical aid would be readily available in
case of need. At the same time attempts would be made to extend
facilities of emergency surgical treatment to the injured through
mobile ambulance services and mobile hospitals in certain areas.
There is a shortage of trained man-power in the health sector across
the country. Tripura is no exception and to overcome this problem
plans have been taken in hand for expansion of facilities for
medical education so that we can get doctors, nurses and
para-medical staff from within the state itself. To this end,
efforts are on to set up a Dental College as well as Nursing
college, either in the Govt. or private sector. Special initiative
would also be taken to establish an Ayurvedic college and Homeopathy
college in the State.
As cleanliness is extremely important in health sector, special
attention would be given for maintaining high standards of hygiene
and sanitation in different hospitals. Efforts are also being made
so that quality of diet provided to patients is further improved.
Extensive use of health awareness programme will be made to increase
health consciousness amongst all sections of people to educate them
about the evils of drug addiction and other intoxicant use as also
about different infectious and critical diseases. Steps would be
taken to implement the various immunization programmes with full
success.
EDUCATION:
With the aim of education for all, a policy for holistic development
of the education sector will be followed with the required expansion
of the educational infrastructure. While the State has already
achieved commendable success in the area of literacy and also
received national commendation for this, there still remains a small
section of people who could not yet be brought under the literacy
programme. Therefore, special endeavor would be made to cover this
section of people and thereby achieve cent percent coverage and
retain this success as a continuous achievement.
Priority will be given to bring all children in the age group 3 to 6
years under the coverage of anganwadi centres or equivalent
institutions. While there was once a problem regarding drop out of
students, the programme for enrolment of such drop out students has
yielded positive results in our State. Now, our target is that by
2010 A.D. we are able to ensure that students admitted to Class –I
do not leave school at least till completion of studies up to Class
–VIII. Thereafter also the attempt would be to ensure that the
students complete studies upto class – X and XII.
Tripura was the pioneer in the country to introduce Mid-day meal
scheme for the students up to Class – V. Now the scheme has been
introduced in the whole country. We are amongst the front runners in
the states which are implementing the scheme successfully. We will
seek to further consolidate our achievements by supplying more
nutritious food under this scheme in future.
Following a general thumb rule, we will try to set up at least one
primary school in those habitations were there is no school within
one sq. km. radius during the next one or two years. Similarly
efforts will be made for a Sr. Basic School covering 3 to 5 primary
schools, in uncovered areas while for places having no Secondary
school so far at least one such school would be set up covering 4 to
5 Sr. Basic Schools. On Class – XII school would also be established
in deficient areas with a catchment area of 3 to 5 Secondary
schools. This coverage is planned in the next 2 to 3 years.
To provide up to date facilities, in the first phase, infrastructure
of at least one Class – XII school in Block headquarter/Rural Growth
center, at least 2 to 3 Class – XII schools at sub-divisional
headquarter and 3 to 5 Class –XII schools at District headquarter
would be developed to such a standard in the next 2 to 3 years so
that students can undertake studies in different subjects like Arts,
Science, Commerce including Computer Science.
The scope of computer education up to the primary stage would also
be extended and efforts will be made to link up schools lying in far
flung areas with satellite education system.
After taking into account various aspects, steps will be taken to
set up colleges in those sub-division which do not have one but
require a college based on the aspiring student strength and
availability of any other college in the nearby areas to cater to
the requirement of the students. If felt necessary these initiatives
would also be extended to some special areas.
Polytechnic institutes will be set up in a phased manner in each
district while ITIs will be established in those sub- divisions
which do not have one.
To provide more scope for studies in mathematics, science and other
modern subjects in colleges, present initiatives will continue and
simultaneously honours courses in different subjects will also be
introduced in phases.
In the expansion of education infrastructure, requirement of
teaching faculty would also be addressed so that this much-required
development also takes place along with strengthening and expansion
of infrastructure of all educational institutions right from primary
level to colleges.
To further extend scope and availability of technical education,
setting up of different technical institutes with provision for
studying modern subjects would be promoted under PPP pattern.
Private organizations too would be encouraged to establish such
educational institutions in the State.
After proper consultation and taking into account opinion of
concerned persons, and keeping pace with the changing times,
appropriate measures will be taken for modernization of madarasa
education.
Considering the importance of mother tongue as medium of education
and of its expansion necessary measures will be taken for developing
and promoting Manipuri as well as different tribal languages.
It is obvious that dynamics of the field of education, especially in
curricula, should be closely inter-linked with the teaching system.
Training of school teachers assumes a very important role in this
context. Although notable progress has been made in the teachers
training programme, a number of teachers still require to be
imparted training and to cover this back log and to make the
training relevant to present day needs, orientation and
reorientation of training would be a continuous process . All
teachers will be brought under this programme compulsorily. Measures
which have already been taken for strengthening and expansion of
training infrastructure would be completed soon to achieve this
target.
EMPLOYMENT GENERATION:
It is an accepted principle that provision of employment to all is a
necessity but experience goes to show that it is quite difficult for
any State Government with limited powers and resources to ensure
guarantee of government job. But government shall have to continue
its all out effort for creation of job opportunities in Government,
semi-government and other sectors.
In the Central Government a huge number of posts under various
departments have been lying un-filled for a long time and the
Central Government is not taking any step to fill up these posts.
Because of this, posts are also getting abolished. The State
Government has, however over the last few years being taking active
measures to fill up the vacant posts within its jurisdiction and in
some cases even posts which were abolished have been revived.
The Central Government is not only reluctant to create new posts
under its control, but is also advising the State Governments to
follow the similar policy. It is also advising that policy of down
sizing the administration may be adopted by reducing the number of
employees every year on a regular basis. The State Government has
not accepted this advice. Rather, it has created and filled up new
posts in various departments and has fully complied with the
reservation policies in this process. This approach has been adopted
by the State Government in order to maintain the tempo of various
developmental activities and is a policy which is consistent with
the needs of the State.
Notwithstanding the obstacles and hurdles created by the Central
Government in this matter, this policy will be continued in the
State Government in the future also keeping in mind the interest of
eligible persons. Efforts will continue with the Central Government
to formulate and implement an Act to ensure 100 days employment
every year for the poor people staying in urban areas, similar to
the scheme for rural areas. Pending formulation and adoption of such
a scheme by the Central Government, special measures will be taken
by the State Government for providing assured employment of 50 to
100 days for the urban poor.
Steps will also be taken for proper training both inside and outside
the State for unemployed youths as another measure for creating
employment avenues for them. To supplement this, the State
Government would also soon formulate and implement a programme under
which financial assistance would be given to encourage and assist
the aspiring unemployed persons through self-employment. Under the
Self Help Group scheme, besides assistance for preparation of
projects, training and marketing of products of SHGs, assistance
will also be provided for adoption and implementation of projects in
a package module. Required financial assistance will also be
provided for this purpose.
AGRICULTURE:
Agriculture is the mainstay of our economy. With the overall
development and progress in the field of Agriculture, we are moving
forward on the road towards prosperity and attaining self
sufficiency.
In the last few years positive results have been achieved by
adopting a diversified package of practices for rapid growth in the
field of Agriculture. This has cast a positive reflection in the
overall economy and the life style of the people of the State. We
are however not content with this level of achievement and have
planned for sustaining this effort in the future with the target of
achieving self-sufficiency in foodgrains production by 2010 as per
perspective plan. Several co-related measures will be necessary for
this such as bringing as much area as possible under assured
irrigation within the next two to three years and also bring at
least 50% of total cultivable area under irrigation in a phased
manner; increasing balanced use of fertilizer which has shown
improvement in the last few years, and to bring the fertilizer usage
upto national average level; there has been achievement in
introducing and promoting use of high yielding paddy seeds. In fact
the State is now in a position of exporting the surplus high
yielding seeds to other places.
The initiatives of the last several years in horticulture sector
have resulted in considerable progress in production of vegetable
and fruits and not only have imports of vegetables come down, but
the State has also started exporting different vegetables. Given the
conducive agro-climatic conditions in the State, self-sufficiency in
vegetable and fruits production is not a distant dream and it is
hoped to achieve this by 2012 as per perspective plan.
Simultaneously improvement in the infrastructure for storage,
handling and marketing of agri-products would be extended further.
New emerging technologies and innovations in agriculture would be
constantly transferred to the farmers and regular training in the
new technologies would be provided to the farmers both within and
outside the State. Research in agriculture will be actively promoted
and it is the culmination of our long efforts in this area that has
resulted in the opening of an Agriculture College in the State
recently. All efforts will be made to build up this institution into
a centre of excellence. At the same time the ICAR centre in Tripura
whose working has improved to a great extent in the last few years
will be sought to be strengthened and its scope expanded for which
proposal will be sent to the Central Government.
FISHERIES:
Fish consumption is an integral part of the diet of the people of
the State, majority of who are non-vegetarian. Earlier production
was quite low and a good quantity of fish was being imported from
outside the State. Though this trend is still there, but the State
has been able to move steadily towards becoming self-sufficient in
fish production and it is hoped to achieve this target as per
perspective plan by 2012. To this end, modern and scientific methods
for soil and water testing of lakes and ponds with special attention
on production of fish feed etc. is being followed to try and achieve
the target before schedule. Similar importance is being accorded to
develop methods for preservation and marketing of fish.
The work being done by the Fishery College in the State is
noteworthy and State Fishery Department is working in close
coordination with the College. It is planned that on the one hand
all efforts will be made to promote research for development and
expansion of fish cultivation alongwith training/re-training of fish
cultivators and fish feed producers, while on the other hand income
generation and employment generation avenues based on fish culture
would be given increased emphasis.
ANIMAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT :
The State has fixed target of 2012 for achieving self-sufficiency in
production of milk, meat and eggs. Presently there is a gap between
demand and production, but continuous efforts are on to bridge this
gap and achieve the target of self-sufficiency within the time frame
declared in the perspective plan.
Animal Resource Development programmes have been able to generate
remarkable employment opportunities and it would be our attempt to
continue these efforts. To bolster the animal husbandry related
activities Veterinary Dispensary in each village and Veterinary
Centre in each block will be established on priority basis.
Research efforts in developing animal resources including production
of animal feed through modern techniques will continue. All
entrepreneurs associated with this sector would be given assistance
for training and re-training. It will be our endeavor to establish a
Veterinary College in the State in the near future.
FORESTS:
For maintaining a proper balance in nature, the importance of
forests cannot be undermined. Preservation of our forests and
sustenance of livelihood have to go hand in hand. Therefore,
afforestation and conservation works as well as forestry based
income generating activities are being planned and implemented.
People’s participation is vital for such endeavour and due attention
is being given to this. Various measures are being taken to prevent
illegal felling and destruction of forests. The concept of Forest
Management Committee is playing a very important role in this task.
These varied and innovative measures have started showing positive
results in terms of development and conservation of forest resources
and at the same time increase in the number of families maintaining
their livelihood from the forests in a self-sufficient manner. This
policy will be continued in future also. Recently two externally
aided multi-purpose projects in the forestry sector have been
sanctioned for implementation and special measures would be taken
for proper implementation of the schemes. These projects are
expected to help in forest conservation, augmentation of forest
resources and expansion of income generating opportunities.
COMMUNICATIONS:
One of the pre-requisites for growth and progress is a modern and
reliable communication system. Tripura had a very unreliable and
out-dated communication system and systems for communicating within
the State also were quite under-developed. With the objective of
removing these deficiencies which are quite vital for progress and
prosperity, major efforts were made in the last few years in
improving the communication system in the State. Substantial
progress has been made, but much more needs to be done. In our rapid
march towards prosperity we have to emphasise on the time bound
completion of various incomplete or on-going projects in the
communication sector. Priority would be:-
Roads : Development of NH 44 as a 4-lane highway of national
standard. For this, we will continue to exert pressure on the
Central Government for undertaking this work in a definite time
schedule. The people of the State will no doubt be with us in this
effort.
The Central Government would also be persuaded for construction of
the alternative National Highway from Sabroom to Kukital ( Karimganj
district of Assam) without further delay. We will also pursue the
Central Government to connect Agartala with the proposed ‘Golden
Quadrilateral’ network and then link it to Akhaura in Bangladesh to
provide an international surface transport link. We will continue to
maintain pressure on the Central Government for providing national
standard roads for connecting Districts, Sub-Divisions and Block
headquarters.
Under Bharat Nirman programme Central government would be persuaded
to provide all weather roads even for hamlets with 250 population.
Existing efforts will continue in full measure to complete on-going
projects with the objective of providing all habitations in the
State with good roads at the earliest.
The initiatives taken for replacement of timber bridges with either
RCC or steel bridges would be continued depending on availability of
resources.
Rail : Central Government will be actively persuaded to expedite
completion of the rail network upto Agartala with broad gauge
facility. At the same time the Central Government would be persuaded
from all quarters to agree in favour of extending railway
connectivity upto Sabroom at the earliest as a part of the national
project. For this, the State Government would fulfill its pledge of
meeting 10 to 15 percent of the project cost.
Air : Though Air connectivity has improved vastly in the last few
years, but a lot more still needs to be done. Given the on-going
developmental activities in the State and the fact that Look East
Policy is being pursued by the Central Government, augmenting the
air communication infrastructure is very important. Central
Government would be requested to take steps for expansion of
Agartala airport, construction of hangars for aircrafts, upgradation
of cargo handling facilities, particularly for perishable goods so
that Agartala airport can become an ultramodern airport at the
earliest. The Central Government would also be asked to complete
renovation of Kailashahar and Manikbhandar airports expeditiously
and to make these airports operational. Measures will also be taken
to construct helipads at all Sub-Divisional and Block headquarters
to facilitate emergency landing of helicopters.
Tele-communication : Tele-communication system in the State has
extended and developed over the last few years, but there is still a
gap in the demand. Unreliability factor is also there particularly
during monsoon season when telecommunication links tend to get
snapped. These problems need to be resolved and Central Government
would be constantly persuaded to take required steps to establish
modern and reliable telecommunication system linking all habitations
in the State besides enhancing capacity for mobile services all over
the State and strengthening and expanding broad band facilities.
POWER:
Growth in the State and availability of power move hand in hand and
without power, development can possibly not be envisaged in the
modern day world. Practically, every new developmental or growth
initiative requires power. In this situation the demand for power is
continuously increasing. Although power generation capacity in the
State has increased in the last few years, it is still below the
demand level. To meet the present shortfall and to cater to the
future demands, it is necessary that the 740 MW plant at Palatana
and 104 MW plant at Monarchak should be completed on schedule and
Central Government would be persuaded to ensure this.
It is also necessary to provide electrification and household
connections in all habitations and to all families in the State for
which specific steps would be taken for rapid completion of this
work
Further, to facilitate transmission of power both within and outside
the State for export, Central Government would be requested to
establish a high capacity transmission network at the earliest.
INDUSTRIES:
Industrialization has an important role to play in the prosperity of
the State. Our objective will be the proper utilization of the
existing potential for industrialization, keeping in mind the base
that has already been created so far and through extension of the
existing base for small and medium scale industries.
As provision of infrastructure is vital for industrialization this
aspect is being given high priority. At the same time with the
objective of attracting private entrepreneurs a scheme for
“Assistance for cluster industrialization” would be promoted to the
extent possible and within the constraints of requirement and
demand.
Our thrust areas for industrialization would be agriculture-based
and agro-processing industries keeping in view availability of our
natural resources and raw materials. Attempts will also be made to
encourage industries which can produce those goods for which we are
currently depending on outside supply. Such industrialization will
be given priority which will also result in the generation of more
employment opportunities for the youth.
TRADE AND COMMERCE:
The internal economic base of the State is being consolidated and
expanded due to ceaseless multifarious development activities. This
has its positive impact on the economic condition of the people.
Purchasing capacity of the people is being increased. All these have
tangible impact and reflection in trade and commerce. The face of
old markets and trading centres are being changed and developed at a
faster rate. Trade and commerce are being expanded rapidly. New
centres of markets are coming up in different parts of the State. To
sustain the trend of growth in all the sectors, growing amiable
relations between the Government and the business communities of all
sections shall be maintained. In the process and course of various
activities problems if they arise shall be sorted out through mutual
discussion. All efforts will be continued to improve and modernize
the infrastructure of trade and commerce according to the need of
the hour and ability. Specials endeavour shall be continued to
develop infrastructure of markets for the benefit of the hawkers and
petty traders. Government will take necessary initiatives to help
small businessmen and hawkers to get loan from the banks without
constraints in order to remove their crunch for capital.
TOURISM:
Tripura as a whole, with its charming natural ambience is an ideal
tourism destination. Due to its strategic geographical location
between North East India and Bangladesh, Tripura would, in future,
be a favoured spot for tourists. In addition, the historical sites
and religious shrines of the State are also major attractions.
Tourism as an industry can play a significant role in the expansion
of trade and commerce related activities, employment generation and
economic development of the State. Keeping this aspect in view,
different measures for developing tourism industry during the last
several years have resulted in gradual expansion and development of
this sector. Last few years’ statistics show that arrival of
domestic and foreign tourists in the State has increased. The number
of tourists within the State is also increasing. Considering the
future potential in this sector emphasis will be given for
development of tourism network, infrastructure and facilities like
good boarding and lodging for the tourists. Importance will be given
to development of high quality internal communications and modern
transport facilities. Improvement and development of various tourist
spots will continue. Besides efforts of the government, private
entrepreneurs will be encouraged to participate in the process of
development of tourism and tourism industry. Special training will
be imparted to provide competent human resources to cater to the
needs of the tourists.
SPORTS:
Sports and education are an integral part of life. Sports complement
education and life as well. We are marching ahead keeping the
‘Sports for all’ policy in the fore-front.
Considering the continuous and modern changes in the field of
sports, the steps taken for developing the overall sports
infrastructure including trainers and training system as well as
administrative set up will be completed soon.
Importance and priority are being given to the rapid development of
certain games selected in the initial stage. This policy will
continue. In the near future some more items will be added to this
list. All aspects will be encouraged – from conventional to modern
sports and this process will continue.
Our efforts at establishing sports infrastructure at the panchayat,
village committee, block, sub-division, district and State level
within the limit of available resources will continue.
In order to scout talent and encourage interest in sports from
childhood itself, importance and attention will be given to rural
sports specially at the primary and senior basic level.
The Govt. will continue its effort to build up the Tripura Sports
School as a future sports talent development centre in the State.
With the objective of upgrading the Physical Education College at
Panisagar into one of the best centres for training the Physical
Instructors in the North East, a plan has been prepared to improve
its infrastructure, management and training facilities. This plan
will be implemented with all seriousness.
Emphasis will be given on general training, special training for
talented youngsters, and training and re-training of the sports
trainers.
Measures will be taken to encourage the successful participants and
winners at regional and national level sports events by providing
them with grants and government jobs.
CULTURE:
The coming generations have to be groomed into good human beings
with healthy and humanitarian values, and the efforts made by us in
this regard will continue. It is our desire that culture should
develop, free from narrow thoughts and views, and emerge with the
blooming of good ideas and reflections, like hundreds of lotus
flowers.
To achieve such ideals special attention would be given to extend
cultural activities from the school level itself. Emphasis will also
be given to develop and modernize cultural centers at Sub-divisional
level and which would be gradually extended up to Block level.
Similar efforts to establish such centers at the State capital and
District level will also continue.
WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT:
Women are equal partners in society and their empowerment is
essential to strengthen the democratic nature of society and foster
healthy social values. Women empowerment means equal rights for
women and we are striving to achieve this. Several major steps both
legal and administrative have been taken over the last few years to
achieve this. Our focus is to raise the level of social
consciousness for the protection of women with emphasis on
prevention of atrocities on women, elimination of illiteracy and
extension of conventional education. Health related issues are also
being addressed. All these programmes would be continued in a more
holistic manner with the aim of providing economic independence to
women.
We are committed for reservation of one third seats in Parliament
and State Assemblies for women and we will continue to impress upon
the Central Government to stop its dilly-dallying over the issue and
pass the required legislation expeditiously.
Our innovative approach in organizing women into Self Help Groups (SHG)
for economic livelihood has received good response and this would be
further strengthened.
A series of measures have been taken to make this programme more
effective including steps to resolve delays in processing and
simplification of procedures for sanctioning assistance from banks;
formulating projects which have good income generating potential;
training and retraining members of SHG’s; establishing marketing
infrastructure for the SHG’s and above all, providing financial
assistance to them.
SOCIAL SECURITY :
We have always been and shall always be by side of disadvantaged
people like abandoned children, women abandoned by their husbands,
widows, the elderly, physically and visually challenged people. This
is our humanitarian and social duty and we have been pro-active in
discharging this duty despite limitation of resources. Many people
have been benefited but we are not complacent. In future our
direction will not just be helping the people belonging to some of
the categories mentioned above but we will strive to frame and
implement different programmes for ensuring their socio-economic
reliance.
TRIBAL WELFARE :
The tribal people are an intrinsic part of Tripura and the
development and prosperity in the State involves overall development
of tribal people and the tribal majority areas. Our efforts of the
last several years in this direction have begun to show positive
results and it is now reflected in the lives and areas of the tribal
people. This trend has to continue and we will work towards that.
Our emphasis will be on expansion of all facilities for education,
setting up of all types of infrastructure for development, economic
self reliance , expansion of employment generating opportunities and
development of tribal language and culture.
S C WELFARE :
Development of people belonging to S.C. community and development of
their habitations is an integral part of the programme for
development of Tripura. The last several years work in this
direction has yielded positive changes in the life-style and habitat
of the community. Yet much more needs to be done and our priorities
will be determined by this. Providing all facilities for education,
sustenance of social equality and social security, provision of
infrastructural facilities in scheduled caste dominated areas,
assistance for economic self sufficiency and increase in employment
opportunities would be some of the areas for special attention.
OBC WELFARE :
People belonging to the Other Backward Communities (OBC) are an
important segment of the State population and growth of the State
would be incomplete without development of the OBC people and the
areas where they reside. Our efforts for improving the standard of
living for the OBCs over the last few years have shown positive
results. We realize that more still has to be done and new
initiatives will be taken for this purpose. Our priorities will be
determined by this approach.
Emphasis will be given on expansion of educational facilities as
well as development of infrastructure in their habitations.
Assistance will be provided for attaining economic self sufficiency
and we will endeavour to expand employment opportunities. We will
continue to urge the Central Government so that no more time is lost
in amending the Constitution and active measures are taken to enable
to OBC to get the benefit of reserved quotas for them in government
jobs.
MINORITIES WELFARE:
Ensuring equality and secularity in education, in society, in the
economy, in religion and in language, for the religious and
linguistic minorities is the duty of a democratic and civilized
society. We have directed our activities over the last few years
towards this goal and in future also we will continue it. We will
try to ensure that more astute thinking and better planning is
reflected in these efforts.
Special emphasis will be given for the development of education on
modern and scientific principles. Attention will also be given to
introduce modern and up-to-date concepts in madarasa education.
Development of infrastructure in the minority habitations will be a
thrust area. Special attention will be given for attaining economic
self-sufficiency and extension of employment opportunities.
We will continue to urge the Central Government to take active and
prompt measures for implementation of the recommendations of the
Sachar Committee. At the same time, measures will be taken to
implement such of those recommendations which are within our
capability and capacity.
All kinds of assistance will continue for the development of
language and culture of the small communities. Upholding the
principles and ideology of secularism all efforts and measures will
continue to maintain religious freedom.
WELFARE OF WORKING PEOPLE:
Protection of rights of the teachers, employees and all the working
people, as also their welfare, is our goal, pledge and
responsibility. Our efforts towards this goal during the last few
years have benefited the working class and consequently workers
rights are now secured in the State.
We have remained opposed to the anti-people and anti-working class
steps of the Central Government. We are committed to protect and
ensure the rights of the working class and this policy will
continue.
We are against any retrenchment, lay-off or lock-out and are in
favour of solving any kind of labour dispute by way of
reconciliation and mutual understanding. The right to be united, to
organize and lead a movement in line with democratic principles is
recognized in this State and this will be so in future also.
GRAM PANCYAHAT AND NAGAR PANCHAT:
Our objective is to make the administration decentralized and people
orientated. For this, strengthening of Panchayati Raj Institutions
and Urban local bodies has been very useful and effective. So that
these institutions are really functional, they are being empowered
and given decision making capabilities. Several administrative
powers and responsibilities have already been transferred and after
assessing impact of this move, further measures in this direction
would be taken. The overall achievement attained so far has received
appreciation all over the country. Evaluation of new concepts in the
field of decision making and administration have to be integrated
and reflected in the panchayati system while at the same time
carrying out all activities in a transparent manner. Our efforts in
this direction will continue to take it to an ideal situation.
TRIPURA TRIBAL AREA AUTONOMOUS DISTRICT COUNCIL (TTAADC):
Development of the tribal areas is a vital component in the
development of Tripura. In the last few years the District Council
has been strengthened by the transfer of various administrative
functions to it alongwith funds. The TTAADC has been playing a
pivotal role in the all round development of tribal areas. State
Government will continue to extend all assistance to the A.D.C. so
that it can perform its duties and responsibilities in a proper
manner in conformity with the needs of time and the demands.
COOPERATIVES :
The cooperative system has an important role to play in the efforts
for making weaker sections and lower income groups of society
self-reliant. The cooperative movement has to be transparent,
sustainable and democratically managed so that the benefits are
properly utilized and there are positive results. The last few years
have seen these aspects being specially addressed. Consequently, in
the cooperative sector new enthusiasm is being seen. Necessary steps
will be taken for further strengthening the cooperative system so
that people are aware of and attracted to this system which can
bring about improvement in the life style of the poor, lower and
middle classes.
URBAN DEVELOPMENT :
Rapid urbanization is one of the signs of development and Tripura
too is not lagging behind and moving towards speedy urbanization
while at the same time take care of environmental protection.
Emphasis has been given for road construction, providing sanitation,
pure drinking water, power supply, renovation, extension and
construction of big and medium markets and similar facilities in
Agartala as well as other small and medium towns. These efforts will
continue in the coming days also.
Problems of slum areas are being given special thrust by development
of infrastructure and providing sanitation facilities on priority.
Necessary steps will be taken in the development and modernization
of Motor Stands, Rickshaw Stands, parking zones etc. for the urban
areas including Agartala. Special attention will also be given to
set up, beautify and properly maintain small and medium parks.
All efforts will be made to extend these endeavors being made for
urban facilities to the village level also with the idea of reducing
the infrastructural gap between towns and villages.
LEGAL SERVICES:
We have tried to decentralize and expand the legal service network
in the State so that all sections of society have greater access to
it. We have also been striving to make people more conscious about
various laws and legislation, citizen’s rights and duties and our
efforts in making people properly aware in this matter will
continue.
As the process of appointment of Judges by the Guwahati High Court
progresses, we hope to make newly opened courts in various
Sub-divisions operational, where inspite of existence of proper
infrastructure courts had not yet been established. Opening of
courts in the recently formed new Sub-divisions would also be
expedited.
Construction of new building for the High Court is going on and is
expected to be completed shortly. It is our demand that an
independent and full-fledged High Court should be established in
Tripura and we will continue to urge the Central Government to take
a favourable decision on this at the earliest.
Extensive measures have been taken for involving various democratic
and non-governmental organizations in our effort to raise the legal
consciousness amongst the people and we will continue with these
efforts.
LAW AND ORDER:
Sustained peace and order are pre-requisites for any form of
development. With this objective in view we have taken up measures
and given emphasis to combat the banned armed-extremists outfits and
create a congenial atmosphere on the law and order front in the last
few years. These measures have resulted in containing the extremist
activities to a great extent. The overall law and order situation
has also shown very positive signs of improvement. But there is no
room for complacency. Despite having been weakened, the extremist
outfits have not been totally eliminated and their activities have
also not fully stopped. As such we will continue with our efforts to
eliminate this problem once for ever. We will continue to press the
Central Government to create pressure on the Government of
Bangladesh to destroy the hide-outs of the militants active in
Tripura and in other States of India and handover the militants to
India. At the same time our appeal to the extremists to give up
their activities and return to the main stream of life will
continue. Rehabilitation programs for those who lay down arms and
return to normal life will be continued. Efforts which have yielded
result in improving the general law and order situation will also be
continued without any break. Special emphasis will be given for the
prevention and reduction of atrocities on women. Apart from
promoting public awareness about this, efforts will be made to
involve democratic and non-governmental organizations in this
endeavor.
Programmes which have been taken up for the development, expansion,
modernization and provision of administrative infrastructure for the
Police Department will continue. Specific and long term measures
would be undertaken to introduce modern systems for traffic
management. Special emphasis will also be given for modern training
and proper orientation training of police personnel at all levels.
Emphasis will also be given to increase the strength of women in the
police force.
Efforts will be made to implement various provisions of the Tripura
Police Act, 2007 effectively.
ADMINISTRATION:
A pro-people, democratic, decentralized and transparent
administration is the key to building a prosperous Tripura. The
continuous development of the State has been possible on account of
the work culture and work ethics followed on these principles. But
it should not be assumed that success has been achieved in all
aspects as envisaged. Many works are yet to be done. Some of the
reasons for shortfalls are – deliberately indifferent attitude of
the Central Government; limitation of resources of the State;
inadequate infrastructure; disruption at times by natural
calamities; extremist activities etc. There are also some weakness
and shortcomings in the system. The path in front of us is not
smooth and straight and keeping this in mind we have to move forward
with bold and firm strides.
The practice being followed for curtailment of unnecessary
expenditure will continue. Financial discipline, which has been
restored, would not only be maintained, but attempts would be made
to make it even better.
All efforts will be made to complete different schemes and
programmes in time.
Importance will be given for the continuous process of
administrative de-centralization and expansion of infrastructure at
different levels. Keeping in view the priorities and needs of the
time more emphasis will be given for training/orientation training
wherever necessary with the objective of improving the competency of
officers and employees of all categories.
We will continue to pursue Central Government for raising the level
of State share of central taxes to 50%. The Central Government will
also be urged to reduce delays in decision making process and
allotment of fund for various development projects of the State.
Central Government will also be pursued to reduce interest rates on
loans from various central institutions and to increase the credit
deposit ratio of the nationalized banks working in the State.
Namaskar
|
|