INTERVIEW OF THE MONTH
Mr.Radha Krishna Mathur 
Chief Secretary,
Tripura

Tripura's new chief secretary Mr Radha Krishna Mathur aroused great hopes and aspirations among the high-ups in the administration and he has already made himself a beacon of hope in guiding the problem-ridden state along the path of development and progress. A distinguished officer of the Manipur-Tripura cadre Mr Mathur has already had a long innings in Tripura devoting his energies and skill to further the interests of Tripura and its people. When his illustrious predecessor Mr V.Thulasidas had left Tripura after a long eight year stint as chief secretary a lot was expected of his successor . Mr Mathur with his personality , dedication and skill has already proved-if any proof were at all required-that the mantle of chief secretary adorns an eminently worthy and richly deserving head . In the following interview Mr Mathur took time off his hectic schedule and spoke his mind on important issues pertaining to Tripura and its people. 

Answer : The state has made substantive progress over last few years. There is further potential for rapid economic development. The State Government is working in this direction in close cooperation with the Central Government. Terrorism continues to be a challenge and has an impact in some areas. The misguided youth involved in terrorism need to be won over.

Question : What are the development potentials of Tripura ? Why are these not being translated into reality? The question is important considering the fact that even more than fifty years after independence Tripura continues to have more than 66% of the population below poverty line. What will be the priority sector in the development field according to you ?

Answer : Tripura is a small State, with a small population in the national context. With its abundant resources and human skills, it is possible for Tripura to grow quickly into a prosperous State. However, its growth potential is being choked by poor infrastructure development. This requires substantial investments by the State and Central governments. Adequate funds have not been forthcoming for this purpose. Another reason relates to requirement of transit through Bangladesh. This is dependent on the Central Government. It would, however, be incorrect to say that Tripura has not developed. In fact, presently our per capita income is Rs 17,469/- (provisional) as against the national average of Rs 17,978/-. The ongoing BPL census shall indicate that the population percentage below poverty line is less than 66%. Tripura has given priority to human resource development as well as on growth in primary, secondary and tertiary sectors.

Question : Tripura is known to be rich in natural resources, particularly in natural gas. How can this be exploited to ensure advancement of the state?

Answer : Natural gas can be used as a fuel for generation of power. Tripura Government has recently singed MoUs with private parties for generation of about 886 MW of power. NEEPCO is setting up a 280-MW gas based plant and may expand it by another 280-MW. Thus, power sector alone is poised to attract investment of about Rs 3388 crores. Other uses of gas relate to domestic and industrial use of gas as fuel, production of fertilisers, methanol and a variety of other chemical products. Many of these projects require very large investments and need rail link for dispatching their produce in an economic manner. Therefore, some of the investments would have to remain dependent on growth of infrastructure in the state.

Question : Do you think that the economic reforms currently being implemented by centre is going to have a bearing on development activities in Tripura ? If so, how?

Answer : One aspect of economic reforms being implemented by the Centre is a reliance on privatisation and private investment. In Tripura, it has been found difficult to attract private investment. In fact, in the initial stages of development in the country, investments were made in a big way by both Central and respective State Governments. Tripura did not get any benefit of such investment at that time, as it was not even a State till 1971. With the changes in policy, funds for such investments are not available. This has adversely impacted on various developmental activities.

Question : What is your message to potential investors from outside ? What is the investment potential of our state? We seem to be missing out as far as getting investment from outside is concerned. Why so?

Answer : Tripura is rich in natural resources, including gas. A number of agricultural and horticultural products are being cultivated, increasingly on commercial scale. People have natural skills in handlooms and handicrafts. Production of plantation crops, particularly tea, rubber, etc has been rapidly growing. Investments can be made for profit in these areas. Measures are being taken to improve rail and road connectivity. The State Government assures investors of quick approvals as well as a good incentive package.

Question : Tripura has been dogged by insurgency problem over the past twenty four years . What according to you should be the approach for possible solution to the problem?

Answer :  The root cause of insurgency problem is, perhaps, a perceived sense of injustice in the minds of section of tribals. Hence, the Government has to win the hearts and minds of this section of tribals. Continued thrust has to be given to the development efforts in the tribal areas. Regrouping of tribal villages, which shall start with Dhalai District, is an effort in that direction. In addition, efforts have to continue to tackle the misguided youth who have taken recourse to arms. The Central Government has to intervene to cut off the shelter and support that some terrorist outfits are getting outside Tripura.

Question : In the entire northeast Tripura has been known for prudent fiscal management over the past decade. But now it seems the state is sliding into a serious financial crisis . Why so and how can this be resolved ?