As chief secretary of the state today he heads a committee seized with the vital issue and contemplating solutions. But in whatever he does Mr Thulasidas's sole concern is development of Tripura and a better deal for its people which is why he is a respected figure to the media also cutting across shades and colours. Presumably the lone chief secretary in turbulent Northeast to spend at least sixteen hours a day perusing through and disposing of crucial government files, Mr Thulasidas took time off his hectic daily schedule to reply to queries put by tripurainfo.com.

Q.No.1: You are the longest serving Chief Secretary in the state. What would you identify as your acheivements?

CS: The Chief Secretary is only a part of the State machinery and can not achieve anything on his own. The achievements are the result of team work taken up by the entire State Government machinery. Some of the major achievements of the State during the last six and half years or so are too many to be displayed in your website. However, the salient points include rapid progress in construction of railway track from Kumarghat to Agartala, completion of preliminary survey for extension of railway line from Agartala to Sabroom, conversion of Agartala-Sabroom road into an extension of National Highway (No-44), implementation of a twenty five point package programme for all-round development of the tribal community, a series of steps for infrustructural development, proper implementation of poverty-alleviation schemes, modernisation of state police with launching of seven TSR battalions , overall improvement in the security profile of the state and ,most important of all, prudent management of financial administration in respect of which Tripura is a striking exception to other states of Northeast.This, however, is only a tip of the iceberg in comparison with what has acutally been achieved at the ground  level.

Q.No.2:  What is the development potential of Tripura and why is this not being translated into reality? The question is important considering the fact that even more than fift years of Independence Tripura continues to have more than 66% of the population below poverty line

CS: Tripura has been lagging behind in economic development mainly because of its geographical location and communication problems. It should be kept in mind that Tripura had excellent communication links with the rest of India through the then East Bengal till 1947. The appearance of a foreign country in between Tripura and the mainland caused serious problems and almost isolated the State. The investment required to fully compensate for this loss is very large and has not taken place in the last many years. On the other hand, Tripura has great potential for development in future in view of its natural and mineral resources. It has vast reserves of natural gas, has near perfect climatic conditions and soil and water to support a host of crops, plantations, etc. Tripura has achieved the envious record of being the second largest rubber growing State in the country.

Q.No.3: During the rule of Awami League in Bangladesh it was expected that transit facilities for Tripura as well as other states of the Northeast would come through. What is the latest on this issue?

CS: Transit through Bangladesh and/or transshipment of goods through Bangladesh is critical for the full exploitation of the development potential of the State. This issue is being pursued with Bangladesh Government. There can be road, rail and waterways links with Bangladesh and access to Chittagong Port. This will be beneficial not only for Tripura and the North-East but for Bangladesh too.

Q.No.4: Tripura has been dogged by insurgency problem over the past twenty four years . What is your thoughts on a possible solution to the problem?

CS: The militancy or  terrorist problem in Tripura has several dimensions including involvement of agencies outside the country. Therefore, the State alone cannot solve this problem. Also, it is not a mere security or law and order problem; it involves social, economic, political, cultural, etc. issues and calls for a multi-pronged strategy for a possible solution. As far as the security part is concerned, the Security Forces deployed in Tripura will be able to tackle this problem effectively once the shelter outside the country, which the militants have today, is denied to them. The State Government has launched a multi-dimensional approach to the problem with the help of the Central Government. I am sure that the persons involved will realise the futility of using violence as a solution to the problems.

Q.No.5: Tripura is known to be rich in natural resources, particularly in natural gas. How can this be exploited to ensure advancement of the state?

CS: We are able to make use of the natural gas available in the State to some extent. We have Gas Thermal units at Baramura, Rukhia and Ramchandranagar. In addition, a 500 MW Project is on the anvil. Part of the clearances required for this project has already been obtained. We are also pursuing with Government of India the possibility of establishing a Fertilizer Project in Tripura. At our instance, the Government of India has set up a Task Force headed by the Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas to coordinate exploration and exploitation of natural gas.

Q.No.6:In the general scenario of depression and despondency what is the ray of hope? Do you feel Tripura will ever come back on rail and how can this be ensured?

CS: There is no need to feel that depression and despondency should govern our outlook. Tripura has tremendous potential for development and the resources to back it up. It is true that our location and communication problems have stood in the way so far. The solution lies in the cooperation we expect from Bangladesh. I am sure the logic of close cooperation with Bangladesh and other countries of the region will be realised by them and will be accepted as an economic necessity in the near future. But even without that, the State has made significant progress. In the last eight years, that is 1993-94 to 1999-2000 Tripura achieved the highest growth rate in the North-East (7.25 %) in terms of Gross State Domestic Product, which was higher than the national average of 6.68%, as per a recent communication from the Planning Commission. In certain critical areas of infrastructure like rail, road, power, irrigation, etc. we have made significant breakthroughs. For example, the achievement in the last four years in irrigation is 57% of the entire achievement prior to that. The achievement in rural housing in the last four years is 209% of the previous eight years. I think people of Tripura have every right to be hopeful and look forward to a bright future.

Q.No.7: After a period of relative peace Tripura is back in headlines in the wake of the recent massacre of 16 civilians in Khowai. Do you apprehend more such incidents in the new year?

CS: There has been a definite improvement in the security scenario of the State. Number of incidents has been brought down. However, we cannot say that the basic problem has been solved. Therefore, an odd incident can take place even now because there are factors beyond the control of the State Government and the Security Forces. However, we can say with confidence that all out efforts are being made and we have been able to achieve positive results.