AGARTALA, Aug 26 - At a time when the north-eastern states are facing uncertainty over continuity of special category tag for the country�s most backward region, Union Minister of State for Urban Development Babul Supriyo has chosen to remain silent on the issue.
The north-eastern states used to receive funds in the 90:10 ratio for all the Centrally sponsored schemes as they enjoy the special category states status.
Of late there has been some doubt over the continuity of special category status for the NE states, leading to severe financial crunch in all the region�s states.
�Since the matter is not related to my ministry, it will be wise not to pass any comment on the issue,� Supriyo said at a media conference at the BJP office here today.
However, he said there have been specific instructions for all the ministries to give priority to the north-eastern states. �Union Ministers were asked to visit the North-east on a regular basis to know the ground reality,� he said.
On Tripura�s Left Front government, the Union Minister said, �We are receiving corruption complaints against the rulers here. Tripura needs a major change and the party�s improving vote share in the Left-ruled state is a good sign. People know about everything that is happening here and they will take the ruling party to its deserved destination in the days to come,� he said.
