Maoism is ''socio-economic'' problem: Bihar Assembly Speaker

Madurai, Oct 16 (UNI) Expressing concern over the spread of Maoism in various parts of the country, Bihar Assembly Speaker U N Chowdhary has called for treating it a pressing ''socio-economic issue'' than a mere law and order problem.

Bracketting Maoists with criminals was ''unacceptable'', he said, adding Naxals were guided by an ideology-- whether right or wrong.

To a question on curbing of Naxalism, Mr Chowdhary said Naxalism could be contained only if constitutional guarantees were ensured.

''The answer to this lies in the law-enforcement machinery and the justice delivery being responsive besides implementation of development programmes with sincerity,'' he told mediapersons here yesterday.

Regarding the post Jehanabad condition in Bihar, the Speaker said the Nitish Kumar government was taking pro-active steps in accordance with land reforms, Dalit welfare and other related issues.

The state government, had formulated special plans for the educational and economic advancement of Dalits. Besides providing jobs, every Dalit 'basti' (colony) was being turned into a literacy centre, Mr Chowdhary, who was here in connection with the recent Inter-Religious Dialogue and Maja Koene Awards presentation function said.

''Booth capturing and other election-related offences have come down drastically in Bihar, thanks to the Election Commission and former deputy election commissioner K J Rao in particular. Besides, the government was taking steps to decriminalise politics as exemplified in taming the ruling JD(U) legislators to conform to the rule of law,'' he said.

Stating that the law and order situation in Bihar had improved a lot, Mr Chowdhary said the scope for violence and corruption had reduced to a large extent and cited the recent arrest of a District Magistrate at Madhepura as an instance to instil fear in the bureaucracy.

The Speaker said state legislators, irrespective of their conduct outside the House, were very much disciplined during the Assembly proceedings and remained helpful.

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