Bring backward states on par with developed in 5-10 years: Kora

New Delhi, Dec 9 (UNI) Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Kora today called for bringing backward states on a par with developed states within the next five to ten years to tackle the problem of extremism through all-round development.

"Development is the only effective solution for this problem," he said in his address at National Development Council (NDC) meeting, presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and added that there was need to develop infrastructure as well as focus on education, health and poverty alleviation in the backward states.

Stating that different legislations relating to forest and environment conservation had hampered developmental activities in the state, the Chief Minister said Jharkhand, which has 30 per cent of its land under forest cover, was experiencing difficulty in implementing many schemes as sites selected for irrigation and developmental schemes included forest area.

He demanded preference be given for coal linkages from mines in the state to industries being set up in the state to protect Jharkhand's economic interests. Regarding the Hoda Committee report, he favoured shifting of the royalty regime to ad valorem basis urgently.

On the industrial front, Mr Kora said despite its limited resources, his state was committed to develop infrastructure as investors would be attracted only then. Therefore, he underlined the need to improve and strengthen national highways, rail network and power generation in the state.

Pointing out that 50 per cent of the Railways' freight revenue came from his state, he sought new rail lines to be taken up on a priority basis as most of the rail network was of the pre-Independence period designed to transport mineral resources from the state to other parts of the country.

On nuclear power, he said since Jharkhand was an important source of uranium in the country, a nuclear power plant should be set up in the state.

Painting a bright future for Jharkhand in horticulture and floriculture, Mr Kora said the Centre should take up the Swarnrekha Multipurpose Project as a national project and sought revision of existing AIBP policy. The state had a large number of incomplete projects which fulfill the criteria for inclusion under the AIBP but they were not being included due to the existing policy.

UNI SD VD KN1644