10 per cent jobs should be earmarked for NE in Central govt: Sangma

Shillong, Oct 9 (UNI) Former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno A Sangma today asserted that 10 per cent jobs should be earmarked in all Central establishments for the people of North Eastern states to solve the unemployment problem in the region.

Mr Sangma made this suggestion at the Nationalist Congress Party-sponsored seminar on ''Managing Meghalaya: Development and Directional Priorities'' here.

The NCP leader, however, made it clear that his suggestion for earmarking jobs in the Centre should first be discussed among all cross-sections of the people in the region.

Mr Sangma said since all the Union Ministries earmark 10 per cent of its budget allotment towards development of the NE, a similar move to ''earmark'' 10 per cent jobs for the people of the region.

''Unemployment has been a major problem in the region which has also given rise to insurgency. All means must be explored to find a solution to this problem,'' the NCP leader stated.

''Jobs should be earmarked not just for the tribals but for everyone (non-tribals) residing in the region,'' he asserted.

UNI