Assam reacts cautiously to DoNER abolition reports

Guwahati, Mar 23 (UNI) The Assam government today reacted cautiously to media reports that the Second Administrative Reforms Commission has recommended the abolition of the Department for North Eastern Region (DoNER).

State government spokesperson Dr Himanta Biswa Sharma, taking to reporters here, said, ''We will never support any step that will harm the region or create hurdle in its development. However, we can not react to the media reports without studying the original report.'' He, however, underscored that there was a need to reform the DoNER functioning and said, ''The DoNER should operate from NE rather than from New Delhi for the ministry to deliver its objective of growth and development of the region.'' Dr Sharma added that the UPA government won't initiate any step against the interest of NE and the state governments of the region would also stand up if any injustice is meted to the region.

The Reforms Commission report is quoted to have stated that the DoNER ministry may be abolished and the responsibilities relegated to separate ministries, with the Union ministry of Home Affairs acting as the nodal ministry.

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