Noting that corruption has made Jharkhand infamous, Home Minister P. Chidambaram said on Friday the scourge should be dealt with firmly during President's rule imposed in the State following the resignation of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Shibu Soren from the Chief Minister's post. Allegations of corruption should be investigated and the guilty brought to justice, he said. He asked the secretaries to fix priorities with regard to welfare and development schemes by June 30.
Chairing a meeting at the Raj Bhavan here, attended by Governor M.O. H. Farooq and Chief Secretary A K Singh among others, Mr. Chidambaram made it clear that the Centre was ready to give all support to the State in dealing with Naxalism. He said the Jharkhand administration should curb the Maoist menace with sincerity and commitment, according to a Raj Bhavan release.
Stressing the need for putting Jharkhand on the path of development through timely implementation of welfare schemes, the Home Minister said schemes such as old age pension, NREGA, PDS and those relating to road construction should properly implemented.
Mr. Farooq urged Chidambaram to include Giridih, Ranchi (rural) and Khunti districts in the list of “extremist-focussed districts”
The Governor also sought financial assistance for the anti-Naxal forces — “Jharkhand Jaguar,” Special Task Force and CoBRA battalion.
