Tamil Nadu - Others   

Chidambaram for POTA repeal

By Our Staff Reporter

KARAIKUDI, MAY 30 . The Union Finance Minister, P. Chidambaram, today reiterated that he was in favour of repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA).

Talking to presspersons here, he said some parts of the country might require a tough law. If the Government felt that there should be tough powers to deal with any special circumstances in any part of the country, it could make necessary changes in the law, which could be applicable to select areas. The existing laws, however, were sufficient to meet any situation. He felt that there was no need for bringing Tamil Nadu under the select area, as the situation in the State did not warrant any tough action.

Stressing the need for a good government in Tamil Nadu, Mr. Chidambaram said the State did not witness any development in Tamil Nadu during the past three years. The Government, he said, had introduced harsh measures against various sections. "The withdrawal of all unwanted decisions will not automatically result in good governance," he said.

He said the Chief Minister should ensure good governance without affecting any section.

Mr. Chidambaram said the government expenditure in the State had not come down because of unnecessary and lavish expenses.

Referring to the mass transfer of senior bureaucrats and police officials, he said the transfers would not bring about any major change. The transfers were not administrative reform, but administrative mismanagement, he added.

Asked whether he would take any initiative to meet the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, in the interests of the State, he said it would depend on her approach.

Asked about the infrastructure in Tamil Nadu, he said though the State had some good infrastructure such as the international airport in Chennai and roads, there were no ports, except those in Tuticorin and Chennai. The people of Tamil Nadu were reeling under a severe scarcity of water and power, he added.

Downplaying the marginal decline of $50 million in the foreign exchange reserve, he said such a fluctuation was routine.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Tamil Nadu

News: Front Page | National | Tamil Nadu | Andhra Pradesh | Karnataka | Kerala | New Delhi | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Updates: Breaking News |

Stories in this Section

• Chidambaram for POTA repeal
• Efforts to put Kodaikanal on world tourism map
• Consecration of Anjaneyar idol
• 25 sovereigns of jewels stolen

Copyright © 2004, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu