Tribal Affairs Minister’s promise to look into Nicobar project clearances ‘mildly’ encouraging: Congress
The Hindu
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questions Union Minister Jual Oram's power over tribal affairs in Modi government.
Calling Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram’s promise to look into the clearances granted for the ₹72,000 crore Great Nicobar Island Project only “mildly” encouraging, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday doubted how much power Union Ministers have over their own portfolios in a government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He also called for the Tribal Affairs Minister to review all decisions taken in the last 10 years that “weakened tribal rights”.
Mr. Ramesh, Congress’ General Secretary-in-charge, Communications, was responding to Mr. Oram’s remarks with The Hindu, published on Monday. In the interaction, Mr. Oram had said that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs would be looking into the forest clearances granted for the mega infrastructure project while highlighting his intent to focus on forest and land rights issues of tribal communities during his term.
OPINION | Nicobar triangle: on the ₹72,000-crore project on Great Nicobar Island
Mr. Oram’s remarks had come as the Congress pushed hard to withdraw clearances granted for the project and ground-up review of it citing complaints that it would be detrimental to the environment on the island and the people who reside there — including the Shompen — a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group.
Responding to Mr. Oram’s promise of looking into the complaints against the project’s clearances, Mr. Ramesh said in a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), “The very first interview given by the Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram indicates that he is not averse to a review of the 72,000 crores project in Greater Nicobar Islands that is a perfect recipe for ecological and humanitarian disaster. This is mildly encouraging. I say ‘mildly’ because the REAL decisions are taken for him by the non-biological PM and his band.”
Also Read | Congress demands withdrawal of clearances to Great Nicobar infrastructure project
BJP counters Siddaramaiah's claims, stating election mandate not a "clean chit," alleging Congress corruption and broken promises.
West Bengal Governor embroiled in controversy over unveiling own statue, sparking criticism from political circles.
Increase in men opting for vasectomy in Coimbatore district due to awareness and higher family planning allowance.
Dozens killed in sectarian clashes in northwestern Pakistan, with ongoing violence prompting government intervention and community negotiations.
Celebrating 20 years of Sanghamitra Rural Development Society's impactful work in rural education and healthcare with community support.
Experience the iconic Kadalekai Parishe in Basavanagudi with more stalls, massive footfall, and a plastic-free environment this year.
Blood Donors Club of Madurai Medical College organized 'Uthiram 24' marathon to promote blood donation with 1,513 participants.
NDA government in A.P. neglecting students and education sector badly hit, alleges Jagan Mohan Reddy
YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has criticised the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Andhra Pradesh, accusing it of neglecting all sectors and not paying the fee reimbursement benefits to the students.
Establishment of South Coast Railway Zone in Visakhapatnam progresses with e-tenders for GM office complex construction.
Congress victory in Channapatna seen as Shivakumar's revenge, boosting party prestige in Vokkaliga politics and KPCC leadership prospects.
Minor fire at courier agency office on Madurai-Tirunelveli Road quickly extinguished by Fire and Rescue Services, no damage reported.