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The Union Home Minister, Mr P Chidambaram, on Thursday, expressed concern over the rising incidents of violence in West Bengal.
According to Mr Chidambaram, increase in violence is primarily on account of inter-party clashes.
“The culture of violence is a matter of concern. Most of the incidents are inter-party clashes. It is not a good sign for democracy,” he said at the closing ceremony of the 180th anniversary celebrations of the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce here on Thursday.
According to the Union Minister, there have been 455 cases of violence during the first six months of 2012 and 82 people have died in such incidents. In 2011-12, the State witnessed 995 cases of violence with 136 deaths.
“On a comparative basis, the incidents are down following development work being carried out in the Naxalite affected areas. But political violence persists. Political parties should abjure violence,” he said.
Adding that he was “appalled” by the so-called educated and informed classes supporting the “other way” (of violence); Mr Chidambaram maintained that democracy and violence cannot co-exist .
Funds
Acknowledging that the State’s finances were in shambles, Mr Chidambram assured that the Centre was willing to work together.
He pointed out that a 180 per cent increase in allocation of funds marked out for social justice and inclusive growth programmes have been proposed for the 12th Five Year Plan. Allotment will go up to Rs 1,36,000 crore.
Similarly, West Bengal will also be the highest recipient under the “Bringing Green Revolution to The East” scheme. It is expected to receive nearly Rs 269 crore under this scheme.
“Money is there for the State and that is what we want to assure you about it. If spent wisely it will make a difference to the people of West Bengal,” he said.
Economy
According to Mr Chidambaram, despite the Indian economy being affected by the downturn, there remains some prospect of growth.
“The economy is in no better condition than 1991 or 97-98 or 2008-09. The situation is worse. But diligence can bring us out of this,” he said.
Preventive action is being taken and attempts are being made to bring back investor confidence. Further, the “will to save” by the people will see the economy “bounce back on the high growth path in the next two years”, he added.
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