Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Dec 30: Concerned over alarming threat of radicalization of youth towards Islamic State and review security scenario of sensitive States like Jammu and Kashmir, the Centre has called two day Conference of Governors in New Delhi on February 9 and 10.
Apart from discussion on security scenario along the borders with Pakistan and China, threat from terrorists, Maoists and other outfits, the Conference of Governors was also likely to discuss implementation of various Centrally Sponsored Schemes in their States, official sources told the Excelsior.
President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh would address the Conference of Governors, which will be held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Sources said Jammu and Kashmir would remain in focus as it continued to face threat of terrorism not only in the hinterland but on the borders with both its neighbours Pakistan and China. Though infiltration has come down along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir, threat of radicalization of youth with IS launching online recruitment drive looms large.
“The Conference would help the Government of India get a detailed security review of the country especially sensitive terrorism hit State like Jammu and Kashmir, Maoist affected States like Jharkhand, Chattisgarh and Bihar and five States having Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China including J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand,” sources said.
Though the Centre, mainly the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) continue to get daily feedback on security situation and monthly review on Centrally Sponsored Schemes, the Conference of Governors will give the Centre an opportunity to have complete review of the situation in the hinterland, borders and implementation of Schemes etc.
Sources said the Centre was concerned over speedy implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes like Housing for All by 2022, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Smart Cities, Make in India Programme and Employability and Skill Development for School Dropouts.
The Centre would be seeking separate review on these schemes during the Conference of Governors as it feels that these Schemes would help all sections of society including unemployed youth, people living Below Poverty Line (BPL) and industrialists etc.
Sources said the Centre intended to create job for school dropouts by focusing on Skill Development Mission. The Housing for All by 2022 would help the people living below poverty line, who have no shelter at present.
The Centre has already cleared names of 98 Smart Cities while names of two others-one for Jammu and Kashmir and another for Uttar Pradesh were still pending as the States have not recommended names of the Cities.
“As far as Jammu and Kashmir was concerned it was caught between devil and deep sea like situation. The State Government has made it clear that it wants both Jammu and Srinagar to be developed as Smart Cities. However, the Centre though had kept Rs 500 crores for Smart Cities in Prime Minister’s Re-construction Package announced by Narendra Modi on November 7, has not given nod for two Smart Cities,” sources said.
According to sources, the harmonious relations between Governors and Chief Ministers would also form agenda of the Conference.
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