Peace is prerequisite for progress: M Venkaiah Naidu

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Vice President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu has said that peace was a prerequisite for development. Naidu said this while speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony of the improvement/widening project of the Shillong-Dawki section of the National Highway-40 in Shillong.

Stating that he was happy that insurgency was coming to an end, he added that dialogues must be held with the militant groups to pave the path for them to give up arms and join the peace process.

The Vice President of India added that such a move is required to usher in peace — a prerequisite for the progress of the people. He added that education, health, opening up of employment opportunities and better connectivity are vital for the people of the Northeast.

The Vice-President also said that because of the fear of guns, many things had been hampered. "Now it is time that we utilize this peaceful atmosphere and create a proper ecosystem for the development of the State in a fast-track manner," he added.

Naidu, stressed "transparency and accountability" while executing programmes. With regards to transparency, Naidu said, "The people should know what is happening. People should have information."

On accountability, he added, "The people in charge of these programmes should be held accountable. The contractors, engineers, the administrators, everybody should be made accountable," said the Vice President.

He added that "there should be zero tolerance for corruption, which he said was the enemy of development". Naidu pointed out, "Today, with the advantage of digital technology, everything should be made online so that there is no need for standing in a queue.

"Standing in a line waiting for our turn should be avoided. Benefits should reach the people directly. Whatever benefits the government is giving, should go directly to the masses," stressed Naidu.

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