State BJP vice-president Bernard N Marak has accused the government of not prioritising primary health and education and stated that these subjects should be handed back to the autonomous district councils for proper management.
He said that primary health and education were the two major departments in the district councils but were taken over by the State government after statehood with an assurance to enhance these institutions.
“The two institutions have deteriorated in the years that followed and presently they are surviving on funds sanctioned by the center. The State cared less for education and health despite imposing cess taxes from all services and goods,” Marak said.
Expressing concern that the two institutions are running “pathetically” in all the villages without much support from the State, Marak reiterated that they should be managed by the district councils as agreed in the Agreed Text for Settlement.
As poor families cannot afford to send their children to private schools, he said, “Primary schools have to be made better in the villages to ensure firm foundation. Political leaders have compromised on education and health sectors. None have contributed nor have made an effort to better the facilities to their own voters.”
