May 23, 2018: The Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that enhanced focus on connectivity along with greater economic integration of our North East with ASEAN is crucial for the long-term progress, stability and better quality of life for all in the Northeastern region. He was addressing the Convocation of Tripura University, in Agartala, Tripura today. The Governor of Tripura, Prof. Tathagata Roy and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
The Vice President said that the North-Eastern region is endowed with abundant natural resources, but difficult terrain, dispersed habitations, poor connectivity and inadequate infrastructure have been obstacles in realizing its true potential. The Union Government is keen to facilitate border trade between our North Eastern States and our neighbouring countries by setting up more border trade points and border haats, he added. (PIB)
Our correspondent adds: The Convocation witnessed unpleasant scenes after State Education Minister Ratan Lal Nath started his speech after Convocation speech of the Vice President. Sources said, as per protocol, no one delivers speeches after Convocation speech – however the anchor of the programme announced the Education Minister’s name for speech after Vice President’s Convocation speech. As soon as Ratan Lal Nath started his speech, the anchor returned with a piece of paper purportedly requesting the Minister to stop his speech. Ratan Lal Nath attended the Convocation as an emissary to the Chief Minister Biplab Deb.
After the programme, Ratan Lal Nath vented his anger and became ‘furious’, University sources said and added there was breach of protocol by the programme anchor in announcing names of speakers.
