'Rethink on ministry size in Northeast'

Shillong, Apr 21 : With downsizing apparently leading to political instability in some North Eastern states, particularly Meghalaya, senior AICC leader Oscar Fernandes today suggested that there should be a separate "yardstick" for the region.

"It was a part of the Administrative Reforms Commission. It is being discussed. Hope we will arrive at something... we could have a different yardstick for Northeast," he said when asked if there could be a rethink on the 97th Amendment that restricts the size of ministry to 20 per cent of the assembly.

Fernandes said, "It needs support from all. There is a realisation in certain quarters."

D D Lapang, who resigned yesterday as chief minister after a revolt in his party, said, "Yes, downsizing is a factor that has caused political instability.

"Leaders with potential cannot be given proper chances. They cannot be accommodated in a small ministry," Lapang said.