Ranchi: Union Minister for Small Scale Industries and Development of North East C P Thakur on February 13 stressed on emotional involvement of the people of the North East with those from other parts of the country.

"We can make the people in the North East emotionally integrated with us with speedy developmental projects and through organising sporting events, particularly football, as the youth there are very fond of football," Thakur said.

"We are planning to construct more sports complexes in that part of the country and organise football competitions at the lowest levels. New Delhi could host them from semi final stage, giving the players an opportunity to receive prizes from the Prime Minister," He told reporters adding, "This would make them feel that Delhi is closer to them."

Stating that his ministry would try to tap the potential of medicinal plants in North East states and Jharkhand, he said by 2020, this sector would generate us $ five trillion.

The Minister said Centre was keen to focus on less developing states like Jharkhand, Bihar, Orissa, Chattisgarh, Uttaranchal and "to some extent Rajasthan" to create a balance of progress with developing states.

Stating that sick industries in Jharkhand had affected small industries, he said soon a survey would be taken up to identify which of the sick units could be revived. "We will also review what led to their sickness," he said.

Thakur warned that forceful religious conversion could be a law and order problem.

Referring to infiltration problem, he said identity cards and fencing of borders could stop infiltration.

PTI