Local people should be given preference in government jobs, said Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi here on Friday, adding that “local interest should be taken care of.”

Mr Gogoi, who is on a personal-cum-official tour of the City, told reporters that the local interest should be taken care of so long as it does not compromise the national interest. 

He said. “ I am using this visit to explore possible tie-ups with some IT majors in Bangalore for setting up facilities in Assam. I have already spoken to Mr Narayan Murthy of Infosys and he has given his conditional acceptance to us. I couldn’t meet Mr Azim Premji of Wipro because he is travelling,” said Mr Gogoi.

When asked to remark on the Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav’s comment against giving preference to Kannadigas in railway recruitments, Mr Sharief said that the Railways is an all-India service. “If local talent is available then they should be given preference,” he said.