Government to release package of Rs. 13.50 crore for Bodo-Kachari Welfare Autonomous Council (BKWAC) soon

A CORRESPONDENT

LAKHIMPUR: Education and Tribal Welfare Minister Dr Ranoj Pegu said that the Government of Assam would release fund amounting to Rs. 13.50 crore, granted in 2022-23 financial year, to Bodo-Kachari Welfare Autonomous Council (BKWAC) soon.

Dr Pegu added that the State Government had already initiated almost all kinds of steps to strengthen the BKWAC and to conduct election of the same by notifying the villages under it and constituting the constituencies. Dr. Pegu said so while taking part in the special open session organized in connection with the 9th annual conference of the UBPO (United Bodo People's Organization), stated a press statement.

While inaugurating the special open session at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra on Thursday evening, Dr Pegu further stated, "The Bodo community had been initiating movements for years to achieve their judicious rights. Two Bodo Accords inked as results of prolonged Bodo movements did not pave ways for the development of the Bodo community people living outside BTAD. After the inception of the UBPO, BTR Accord was signed and the BKWAC was formed as per the recommendations of the same accord. Bodo people must extend their cooperation in order to strengthen the autonomous council."

In the special open session, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale took part as guest of honour and lauded the Bodos as a disciplined community. He said that the people belonging to any community must be united and integrated to ensure its all-round development. The Union Minister declared that he would work for the progress and development of the Bodo community. The special open session was held under the management of UBPO general secretary Pitambar Brahma, wherein president Manuranjan Basumatary, BKWAC chief Mihiniswar Basumatary, Northeast Probhari of the Republican Party of India Binod Nikalji was present.

Notably, the 9th annual conference of the UBPO, with a three-day long colourful programme, kickstarted on Thursday. The event has been organized at Srimanta Sankaradev Kalakshetra, Panjabari in Guwahati. The agenda of the event on the first day began with the ceremonial opening of the main gate of the conference venue by MP Pradan Baruah. It was followed by the inauguration of Swachhta Abhiyan by Deori Autonomous Council chief Bhairab Deori, dining hall by Kamrup (Metro) Zila Parishad chairperson Hirumoni Konwar, main stage and pandal by ADGP Hiren Chandra Nath, guest house by Mayor Mrigen Sarania, exhibition and trade fair by BKWAC Deputy chief Romeo Narzary.

Then a volleyball competition was inaugurated by BKWAC EM Pradip Swargiyari. It was followed by the registration of the delegates. Then the executive body meeting of the UBPO was held. From 7:00 pm, the first delegates' session commenced. It was inaugurated by UBPO adviser Birendra Kumar Brahma