Budget session starts at Kokrajhar
CORRESPONDENT
KOKRAJHAR: The historic Assam budget session began at BTC Legislative Assembly in Kokrajhar today with a special discussion on the empowerment of 6th schedule councils of Assam.
Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, while delivering his closing remarks, said this was a historical session of Assam Legislative Assembly, which was held for the first time outside the Assembly premises in Dispur. He said peace has returned to Bodoland, where people witnessed violence, bomb blasts, killings etc before but now this violent area has turned in to a peaceful Bodoland. Terming the ALA session as a landmark achievement and part of history, CM Sarma said this was his high point in life as Chief Minister of Assam. He also said Bodoland has become a symbol of peace and unity among all.
"I have a dream of golden Bodoland where Bodos and non-Bodos will live in peace together, think and work together for the welfare and development of all people", the CM said, adding that he wants the same environment in Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao Autonomous Councils as well. He also called for greater responsibilities in bringing Bodo and non-Bodo brothers together and remove misunderstandings between them. He called upon the Bodo leaders to look into the problems of other communities, ensure equal development and justice, protect their culture, language and literature. There has been no communal violence and killings in Bodoland from the time of the then Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal until today, he said, adding that this situation was the result of the commitment of the present government.
He said over Rs. 1,500 crore was released to BTC last year for infrastructure development and Rs. 150 crore for the construction of a big stadium in Kokrajhar. He also said Kokrajhar had got two universities, a Medical College, an Engineering College and a CIT. Also that another medical college at Tamulpur is coming up, two bridges are being built over the river Pagladia in Tamulpur district, Bishmuri- Saralpara road connecting Bhutan is being upgraded while Kokrajhar-Karigaon road leading to BTC capital is going to be upgraded to four lane. He further said the state government had spent Rs. 4,000 crore in BTC and Rs.3,000 crore in Karbi Anglong for road infrastructure within the last three and half years, which is proving the state government's commitment to develop 6th schedule councils.
The CM announced Rs. 500 crore for BTC, Rs. 200 crore for Karbi Anglong and Rs. 100 crore for Dima Hasao Autonomous Council for development of road infrastructures in this financial year.
CM Sarma said that, as a mark of tribute to Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma, the government of Assam had proposed to develop his burial place-Thulungapuri in Dotma to a state of the art centre. On the effect of the upcoming Gelephu Mindfulness City project in Bhutan, to transform Gelephu town on the Singapore model by Bhutan's spending around Rs. 1 lakh crore, he said that Bodoland being attached to Gelephu will get a lot of benefits. He said the government had proposed a rail connection between Guwahati and Gelephu if the Gelephu Mindfulness City project becomes a reality.
He also said Diphu of Karbi Anglong is becoming an emerging town with fast changes and Dima Hasao is also going to transform into the Shillong of Assam. He also said that within 25 years, Bodoland, Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao Autonomous Councils would turn into the most advanced zones in every sector. He further said the Government of India is going to bring the 125th amendment of the Constitution of India and after this amendment, the 6th schedule councils of India will get direct funding for sustainable development.
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