Guwahati: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday launched a series of transformative initiatives in Jorhat district, aimed at fostering growth and progress. These initiatives span across various sectors, including Education, Industries & Commerce and Public Enterprises, Revenue and Disaster Management, and Finance, underlining the Assam government’s unwavering commitment to the overall development of the state and the well-being of its people.
This event marks a significant phase in the government’s “12 Days of Development” program, which began on December 11, 2024, and seeks to accelerate the pace of progress across Assam.
The Chief Minister launched the ceremonial distribution of no dues certificates under the Assam Microfinance Incentive and Relief Scheme to Category-III, Phase II borrowers amounting to Rs. 223.30 crore. Moreover, under the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, the CM also disbursed Rs. 35.337 crore to 6,86,487 families. On the other hand, the Chief Minister presented seed capital under the Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme. Under the scheme, 6490 members of SHGs were provided capital amounting to Rs. 21.90 crore.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister highlighted that as part of the “12 Days of Development” initiative, the Education Department has initiated three important schemes to provide substantial benefits to students. He stated that under the Dr. Banikanta Kakati Merit Award, girl students who secure a first division in the Higher Secondary Examination and boy students who attain 75% or higher marks would be awarded scooters. As part of the Anundoram Borooah Award, students achieving 75% marks or more in HSLC exams would be given cash prizes through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), amounting to approximately Rs. 12,500 each, he added. He also said that more than three lakh students enrolled in Class 9 would receive bicycles under the Chief Minister’s Special Scheme.
The Chief Minister stated how multiple departments, including Revenue & Disaster Management, Finance, and Industries & Commerce and Public Enterprises, are poised to roll out a range of initiatives that will directly benefit millions of people across the state in the near future. As part of the ongoing “12 Days of Development” program, he emphasised that more than 10 lakh families in Assam are expected to be positively impacted by these measures. He elaborated on the government’s microfinance relief scheme aimed at assisting women, noting that the administration has issued No-Due Certificates, which will enable them to access loans from banks. Looking ahead, he revealed that the government plans to extend additional financial support, with a provision of Rs. 15,000 in 2026, and affirmed that further efforts would be made to help these women secure larger loans from financial institutions.
The CM also highlighted the “Lakhpati Baideo” scheme, which is currently under verification and is expected to be rolled out once approved by local MLAs. This scheme, he stated, aims to provide Rs. 10,000 to women members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) through banks. He also spoke about the third phase of the Orunodoi scheme, wherein village meetings would be held from December 15 to 28, allowing those who have not yet benefitted from the scheme to be included, while existing beneficiaries would need to register again.
On the extensive damage caused by floods in 2024, the CM noted that the state government had been proactive in providing relief. He mentioned that a sum of Rs. 353 crores had been allocated for the aid of approximately 6.86 lakh families affected by the floods. The government also extended support to those impacted by storms, he added.
Reflecting on the journey since the present state government assumed office in 2021, the Chief Minister reiterated the vision of building a new Assam. He gave emphasis on the significant strides made over the past three years in infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and more. He highlighted the commencement of bridge construction projects over the Brahmaputra River, extending from Tinsukia to Dhubri. He also noted the establishment of 23 medical colleges across the state, with several more in the pipeline, and ongoing efforts to set up a university in each district.
The CM emphasised that Assam has now emerged as a model of development, with the state setting an example for the rest of the country. He attributed this success to the government’s focus on transparency and merit-based recruitment, ensuring that even children from disadvantaged families now have access to government jobs. He asserted that Assam’s journey of continuous development has positioned the state as a beacon of progress for the nation, demonstrating that Assam is now a shining example for India.
Today’s event was attended by the Minister of Finance, Ajanta Neog; the Minister of Public Health Engineering, Jayanta Malla Baruah; legislators Hitendra Nath Goswami, Rupjyoti Kurmi, and Bhupendra Nath Bharali; former legislator Rana Goswami; and other dignitaries.
The Chief Minister later performed bhumi pujan and laid the foundation stone for the Jorhat Urban Water Supply Scheme in a bid to address the long-standing issue faced by the people of Jorhat and facilitate safe drinking water to the people. The Drink from Tap (DFT) project will involve a financial outlay of Rs. 220 crore, which will ensure a clean and uninterrupted 24X7 water supply by leveraging advanced technology and modern infrastructure. The project will cover 14,700 households, and the target date of completion is December 2026, stated a press release.
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