Sonowal to take up issue with Centre

ST STATUS TO ADIVASIS

BY OUR STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, July 21: Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal emphasized on ‘special approach’ in solving the problems of the Adivasis stemming from various reasons.

Calling on the members of 14 organisations who came under an umbrella organisation ‘Adivasi tiol Convention Committee’ in Assam Legislative Assembly on Thursday, Sonowal said that the Government will adopt a special mechanism for the all round development of the Adivasi people of the State.

 “Adivasi people of Assam need a fillip for socio-cultural and educatiol development and the Government will design a special mechanism for integrating them into Government’s agenda of priorities,” he further said.

The members of the committee also sought Chief Minister’s intervention to facilitate the process of according ‘ST’ status to the Adivasis. Sonowal also assured to communicate their demand to the Centre for expeditiously making an ‘in-road’ to get their demand fulfilled.

“Let me assure you, we have the fullest sensibility and all efforts will be made to sincerely settle all your social, economic, cultural and educatiol issues including ST status,” Sonowal added.

Chief Minister Sonowal also stressed on skill development of the Adivasi people and pitched in for setting up of a multi-purpose institution for vocatiol development of the Adivasi youths. Acknowledging the inherent skills of the Adivasi people, Sonowal said given the opportunity the Adivasi youths can scale ‘heights’ on sports and informed that ‘the Government is seriously considering ways and means’ for optimum utilisation of their skills.

Duliajan legislator Terash Gowalla, Lahowal MLA Ritupar Baruah, Tingkhong MLA Bimal Borah, Chabua legislator Binod Hazarika, Tinsukia MLA Sanjoy Kisan and representatives of Adivasi tiol Convention Committee were also present at the meeting. The Committee also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister.