Chief Minister presses for corruption-free governce

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR, Sept 6: On the last leg of his visit to this valley, Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal, attended a foundation stone laying ceremony and iugurated the work, related to the widening from intermediate Lane to 2 Lane with paved shoulder and strengthening from 2/000 km to 8/000 km on NH 54, including construction of drains under PWD, Silchar NH division at Soi Road of this town today. It was a remarkable step towards the development of NH 54, which has been a long pending demand of the people.

 Addressing the public meeting after iugurating the work, the Chief Minister spoke at length about the need of a corruption free government, administrative system and state. “A corruption free administration is the key to development.  An honest administration is characteristic of good governce. In order to implement Prime Minister rendra Modi’s vision of ‘good governce’, it is essential to have an honest, sincere and hard working team for running an administration. Bribery will not be tolerated at any cost,” said Sarbanda Sonowal. He also said that ‘paribartan’ (development) would come if all the ministers, MLAs and members of all development bodies vow not to accept bribes in any form.

 “I have observed that the money which is being sanctioned for the development of roads and other infrastructures does not reach the requirements and target people. There are a number of touts and brokers affecting our administrative system. I will look into the matter and ensure that pilfering of money is not being encouraged. Accepting bribes have become a common practice,” the Chief Minister added. Putting emphasis on Prime Minister’s famous catchphrase, ‘a khaunga, a khane dunga,’ Sonowal said, “We should work hard with full sincerity and honesty. I have full faith in the PM’s mantra of zero tolerance towards corruption. If corruption is wiped off completely, there would be peace and prosperity.”

 Sonowal also laid emphasis on development of both the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys. “Development in the truest sense of the term implies overall prosperity of the whole state. Much work is left to be done here and I pray that I will get full cooperation from all the ministers, MLAs, authorities concerned and people of this place. People should take keen interest in the political and social affairs and be a keen observer of things taking place all around them,” he added.

The Chief Minister mentioned in particular that Silchar is a historic town and one of the oldest in the state and as such immediate attention is required. Throwing light on his visions about the town he said, “The condition of the roads are pathetic. The poor infrastructure creates a negative impression in the minds of tourists who come here for sightseeing. It is a reflection on our honour and dignity.”

He also advised planting of more saplings so that Silchar too becomes clean and green.

State PWD Minister Parimal Suklabaidya in his speech said, “We have taken up the issue and would like to say that repair work has already been started. It is a pity that residents of the valley face trouble in visiting other places. Owing to the poor condition of the road, people are not able to visit Dispur, Haflong, Manipur and a number of other places smoothly. The roads are muddy, slushy and slippery.”

He also assured that the repair work in full swing will certainly start from the month of October and will be completed at the earliest.

He also added that the repair work of Kashipur has already been started and patch work in many areas of Silchar and Karimganj are going on.

Dilip Kumar Paul, Deputy Speaker, Assam Assembly, said, “There is a question in circulation that what has been done by our government in these 100 days. I just want to pass the message that at least we have been able to formulate and chalk out an infallible plan and strategy for the development of the valley.”