'Government would do nothing to harm interests of local people' - Sarbananda Sonowal

A Correspondent

Biswanath Chariali: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation stone of Assam's fourth and the largest 'Eri Spun Silk Mill' at Borgang in Biswanath district on Tuesday. This mill to be set up with financial outlay of Rs. 21 crore under North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme of Ministry of Textiles, Government of India sets the target to produce 33 MT high-quality eri yarn and 22 MT noil yarn per year opening direct employment opportunity for 107 unemployed and benefitting 4 to 5 thousand eri and muga rearers.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sonowal underlined the importance of rural economy for accelerating growth of a State and said this new project would give a major boost to development in Assam. He appreciated the role played by eri and muga rearers for giving a distinct identity to the state in the field of Handloom, Textile and Sericulture sectors and observed that this initiative would go a long way in rejuvenating the beleaguered Handloom and Textile sector.

Sonowal in his speech also highlighted the State government's various welfare measures for giving a dignified life to the citizens saying that the State government is fully committed to the cause of the people and would do nothing to hard the interest of the state.

Stating that the high-level committee constituted for implementation of the sixth schedule of Assam Accord is a golden opportunity for the State that ensures constitutional safeguard to the people of Assam, he made a fervent call to AASU to take lead in its fruitful execution. Sonowal also came down heavily against Congress and the Left front for spreading misinformation about the Citizenship Amendment Bill and thereby creating confusion among people. He categorically said that the bill was drafted keeping in mind the national policy of the Union Government and it would no way affect the interest of the indigenous people of Assam. The misinformation spread by certain vested interest sections that 1.90 core Bangladeshi migrants would get a settlement in Assam after the passage of the bill by the Rajya Sabha is a blatant lie. He moreover urged the people to remain alert against such misinformation campaign and thwart the ulterior designs of evil forces.

Further saying that the State government is working with a commitment to uphold the interests of the local people, he said that in a bid to establish the indigenous people's right over land the State government has already allotted land patta to 11,500 local landless families and another 1 lakh families would be provided pattas within February this year. He also informed that process has also been initiated to provide land pattas to small tea growers in the state.

Minister for Handloom & Textiles and Sericulture Ranjit Dutta speaking on the occasion expressed the view that the proposed Eri Spun Silk Mill would be a harbinger of growth in rural economy of the state. He informed that for implementation of this 21 crore project government of India has already released Rs.1.80 crore in first phase.

The Handloom and Textiles minister highlighting the rich potential of Eri and Muga sector in Assam said that while the entire North East produces 60% of the country's eri yarn and Assam alone 80% of muga yarn, the industry remained neglected during the time of previous Congress governments. Asserting the State government's commitment to revive this sector, he informed that Rs. 465 crore Assam Silk Outreach Mission has been taken up and steps like plantation at Muga farm, construction of boundary wall of the farms and financial assistance to eri rearers have been taken up. He also informed that due to state government's committed efforts Assam recorded 6661 MT Eri production during 2017-18 in Assam.

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