Pramod Boro-led BTC government signs MoUs on completion of one year

OUR CORRESPONDENT

KOKRAJHAR: Celebrations marked the completion of one year of good governance by the Pramod Boro led UPPL-BJP-AGP-GSP coalition government in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). The coalition that came to power in 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, delivered on several fronts, particularly, in the areas of livelihood promotion, education, health and social welfare development.

On the opening day of the week-long programme aimed at introspection, visioning and rejuvenation, a series of MoUs and programme launching were carried out on Wednesday in a function held at BTC Secretariat. Notable among these were the launching of BTR-UNICEF Programme Management Unit, Declaration on the launch of the BTR-UNDP Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Centres, signing of MoUs between BTR-NECTAR and BTR-CEGIS.

Marking the ceremonial launch programme of the BTR-UNICEF PMU by watering a sapling, Pramod Boro, Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) chief, said, "Just as we nurture this sapling, we have to ensure that we nurture our governance, institutions, systems and personnel. The partnerships with international and national development agencies of repute are a sure step towards a peaceful, developed and healed BTR."

He appreciated and thanked the UNICEF, UNDP, NECTAR and CEGIS for pledging technical support and expertise for ensuring inclusive development, sustainable peace and psychological healing among the people in BTR. He reiterated that the BTC government was committed to realizing the vision of developed, green and safe Bodoland with the blessings of Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, and Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam. He thanked the countless party workers, government officials, student volunteers and community leaders for their selfless service and contributions in spite of the severe COVID-19 lockdown period and its aftermath.

Boro stressed the importance of good governance in BTR by saying "Everyone should do their level best in taking our BTR closer towards achieving the sustainable development goals."

After launching the BTR-UNICEF Programme Management Unit, Dr. Madhulika Jonathan, Chief of Field Office of UNICEF Assam, said, "The UNICEF will support BTC to improve access, coverage and quality of implementation of key flagship programmes pertaining to children in the region, facilitate inter-departmental coordination, strengthen community institutions (VCDC/Youth Forum) and institute mechanisms for strengthening capacity development of front-line workers of different flagship programmes."

Speaking on the occasion, Vijay Pingale, president of CEGIS, said, "The BTR-CEGIS MoU is timely and its programming aims at facilitating the government towards a data-based outcome measurement, strategic budgeting and personnel management." In the similar vein, A. Das, Project Advisor and Consultant of NECTAR said, "The NECTAR will collaborate with BTC to harness the potentials of technology for enhancing agricultural produce."

The day-long programme was also attended by Executive Members (EM) of BTR, MCLAs, Thematic specialists from UNICEF, representatives of partner organizations- Bodoland University, CIT- Kokrajhar, NGOs-ADBU, NERSWN, NEDAN Foundation, Indo-Global Social Service Society, Childline India Foundation, among others.

After signing of MoUs and launch of flagship programmes, the chief of BTC and the EMs and MCLAs of BTR had an interactive session with differently-abled persons over lunch.

The previous day, the Bodoland Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship Development Mission was launched amidst a colourful programme at the Bodofa Cultural Complex, Kokrajhar.

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