Sonowal harps on inclusive growth, skill development

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, June 3: Firm on protecting 'amar Asom, amar mati and amar adhikar' (our Assam, our land, our rights), Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal today laid down his government's vision to transform Assam into one of the most developed states of the country through inclusive and harmonious growth.

Sonowal was addressing the 14th Assam Assembly for the first time, replying to the debate on the motion of thanks on the Governor's address.

"No person should remain in uncertainty. Each and every individual of Barak and Brahmaputra vallies should be able to live with dignity - to ensure this will be the main duty of the government," he said.

At the time of Independence, he said, Assam's per capita income was four percent above the tiol average.

"But may be somewhere we went wrong in the planning. Today, the State is lagging behind other states," he said.

The Chief Minister asserted that his government would ensure that each penny the government spends is utilized properly.

Harping on good-governce, transparency and accountability, he said his government will have nothing to hide and that everything would be done in a transparent manner.

Acknowledging that red-tapism has been causing immense inconvenience to the people, Sonowal said thrust would be on ensuring time-bound movement of files in the departments.

Stating that the government will need support from all religious groups and communities in building a "notun Asom" (new Assam), Sonowal also underlined the role of the Opposition and solicited its cooperation.

"The Opposition should point out our mistakes. We will welcome constructive criticism," he said.

Sonowal said the BJP's Vision Document was made keeping in mind the greater picture of Assam.

"We have taken advice and suggestions from all stakeholders. Assam's future is in this Vision," he said.

In line with the Union government's Skill India programme, the Chief Minister said the new government in the State will form a Skill Development department to oversee the skill development aspect in the State and reach every nook and corner of the State.

He stressed that the new generation was looking expectantly towards the new government for a brighter future and his government was committed to live up to their expectations.

Referring to the diverse ture of the State with multiple tribes and communities, Sonowal said it was on top of the government's agenda to maintain this secular fabric of the State.

He said, "We have to keep intact the harmonious diverse social fabric of our State and include everyone in the journey towards development."

He pointed that the State has a number of problems ranging from floods to the foreigners issue, adding that the government would work tirelessly to address these issues.

"To help the farmers we will have to stop erosion. And for this, we will have to explore ways to dredge the Brahmaputra using modern scientific means," he said.

Sonowal also pointed out that the Centre's commitment for development of the entire North Eastern region, including Assam, would help the State in achieving accelerated development.

He maintained that the State's fincial condition was in a shambles and said, "The entire system has to be revisited. We have to take steps to strengthen our fincial condition."

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