Assam can be engine for development of entire Northeast, says President Droupadi Murmu

 President lays foundation of some projects, inaugurates others

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: President Droupadi Murmu said that Assam can be the engine of development for the entire North-eastern region.

While virtually inaugurating and laying the foundation of several projects at a function held at the Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra here on Friday, Murmu observed that better infrastructure is the basis of development of any state and since the North-eastern region is the centre point of India's 'Act East Policy', she was happy to note that the Central government is paying special attention to infrastructure and connectivity in this region.

The President virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for various projects of the state government and the Union Road Transport & Highways Ministry, Union Petroleum & Natural Gas Ministry and Indian Railways. These include inauguration of rail-fed depot of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd at Moinarbond in Silchar along with two highway projects, laying of foundation stones for 100 model secondary schools in the tea garden areas, 3,000 model Anganwadi centres, and a modern cargo-cum-coaching terminal at Agyathuri ner here. She also flagged off a train from Guwahati to Lumding up to Shokhuvi (Nagaland) and Mandipathar (Meghalaya).

While extending her best wishes for the success of projects related to health, education, railways, road construction, petroleum and women empowerment which were launched on Friday, Murmu expressed confidence that successful implementation of these schemes will provide new opportunities for business and employment, increase transportation facilities and strengthen the economy in the entire North-eastern region, including Assam.

Murmu said that the North-eastern region is rich in natural resources. She noted that Assam contributes 13 per cent of India's total crude oil production. Moreover, 15 per cent of India's total natural gas production comes from the North-eastern region. She expressed confidence that the state-of-the-art depot at Moinarband will help in meeting the petroleum products requirements of the entire Barak Valley as well as that of Tripura, Manipur and Mizoram.

The President said that the Central government is giving special attention to road and railway connectivity in all the North-eastern states, including Assam. She said that the various projects related to road and railways will increase tourism opportunities, apart from enhancing trade and transportation in the region.

She said that the safety and all-round development of women and children is the sign of a civilized society. To further strengthen the various services for women and children in Assam, the 3,000 Model Anganwadi Centres launched today is a commendable initiative, she said, while also expressing happiness over laying the foundation stones for 100 model secondary schools with the aim of providing better education for the children of tea garden workers.

Earlier in the morning, Murmu visited the Kamakhya temple along with Assam's Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and offered prayers for everyone's well-being and welfare.

"Honoured to accompany Hon'ble President Smt Droupadi Murmu ji, who is on a 2-day visit to Assam, to the Kamakhya temple along with Hon'ble Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi. We sought blessings from Maa Kamakhya and prayed for the well-being and welfare of everyone," Sarma tweeted after the temple visit.

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