Assam: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Pledges to Transform BTR into Land of Development

Staff Correspondent

KOKRAJHAR: Drawing inspiration from Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma pledged to work alongside the people of BTR to transform the region into a land of progress.

The Chief Minister said this at the fifth anniversary of the historic Bodo Peace Accord.

The Chief Minister highlighted the rich history and vibrant cultural heritage of the Bodo community, noting that these have greatly enriched our state’s history. While acknowledging the signing of the Bodo Peace Accords in 1993, 2003, and 2020, he emphasized that it was the third Accord that marked a new era of peace in the region. To fully implement the Accord, he mentioned the central government’s plan to introduce the 125th Amendment to the Constitution. He further asserted that the region has moved beyond its history of unrest, with current discussions now focused on road construction, educational institutions, and other developmental initiatives. Under the Sixth Schedule, he noted, the development of the region has become a central priority.

The Chief Minister highlighted the collaborative efforts between the Assam Government and the BTR Government over the past three years, which have led to significant development in areas such as road connectivity, the recognition of the Bodo language as an associate official language, and the rehabilitation of former NDFB cadres. He also said that the Bodo Kachari Welfare Council has been established for the Bodos residing outside Bodoland, and the rehabilitation of 4,203 former NDFB cadres has been carried out under the Bodo Accord. He commended BTR Chief Pramod Boro’s efforts in fostering peace and harmony among the region’s communities. He also highlighted the provincialization of 259 teaching and staff positions at ten colleges in BTR and announced provisions for the provincialization of schools and colleges established around 2006 in the upcoming legislative assembly session. Under the leadership of the BTR government, he noted, 21 traditional and cultural products of the Bodo community have received GI tags, a measure that will preserve the region’s tradition and cultural heritage for eternity.

The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the BTR administration for driving the region’s development, mentioning that the Assam Government has invested nearly Rs 1,000 crore in enhancing road connectivity. He further announced the establishment of a Bodoland University campus in Udalguri, complementing the two existing universities in the region.

Dr. Sarma also remarked on the Bhutanese government’s plan to construct the Gelephu Mindfulness City near Chirang, which he stated would transform the region’s environment. He further explained that a new railway route from Guwahati to Gelephu via Chirang would reduce travel time between Chirang and Guwahati to just two hours. He added that during the forthcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 event, Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, would provide further details about the new railway route.

Before the event, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma paid a heartfelt tribute to Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma. During the event, Dr. Sarma presented ex gratia to the families of martyrs, cheques to the Bodoland Movement Victim Family Members, and conferred cultural awards upon eminent artistes from the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).

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