CM Sarbananda Sonowal distributes pattas & land-allotment certificates

* Will implement Clause-VI & also publish flawless NRC: Sonowal

GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, on Monday, commenced the second phase of the distribution of pattas and land-allotment certificates to indigenous landless people of the State. He allotted land pattas to over 3,000 people at a function held at the Majuli college playground in Majuli district. With this allotment which the State government carried out throughout the State, more than one lakh indigenous people secured their rights on their lands.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sonowal termed the development as a red letter day for the people of Assam. He also attributed it to the fulfilment of one of the demands of Assam Agitation and observed that the step would safeguard 'Jati, Mati and Bheti' of the indigenous people. Stating that existence of people has no meaning unless they have rights on their land, Sonowal said that immediately after coming to power in 2016, his government decided to provide land pattas to the landless indigenous people of the State.

The Chief Minister Sonowal also said that his government is also committed to implement Clause-VI of the Assam Accord and publication of a flawless NRC (National Register of Citizens) in the State. Sonowal said that after coming to power, he himself went to see the progress of fencing works along Indo-Bangladesh border; and concrete and pragmatic steps were taken to seal the border with help from the Central government.

He further said that as a mark of tribute to the supreme sacrifice of the martyrs of the Assam Agitation, the family members of each of the martyrs were provided financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh; and those who sustained injuries were given Rs. 2 lakh each.

Giving a snapshot of the commitments of his government, Sonowal said that corpus funds to 33 sahitya sabhas were announced besides providing financial assistance to xatras and naamghars to help them to continue their works to enrich the socio-cultural life of the people of Assam. The government also took steps to free the xatra lands from encroachments, he said.

It may be noted that in Majuli, a total of 8,489 land pattas were given to indigenous landless families by the present State government. Sonowal also announced that in the coming two months another 5,000 beneficiaries will be given land pattas.

Among those who spoke on the occasion included the Xatradhikar of Uttar Kamalabari Xatra Janardan Deva Goswami, the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Deuri Autonomous Council Madhav Deuri, the Deputy Commissioner of Majuli, Bikram Kairi. The programme was organized by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department in association with the Majuli district administration, stated a release.

Also Watch: #NewsMakers: How Safe Are Women In Assam