Guwahati: Assam's finance, health, and education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today laid the foundation stone for projects worth over ₹91 crores including a 100-bed Maternity and Child Wing at FAAMCH, 2 model colleges, and multiple roads in Barpeta district of Lower Assam.
Speaking on the occasion, Sarma said that the ruling BJP party has undertaken an initiative to open many colleges (including those meant exclusively for women) in the minority-dominated Barpeta region.
Sarma also said that the maternity and child wing is being constructed at the FAAMCH at a mammoth cost of Rs. 25 crore due to a long-pending demand in the region. "Once this wing is completed, the maternal mortality rate, as well as infant mortality rate, are bound to decrease."
The Minister also claimed that these projects in Barpeta have not been okayed by the administration due to "petty politics" and to accrue votes, but due to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's motto of "sabka saath sabka vikaas sabka vishwas" (together with all, for the development of all and with the trust of all) which envisions development in every nook and cranny of the country.
Sarma said that these developmental projects in Barpeta -- such as the construction of roads to improve connectivity -- are strictly keeping in line with the ruling BJP party's policy of development. "There are some places in Barpeta where we do not get a single votes. However, in these very places, every elderly person is being covered under the Kushal Konwar pension scheme by us. The sons of these people (who do not vote for the BJP) would never have seen a University education. However, we have ensured that they can avail education via the schemes of free enrollment due to which they can pursue further studies."
The Minister also pointed out that the Government's flagship 'Arunodoi Scheme', aimed at empowering women, is being equally implemented in all districts -- irrespective of which party is in power. He added that this scheme will empower Assamese citizens in every nook and corner, and they will avail ₹830 at the beginning of the month just like Government salary.