* PM's love for Assam helped State to expedite its growth momentum: CM
SIBSAGAR: Scripting history, Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed land- allotment certificates to indigenous landless people in the presence of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and his Cabinet colleagues at a function held in Sivasagar on Saturday.
With the distribution of land-allotment certificates to 10 landless indigenous beneficiaries from across the State, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the beginning of the allotment of land pattas to 1.06 lakh landless people.
Greeting the people for New Year and Bhogali Bihu, Prime Minister Modi said that with the distribution of allotment letters to more than one lakh native families of Assam, a big concern that is deprivation of land rights has gone away from the lives of the people. He further said that the event is deeply associated with self respect, independence and safety of the native people of Assam. He also said that taking into account the importance of Sivasagar, the Central government has taken steps to include Sivasagar in the category of five Archaeological sites in the country.
The Prime Minister remarked that as the nation is remembering Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on his 125th birth anniversary, January 23 is being celebrated as the 'Parakram Diwas'. Today, many programmes are also being started across the country on 'Parakram Diwas' to celebrate the Netaji's inspiration to build a New India. He added that Netaji's valour and sacrifice still inspire millions of countrymen.
The Prime Minister on the occasion, stressed the importance of handing over of land by quoting Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika's couplets: O mor Dharitri Aaye (Mother Earth), soronote diba thai (Give me a place at your feet), khetiokor nistar nai (What would a farmer do without you?), mati bine axohai (Without land he would be helpless).
The Prime Minister said that even after so many years of Independence, there were lakhs of families in Assam who were earlier deprived of land. He added that when the Sonowal Government came to power, more than 6 lakh tribals had no papers to claim their land. He lauded the Sonowal Government for its new land policy and its commitment towards the people of Assam. He said that due to the land rights, the long demand of the original inhabitants of Assam has been fulfilled. This has also paved the way for better standard of living for millions of people. He said, "Now with the right to land, these beneficiaries can be assured of the benefit of many other schemes, which they were deprived of, like the 'PM Kisan Samman Nidhi', Kisan Credit Card, and Crop Insurance Policy among others. Not only this, they will also be able to get loans from banks.
Pointing out that rapid development and social protection of the ethnic communities in Assam have been commitments of the State government, the Prime Minister said that many steps have been also taken to encourage Assamese language and its literature. Similarly, the great personalities of every community have been honoured. In the last 4.5 years, many efforts have been made to preserve historical objects of religious and spiritual importance. He added that rapid steps are also being taken to free the encroachment from the Kaziranga National Park.
Demow correspondent adds: The Prime Minister remarked that for a self-reliant India, rapid development of North East and Assam is necessary. The road to self-reliant Assam passes through the confidence of the people of Assam. Confidence only grows when basic facilities are available and the infrastructure is better. Over the years, unprecedented work has been done in Assam on both these fronts. In Assam, 'Jan Dhan' bank accounts have been opened for about 1.75 crore poor. Due to these accounts, money was transferred directly to bank accounts of thousands of families in the time of Corona. In Assam, almost 40 per cent of the population are covered under the 'Ayushman Bharat' scheme. Of them, about 1.5 lakh have received free treatment. Toilet coverage in Assam has increased from 38 per cent to 100 percent in the last six years. Five year ago, only less than 50 per cent of households had access to electricity, which has now reached almost 100 percent household. In Assam under Jal Jeevan mission, in the last 1.5 years piped water connections have been provided to more than 2.5 lakh homes.
The Prime Minister also said that these facilities benefit women the most. The 'Ujjawala Yojna' has brought gas connections in the kitchen of 35 lakh families of which 4 lakh are SC/ST category. LPG gas coverage has reached 99 per cent from 40 per cent in 2014. The number of LPG distributors moved up to 576 from 330 in 2014. More than 50 lakh free cylinders were distributed during the Corona period. Ujjwala has brought the ease of living for the women of the region and the new distribution centers brought new employment.
Talking about the mantra of his government, 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas', The Prime Minister said that the government is taking the benefit of development to all the sections. He mentioned many steps taken to uplift the status of the tree communities who suffered for a long time due to neglect. The homes of the communities are being provided toilet facilities, children are getting education, health facilities and employment. Members of the tea tribe community are being linked to banking facilities and getting the benefits of various schemes directly in their account. The Prime Minister also pointed out that the community's contribution is being recognized by erecting statues of their leaders like labour leader Santosh Topno.
The Prime Minister said that every region of Assam is on the path of peace and progress due to the policy of taking every tribe together. With the historic Bodo agreement, a large part of Assam now has returned to the path of peace and development. The Prime Minister hoped that with the recent election of the representatives of the Bodoland Territorial Council in the wake of the agreement will usher in new paradigm of development
The Prime Minister enumerated steps taken during the last six years for modernization of connectivity and other infrastructure. Assam and the Northeast are instrumental in enhancing India's connectivity with East Asian countries. Assam is coming up as a major center of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' due to its improved infrastructure. The Prime Minister listed 11 thousand kilometers of roads in Assam villages, Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Setu, Bogibeel Bridge, Saraighat Bridge and many other bridges that have been built or are being built that have strengthened the connectivity of Assam. Additionally, waterways connectivity with Bangladesh,Bhutan and Myanmar is also under focus. Increasing rail and air connectivity is bringing in better industrial and employment opportunities in Assam. New modern terminal and custom clearance centre at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, modernization of Roopsi airport in Kokrajhar, Multi Modal logistics hub in Bongaigaon will give a fresh push to the industrial development of Assam.
The Prime Minister said that Assam is a major partner in taking the country in the direction of the gas-based economy. More than rupees 40 thousand crore have been spent on oil and gas infrastructure in Assam. The Guwahati-Barauni gas pipeline will strengthen the connectivity between the Northeast and eastern India. Numaligarh refinery has been augmented with a bio-refinery facility, that will make Assam a major producer of biofuel like ethanol. Upcoming AIIMS and Indian Agricultural Research Institute will provide new avenues to the youth of the region and will make it the hub of health and education, concluded the Prime Minister.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sonowal termed the day as historic which witnessed handing over of the allotment certificates to the indigenous landless beneficiaries by the Prime Minister. He said that since 2016, the State government taking everybody on board has been working for the equal development of the state. He said that his government has taken powerful initiatives like corruptionfree Assam for transparent administration, insurgency free state for everlasting peace, pollution free state for the environmental regeneration, migration free state after sealing of Indo-Bangla border. With the successful implementation of all the government schemes, the BJP led government has been in a position to make development possible and tangible. Expressing his gratitude to the Chief Minister, Sonowal said that by according the highest civilian award that is Bharat RatnaonDr. Bhupen Hazarika, the Prime Minister has shown his love for the State. He also said that it is because of the unconditional love of the Prime Minister for the region, Assam and other states of the North East have been on the ladder of phenomenal development journey.
Sonowal also expressed his gratitude to the public in general and the journalists in particular for constructive criticism. He also that the indigenous people for long were suffering from uncertainty. However, with the allotment of land pattas they are now feeling confident. Stating that Sati Jaimati in JerengaPothar in spite of all torture gave a spirited resistance by showcasing the spirit of sacrifice and love for the motherland. Guided by her spirited efforts, State government has also initiated schemes for the empowerment of women.
Paying tributes to the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Sonowal said that Netaji's love for the motherland can never be forgotten. He also urged upon the youths of the country to emulate the love of Netaji and dedicate themselves for the service of the nation.
Speaking on the occasion, Health, Family Welfare, etc. Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sharma said that the Ahom Kingdom established its capital in Sivasagar during their six hundred year rule, scripted a golden history. He said that the State government has decided to set up a memorial in the memory of Sati Jaimati at a sprawling 100 bigha land in Jerenga Pathar. He also said that because of the strong leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi India produced its own vaccine and inoculation has already started.
Union Minister of State for Food Processing RameswarTeli, Agricutlure Minister Atul Bora, Water Resources Minister Keshab Mahanta, Minister of State (i/c) for Revenue and Disaster Management Jogen Mohan, Minister of State (i/c) for Panchayat and Rural Development Naba Kumar Doley, Minister of State (i/c) for Welfare of Tea Tribes Sanjay Kisan, MP, Rajya Sabha Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, MPs Lok Sabha Topon Kumar Gogoi, Pallab Lochan Das, Pradan Baruah, Dr. Rajdeep Roy, Haren Sing Bey, Chairman HouseFed Ranjeet Kumar Dass and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion, stated a releas.