Councils to get more cooperation from government: WPT& BC Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu

A CORRESPONDENT

DUDHNOI: "The Assam Government will continue its efforts to establish councils. Just as during the previous BJP government's tenure, this government has also taken steps to further accelerate the councils," said Education, Welfare of Plain Tribe & Backward Classes (non-BTC) Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu while attending a meeting held in the Secretariat of the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council in Dudhnoi on Thursday.

Addressing a meeting while adhering to COVID protocol, the minister said that as per the rules, the government had taken efforts to strengthen the councils as per the law. He said that councils would get more cooperation from the government than ever before. The government will take immediate action to solve all the issues and problems, he said.

Dr Pegu said that temporary posts must be made permanent but this might take some time. He added that according to the Rabha Hasong Council law, the council could appoint temporary employees of classes III and IV but the matter should be decided by the Finance Department of the Government of Assam. The council could take a decision only after getting the approval of the Finance Department of the Assam Government.

On the other hand, regarding inclusion of Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council in the Sixth Schedule, he said that the constitutional process was entirely under the Central Government. The Assam Government has decided in principle to give constitutional status to the council. The Assam Government will soon inform the Central Government about this.

On the other hand, regarding HSLC and higher secondary examinations, the Education Minister also said that the government was keeping a close watch on whether the COVID situation improves or worsens. "HSLC and higher secondary examinations will be conducted only if the COVID situation improves," he said. The Education Minister added that the education department was ready to hold the exams and he urged students to prepare for their exams.

The Chief Executive Member of the council, Tankeshwar Rabha as well as the executive members and general members warmly welcomed the minister arrival at the Secretariat premises of the council on Thursday. Apart from this, All Rabha Students' Union, All Rabha Women Council, 6th Schedule Demand Committee, All Rabha Sahitya Sabha, district committee of all the three Rabha organizations, Education Officer of Dudhnoi Education Block and Goalpara district committee of All Assam Government Basic Teachers' Association welcomed him with phulam gamosa.

Also Read: Ranoj Pegu from Dhemaji(ST) Early Life, Controversy & Political Career