Will give a proactive government to the people of Assam: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that the people of Assam will get a proactive government that's ready to work for them round the clock.

Talking to the media soon after taking oath on Monday, Sarma did some straight talk on the core issues of the State. He said, "Tomorrow, we're going to hold the first Cabinet meeting of this government. The Cabinet will decide the roadmap for giving justice to the issues. We had a development journey in the past five years. In the coming five years, we'll give it newer momentum.

"Among the major issues before the Government, COVID-19 comes first. It's a challenge, and we need to bring the situation under control. The other States of the Northeast will flatten the Corona curve only if Assam can control the virus.

"In the run-up to the Assembly election in the State, the BJP and its allies did give several assurances to the people of the State. We have to meet those commitments in a time-bound manner."

On the vexed NRC (National Register of Citizens) issue, Sarma made it crystal clear. He said, "Our stand is a clear as daylight. We want 20 per cent re-verification in the bordering districts and 10 per cent other districts. If no massive difference comes to the fore after the re-verification, we will have no way out but to accept the already published NRC. If massive irregularities crop up during the re-verification exercise, we'll have to appeal to the Supreme Court of India to do the needful."

On the insurgency front, Sarma said, "Already we had talks with the militants of Bodoland and Karbi Anglong district. Our peace efforts paid off. We, therefore, appeal to the other militant outfits sit across the table."

With special mention to Paresh Baruah of the ULFA-I, the Chief Minister said, "Abduction and violence can only deteriorate the situation, can't solve it. If both sides are ready for peace talks, communication between them can't be a problem. However, both sides have come forward for talks."

On another vexed issue, ST status to the Morans, Mottock, Chutias, Tai Ahom, Koch Rajbongshis and Tea Tribes, Sarma said, "Our policy is to accord them ST status without hampering the rights and facilities of the existing STs in the State.

"On the question of the existence of the people of Assam, we need to come to a happy medium through talks with all stakeholders of the State."

The Chief Minister issued a warning note against those involved in crimes against women. "We need to make it a point that every woman should feel that she's safe. The people of the State will see exemplary punishment against those involved in crimes against women," he said.

On fiscal management in the State, Sarma said, "At present, we have Rs 7,000 crore in the treasury. Even though the State has been under a pandemic, our economic activities going on. I think the financial condition is no cause of concern for us."

Sarma also said that we did assure the people of the State to make Assam free from floods, waiving microfinance loans etc. "Providing jobs to jobless youths is also amongst the assurances we gave to the people. We'll find ways to solve them. All these are challenges for us. It's a challenge that makes one more energetic to work for the people," he said.

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