Bhupen Goswami
GUWAHATI :Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma laid foundation stones and inaugurated projects worth Rs. 894 crores under the initiative "Bikakhor Babe Eta Pokhek" at Majuli district today to bring about a paradigm shift to the development narrative of the district. On the occasion, the Chief Minister performed bhumi puja for improvement and upgradation of road from Balichapori in Majuli to Bongalmara in Lakhimpur including construction of two major bridges over Luit and Subansiri Rivers.
The project is being implemented under Government of Assam Flagship Programme Asom Mala at project cost of Rs. 694 crores. The Chief Minister also ceremonially handed over cheques to families affected by land acquisition for construction of the road to connect Balichapari to the bridge. As part of the development initiative undertaken by Bikakhor Babe Eta Pokhek, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma laid foundation stones for the main campus of Majuli Cultural University at a cost of Rs. 51 crore, upgradation of Government Industrial Training Institute at Bangaon, Majuli at a cost of Rs. 5 crore, Central mid-day meal kitchen at a cost of Rs. 14 crore in collaboration with Akshaya Patra Foundation to provide hot cooked meal to the children studying in Majuli district. To address the perennial flood problem of the district, Dr. Sarma laid foundation stone for construction of a ring bund on the banks of the Brahmaputra River from Jabarchuk to Haldhibari at a cost of Rs. 29 crore. He also launched construction of six roads, i.e, Pohardia to Alimur, Adi Elengi to Pohumara, Tekelifuta to Patia Tini Ali, Bhakat Chapari to Jamuguri Tini Ali, Bahguri to Moharichuk village and Garamur Okhalchuk road to the proposed office of Assam Police Radio Organization in Majuli at a cost of Rs 19 crore.
Foundation stones of several 33×11 KV power sub-stations were also laid by the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister inaugurated projects carried out for development of Majuli Kamalabari Ghat, Tribal Theme Village, buildings of Jengraimukh and Chamaguri Satra with funds from the Central Government at a cost of Rs. 60 crore under Swadesh Darshan Scheme. For the convenience of the people of Lower Majuli during floods, Dr. Sarma inaugurated a Multipurpose Flood Shelter at Karatipar constructed by Assam State Disaster Management Authority at a cost of Rs. 2.51 crore. Road from Phuloni to Ofalamukh Ghat via Bongaon upgraded at a total cost of Rs. 19.95 crore with NABARD and SOPD (G) funds were also inaugurated by the Chief Minister. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma said that the government aims to complete construction of the bridge over Luit within 2 years and the bridge over Subansiri in next three years. He said that Majuli Cultural University will be upgraded to a State University and a total of Rs. 200 crore be spent in three phases for this purpose. Stating that from 14 December, the State Government will roll out a major welfare initiative under Orunodoi scheme and as part of this altogether 5000 new beneficiaries of the district will be included in the scheme. He also said that 5000 new beneficiaries will be provided ration cards and the Government is making efforts to ensure all ration card holders get free medical treatment upto Rs. 5 lakh through Central and State government schemes.
The Chief Minister said that Majuli, which is known as the land of spirituality, tradition and culture is experiencing rapid progress today. This also brings serious challenges for the people to maintain its unique identity. He expressed confidence that while making best use of development, people in the district at the same time will work for preserving its spiritual and cultural life style as well. He further informed that the government is working to utilize technology in such a manner that people in future can avail government services in a contactless manner without visiting government offices. Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu and MP Pradan Baruah also spoke on the occasion. The vote of thanks was offered by Majuli MLA Bhuban Gam. PHED Minister Jayantamalla Baruah and Power Minister Nandita Gorlosa, MLAs Amiya Kumar Bhuyan, Naba Kumar Doley and Manab Deka, CEM of Mising Autonomous Council Paramananda Chayengia, Chairman ATDC Rituparna Baruah, Chairperson Zila Parishad Papu Hazarika Dutta, DC Pulak Mahanta were also present in the programme. Earlier, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma attended a Krishak Gaon Sabha under "Amar Majuli" initiative for paddy procurement at Sri Sri Sankardeva Krishti Sangha, Garamur in Majuli district today. On the occasion, he urged the farmers to sell paddy at MSP Rs. 2040 at the Paddy Procurement Center set up in the district. Dr. Sarma said that last year farmers in the district sold 1360 MT paddy at government procurement centres and urged them to double the quantity this time around.
The Chief Minister also made a call to the farmers to take benefits of government schemes such as PM Fasal Bima Yojana, PMKISAN and Mission Basundhara 2.0. He also urged them to transform Majuli into a commercial tree plantation hub. Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu, PHED Minister Jayantamalla Baruah and Power Minister Nandita Gorlosa, MP Pradan Baruah, MLAs Bhuban Gam and Manab Deka, DC Pulak Mahanta were present at the Krishak Gaon Sabha.