Assam Chief Minister Unveils Major Development Initiatives for Bodoland Region
In a significant announcement aimed at boosting infrastructure and empowering youth, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday declared a comprehensive development package for the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). The announcement was made during the central programme marking the 24th Bodoland Day celebrations held in Kokrajhar.
Substantial Financial Package for Roads and Bridges
The cornerstone of the new initiatives is a special development package valued at Rs 1,000 crore dedicated exclusively to the construction and improvement of roads and bridges across the BTR. Addressing the gathering organized by the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), CM Sarma detailed that this substantial grant would be disbursed over the coming two to three years.
The primary objective is to enhance connectivity and transportation networks within the four districts that constitute the BTR: Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, and Udalguri. This infrastructure push is expected to facilitate economic growth, improve access to services, and integrate the region more closely with the rest of the state.
Empowering Youth with Financial Assistance
Parallel to the infrastructure investment, the Chief Minister launched a youth-centric financial assistance scheme. Under this initiative, 15,000 young individuals from the region will each receive Rs 2 lakh to support their entrepreneurial and business aspirations.
A notable feature of this scheme is its accessibility; it requires no collateral or bank guarantee from the beneficiaries. CM Sarma emphasized that this direct financial aid is designed to foster self-reliance, enabling the youth to initiate startups, small businesses, and other ventures that can generate sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the local economy.
Honoring Legacy and Celebrating Progress
Extending his greetings on the auspicious occasion, Chief Minister Sarma paid heartfelt tributes to the founding figures of the Bodo movement: Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma and Bodofa Upendranath Brahma. He reflected on the region's political journey, recalling the historic BTC Accord of 2003, signed under the leadership of then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Union Home Minister L.K. Advani.
This accord, he noted, was instrumental in establishing the Bodoland Territorial Council and paved the way for significant advancements in education and healthcare. Institutions such as Bodoland University, the Central Institute of Technology (CIT), and the Kokrajhar Medical College stand as testaments to this transformative progress.
Acknowledging Recent Achievements and Future Plans
The Chief Minister also highlighted the more recent Bodo Peace Accord of 2020, finalized under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He credited this agreement with accelerating developmental activities in the region, including the creation of the new Tamulpur district and plans for establishing a mini secretariat to improve administrative efficiency.
Referring to recent incidents in Kokrajhar, CM Sarma commended the people of BTR for their commitment to maintaining peace and harmony through dialogue. He extended special thanks to BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary for his steadfast leadership during challenging times.
Looking ahead, Sarma announced plans to construct a Bodoland Guest House in Chennai. This facility is intended to provide affordable accommodation and support for patients from the region who travel to the southern city for specialized medical treatments.
A Call for Unity and Cultural Pride
Describing Bodoland as a vibrant confluence of diverse communities, the Chief Minister urged all residents to embrace unity and take pride in their rich cultural heritage. He cited the example of the Bagurumba dance form, whose mass performance in Guwahati recently garnered international acclaim, as a symbol of this cultural wealth.
In a final announcement, CM Sarma revealed plans for a grand Silver Jubilee celebration of the 2003 BTC Accord next year. The event is slated to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a milestone in the region's continued journey towards peace and prosperity.
