To add impetus to Assam’s infrastructural development, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma launched an initiative on December 5 which concluded its first phase on December 24 wherein foundation stones of various development projects and schemes worth ₹ 15,000 crore were laid in several districts of the State. (Please see Box)
The decision for “Bikakhor Babe Eta Pokhek” (Roughly translated as Development Fortnight’) was taken during the State Cabinet meeting held at Silchar on November 30 under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister.
The programme kicked off in Bongaigaon district on December 5. On the first day of the initiative, Dr. Sarma inaugurated a model hospital, laid foundation stones of a new medical college, an integrated deputy commissioner’s office, a convention centre and plans to upgrade Bongaigaon polytechnic college worth over ₹ 693.29 crore. These investments reflected in all his major announcements in the districts covered in the first phase.
Addressing a gathering in Bongaigaon town, the Chief Minister said that development works in the State are going based on his Government’s commitment to the people of the State.
“This is a new Assam where people don’t want agitations and protests, but they seek development, better avenues for themselves and their children. If we continue at this pace for another 5-10 years, Assam will see a lot of positive changes,” Sarma said.
A spate of inauguration and foundation stones of projects worth ₹ 678.43 crore in Nalbari district which included repair and construction of several roads, beautification of Nalbari town, horticulture and agriculture College, a planetarium, setting up of a sports complex, among others, were highlights of the second day.
Referring to the period when one had to resort to strikes and demonstrations to get a genuine demand fulfilled, Dr. Sarma, in Nalbari, said that genuine aspirations were being taken care of by the current regime on its own based on its understanding of people’s pulses.
Tamulpur, Morigaon, Golaghat, Biswanath, Majuli, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh were the other districts covered by the fortnight in the first phase.
Ganesh Rabha, a schoolteacher, was ecstatic. “The medical college and hospital in Tamulpur will be a big relief for us. If the projects are implemented, it will change the face of Tamulpur district,” he told Asom Barta.
Golaghat district emerged as the district to get the biggest investment purse from the State Government with 14 projects worth ₹ 1,500 crore lined up.
One of the key features of the investment fortnight was the assurance from the Chief Minister to complete the Lachit Maidam Memorial and Cultural Project in two years. He said that once completed, the site will be transformed into one of the most sought-after tourist destinations of the State.
The ‘development fortnight’ ended on December 24 at Tingkhong in Dibrugarh district with an announcement of a slew of projects in the district worth ₹ 973.38 crores.
