In a significant leap forward on the infrastructure front in Assam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, through the virtual mode, ceremonially inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of projects worth ₹11,600 cr at a ceremony held at the College of Veterinary Science Playground in Guwahati.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude at being present in Assam with the blessings of Maa Kamakhya to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for these projects. The PM said that the development of these projects will boost Assam’s connectivity with other North Eastern States as well as neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia while also boosting employment in the tourism sector and creating new opportunities for sporting talents in the State.
He said that an expansion of the medical education and healthcare sector would benefit people of Assam which, he hoped, would contribute majorly to the creation of human resources.
Recalling his recent visits to multiple pilgrimage sites, Mr Modi expressed his gratitude for getting an opportunity of prostrating before Maa Kamakhya and laying the foundation stone of Maa Kamakhya Divya Lok Pariyojana. Throwing light on the project, he said that once completed, it will facilitate ease of access and comfort for the devotees while also boosting tourism.
“Assam will become the gateway to tourism in the North East with an increase in the footfall of devotees for Maa Kamakhya’s darshan,” he said while appreciating the efforts of the State Government and Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Explaining the benefits of Centre’s development policies for the people of Assam, PM Modi stressed the importance of connecting historical and spiritual places in the State with modern facilities, a move aimed at preserving these sites and accelerating development. Noting that the expansion of prominent educational institutes such as IITs and IIMs, he said that unlike the past, a network of IITs, IIMs and AIIMs has spread across the country. He pointed out that the number of medical colleges in Assam has doubled to 12 in the last few years. The Prime Minister asserted that the State will gradually become a hub for cancer treatment in the North East.
He said that like Ayodhya, which witnessed more than 24 lakh devotees visiting in 12 days of the Pran Pratista Samaroh, a similar sight will unfold in Guwahati after the completion of Maa Kamkhya Divya Lok Pariyojana.
Pointing out the record number of tourist footfall in the North East in the last 10 years, the Prime Minister said that although the beauty of the region was always there, the number of tourists remained extremely low owing to violence and lack of resources due to neglect shown by previous Governments.
Sharing the Centre’s vision, the Prime Minister affirmed to simplify the lives of every citizen, a commitment which, he claimed, is also reflected in this year’s Budget announcements. Citing infrastructure sector, he said that during this year, the Government has pledged to spend ₹11 lakh cr on infrastructure while adding that expenditure on infrastructure creates more employment and gives momentum to development. He pointed out that the total infrastructure budget for Assam in the last 10 years before 2014 stood at ₹12 lakh cr.
Drawing attention to the guarantee of creating two crore Lakhpati Didis in the country, he informed the audience that that the number was 1 crore last year while the target set for the coming year is 3 crore.
“Modi has the resolve to work day-and-night and fulfil the guarantees he provides”, the Prime Minister exclaimed, adding that the North East has faith in his guarantees.
The Prime Minister spoke of peace in Assam and the resolution of border disputes among States during his speech. “More than 10 major peace agreements have been signed here,” he said, adding that thousands of youth in the North East have shunned the path of violence and opted for development in the last few years.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the aspirations of youths in the North East to witness their region’s development akin to that of East Asia, while expressing his determination to turn this dream into reality.
“The goal is to make India the third largest economy in the world. The goal is Viksit Bharat 2047,” the Prime Minister concluded reaffirming the role to be played by Assam and the North East.
