Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that the sovereignty of the country is non-negotiable and wholehearted participation of the people in the development journey of the State is a must.
His speech during the 76th Independence Day celebration at the playground of College of Veterinary Science at Khanapara in Guwahati was marked with an appeal to insurgents to join the mainstream. Stating that the sovereignty of the country is non-negotiable, he pointed out at the overwhelming response that the people of Assam gave to the Tricolour in sync with the Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan.
“The enthusiastic celebrations and display of love for the Tricolour by the people from August 13 to this day is a lesson for those who dream of an ‘independent’ Assam,” he said.
The Chief Minister’s remarks were seconded by many, including a young businessman Jiyarul Haque of Guwahati. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to the nation on Har Ghar Tiranga has proved the unconditional love that 135 crore Indians have for the country. This will surely strengthen India’s prestige in the world. The tricolour flying in households across the country is a reflection of the pride and independence of the people of India,” Haque told Asom Barta.
Paying homage to freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country, the Chief Minister said the State Government will facilitate the visit of 1,000 youths to Cellular Jail in Andaman and Nicobar Islands this year as part of an educational tour.
He reiterated the success of the State Government in implementing welfare schemes and elaborated his vision to achieve targets set by his Government.
Dr. Sarma urged people to participate with their full might in the development journey of Assam while emphasising his belief that the State has the potential to become one of India’s most progressive States. “Assam is moving ahead despite facing many hurdles. Peace is prevailing in the State. Assam’s GDP has reached a new high,” said Dr. Sarma while listing out reasons for his optimism.
In his address, Sarma announced that his Government will withdraw one lakh minor cases, including those for social media posts, to reduce the burden on the lower judiciary.
The Chief Minister informed the gathering that ₹ 10,000 crore has been earmarked to improve infrastructure in all Government-run High and Higher Secondary schools in the State. He said the State Government will roll out English as medium of instruction for Science and Mathematics in all the over 4,000 High and Higher Secondary schools based on a Cabinet decision taken by his Government.
Stating that Assam was well on course to ensure Universal Health Insurance, the Chief Minister stated that his Government would extend Ayushman Bharat benefits to 58 lakh BPL families. “All ration card holders will get the Ayushman Bharat card. Around 85% of people in rural areas and 75% in urban areas will be covered under the scheme,” he said.
The Chief Minister also informed the gathering that the Government was planning to bring a law on the conservation of wetland to mitigate the problem of floods. “The proposed law will help utilisation of water bodies and check encroachments and construction activities in wetlands,” he said.
Referring to his promise during the last Assembly election campaign of creating one lakh jobs, the Chief Minister pointed out that his Government has provided jobs to around 30,000 people thus far while the process to recruit more than 40,000 individuals in the next few months has already begun.
