Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday as a part of State government’s Bikash Yatra inaugurated, laid foundations and performed Bhumi Pujan of a number of projects worth Rs. 624 crore for Barpeta district at a function held at Barpeta.
It may be noted that the projects that the Chief Minister inaugurated on Thursday are Atal Uran two lane setu connecting Barpeta Road Railway station and Sarupeta Railway station involving a financial outlay of Rs. 42 crore, strengthening cum beautification of the road from Simalaguri to Barpeta Road with Rs. 19 crore, widening and strengthening the road between Katajhar and Kahitama involving an outlay of Rs. 31 crore, 95 piped water schemes worth Rs. 132 crore, multi utility building under district Industries and Commerce Centre wirth Rs. 4 crore and a park constructed with the outlay of Rs. 2 crore. The Chief Minister also laid foundation stones for Sarukhetri District Hospital involving a financial outlay of Rs. 108 crore, Sarbhog stadium with Rs. 12 crore, a road bridge over the railway line at Sorbhog, new circuit house at Barpeta with Rs. 14 crore, upgradation of two roads involving Rs. 13 crore. Moreover, 37 new roads will be laid and revamped involving a total outlay of Rs. 154 crore, one bridge with expenditure of Rs. 6 crore, and one flood control project involving an outlay of Rs. 5 crore. Moreover, the projects for which Dr. Sarma performed Bhumi Pujan are under Asom Mala 2.0 upgradation of road from Sarthebari to Nagaon, flyover, Barpeta Circuit House and Sarukhetri district hospital.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma said that over the next 15 days, as a part of Bikash Yatra projects worth Rs. 50,000 crore will be either given shape or will be started across the state, taking the development of Assam to a greater height. He said that the projects which witnessed either foundation or bhumi pujan or dedication involving worth Rs. 624 crore in Barpeta will transform the district into a major industrial hub. He said that the projects will greatly enhance the infrastructure of Barpeta district including its roads, health, drinking water and sports.
The Chief Minister on the occasion also took part in a road show in Barpeta where people from all across the society came out in large number to greet Dr. Sarma. Expressing his gratitude to the people of Barpeta, the Chief Minister said, “It is really a delightful experience to take part in a roadshow at Barpeta Road. It is even more heartening to receive the love and affection of the people who turned out in large numbers. Their spontaneous support is indeed an indication of our acceptability among the masses.” Inaugurating the Atal Uran Setu, the Chief Minister said that the setu built worth Rs. 42 crore will ensure smooth connectivity and act as a lifeline for the people of the town.
Paying his tributes to the great souls like Ambikagiri Roy Choudhury, Prasannalal Choudhury, Banikanta Kakati, Mohendra Mohan Choudhury and others who were born in Barpeta, Dr. Sarma said that, the present State government has always taken keen interests for the socio-economic-cultural and academic development of Barpeta as well as other parts of the state. Giving a snapshot of several achievements of the present government at the state, the Chief Minister said that in the last two years and eight months, State government fulfilling its poll promises has filled up 96 thousand government vacancies. He also said that after giving one lakh government jobs, government will advertise for 35 thousand more posts in government jobs. He also said that besides giving micro finance loan waiver to 12 beneficiaries, the government will waive off micro finance loans from fiver lakh more beneficiaries. He also said that all the 42 lakh ration card holders in the state will be entitled to medical insurance upto Rs. 5 lakh under PM Ayushaman Bharat and CM Ayushman Assam along with Orunodoi benefits of Rs. 1250 every month. He said that under Nijut Moina scheme, the government will pay Rs. 10000 after a girl passes metric, Rs. 12000 when she takes admission in degree and Rs. 12,500 once she taken admission for Master degree to facilitate the girl students to pursue their higher studies.
The Chief Minister said that the both the Central and State governments under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ventured into a journey of making the country a Viksit Bharat. He, therefore, urged upon the people of the state to extend their cooperation to help the government in its endeavour of making a new and Vikshit Assam.
The Chief Minister during his visit to Barpeta also unveiled a life sized statue of late G.L. Agarwala in front of Barpeta Road Xahitya Xabha Bhawan. Paying his tributes, the Chief Minister said that the statue is a tribute to late G.L. Agarwala and his vast contribution in the socio-economic empowerment of the people.
Minister Education who is also the Guardian Minister of Barpeta Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Minister Panchayat and Rural Development Ranjeet Kumar Dass, MLAs Phanidhar Talukdar and Monoranjan Talukdar, Barpeta BJP District President Anil Das, Mandal President Ajay Kumar Das and host of others were present on the occasion.