Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday distributed land pattas and land allotment letters to 4,513 landless families of Majuli district.
While speaking at a programme organized on the occasion at Majuli College Playground in Majuli, Sonowal said the state government is working unwaveringly in the interests of the indigenous people of Assam and for the development of the state.
“The government would take no step, which would harm their interest and carry forward its development agenda in consultation with people of the state,” said Sonowal.
The CM said the indigenous people of the state were deprived of their land rights for the last seven decades after the country’s independence.
His government took a proactive step in this direction and announced to provide land patta to 1 lakh landless local families during this year.
Sonowal informed that while around 12,000 local landless families were provided land pattas last year, his government would distribute land pattas to around 34,000 landless beneficiaries across state.
The Assam CM said the initiative would not only secure the indigenous people’s right over land but also ensure their protected future.
Stating that his government has taken a number of steps to protect Assamese and other local languages, the Assam CM said ‘Bhasa Gaurav Scheme’ has been adopted for this purpose.
Sonowal also underlined a number of initiatives taken up by the state government for infrastructural development as well as socio-cultural and spiritual uplift of people of the state.
Highlighting the immense tourism potential of Majuli, the Assam CM urged the people of the district to protect its beauty and natural ambiance so that the place continues to attract tourists.
Sonowal at the same time also said the land of Majuli could also disseminate the message of peace and harmony in our society and help in strengthening and building a strong and vibrant Assam.
He also advised the students to take up their study very seriously and develop a scientific mindset to successfully face modern-day challenges.
The Sonowal CM also said the state is experiencing peaceful environment since his government came to power and appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his guidance in bringing the struggle of the Bodo people to a logical conclusion.
Apart from distributing financial assistance amounting to Rs. 3,800 to 176 families who were affected by natural calamity, he also gave away financial grants to 187 schools under the 14th Finance Commission.
He said the agreement signed between the government of India, government of Assam and Bodo organisations would no way change the geography of the state.
He termed the agreement as good news for the people of the state and said that his government would take forward the development agenda more vigorously henceforth.
In his speech, Sonowal also underscored the steps taken by the union government for implementation of Clause VI of Assam Accord, conferring the country’s highest civilian award ‘Bharat Ratna’ to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, Padma Shri to five distinguished personalities of the state, initiatives for doubling farmers income, steps for repairing and renovation of embankment as well roads in Majuli district.