Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi, who was on a daylong visit to Chirang, advocated for a four-point agenda for developing BTAD.
The four-point agenda include controlling COVID-19, doubling farmers’ income, successful implementation of government schemes with thrust on economic development and good governance to expedite the development of the region.
In his first visit to the district after taking over the administration of BTC, the Governor said that though the COVID-19 pandemic like other regions has halted the development of Chirang and other districts of BTAD, he asked Administrator Rajesh Prasad to undertake a planned and sustained campaign to control the spread of the pandemic.
Taking stock of the COVID-19 situation in Chirang district and its economic activities, he asked the district administration to adhere to the advisories of the Health and Family Welfare Department and concentrate more on saving human lives and giving the people means of livelihood under different social security schemes.
He also said that as the district has quite a few positive cases (32), people should follow social distancing protocols as well as other safety measures like wearing masks, avoiding spitting in public etc. to prevent further spread of the infection.
The Governor also took an overall review of different schemes being implemented in the district for the welfare of all sections of the people.
He also said that in view of the ongoing model code of conduct for the deferred BTC election, since no new project can be announced, he asked the Administrator to implement all the PM’s flagship programmes for the greater benefits of the people and ensure fruits of central schemes reach grass root level.
Taking keen interests in agriculture amid slowed down economic progress during the lockdown, Prof Mukhi stressed to formulate plans which are locally suitable and yield better output.
He asked the Deputy Commissioner and the District Agricultural Officer to create plans for the farmers keeping the local aspects into considerations.
He also asked the BTC administration to go for convergence taking the sectors like agriculture, animal husbandry, fishery, poultry, piggery, goatery, beekeeping etc. to help the farmers to double their income.
Prof. Mukhi said that to alleviate the sufferings of the people there should be the assiduous implementation of National Food Security Act (NFSA) and identify those who are not covered by the NFSA to give them similar assistance.
During the meeting, the Governor also maintained that since zero-tolerance to corruption has all along been the principle of the government, the administrative machinery needs to work vigilantly to weed out corruption from all levels and allow people to enjoy the fruits of governance.
In view of cyclonic storms, seasonal floods and the imminent danger emanating from African Swine Fever on the lives and livelihood of the BTAD areas, he asked the administration to be fully prepared with its relief and rescue measures and reach out to the people whenever required.
He also said that since Covid-19 and its consequent lockdown, flood and cyclone have hit the economy of the BTAD hard, he asked the BTC administration to devise economic bailout packages considering the local requirements of its people by taking help from economic stimulus of the central government.
Professor Mukhi also held a meeting with representatives of social, cultural, religious, political, linguistic and student organizations and interacted with the representatives and sought their cooperation for the overall development of Chirang District.