Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that the government would devise a scientific road map for giving a renewed boost to the bell metal crafts of the state.
The chief minister was taking part in a public programme organized by Sarthebari Panchkhel Gonya-Gonyaroh at Sarthebari Sabhar Khola in Barpeta district on Saturday.
Sonowal informed that the Government would prepare the plan in consultation with the bell metal artisans of Sarthebari to infuse a new lease of life in the industry in the state.
“Sarthebari’s bell metal crafts have brought laurels to the state and contributed profusely in the local economy”, Sonowal said.
The chief minister also informed that a team of senior officers of state government have already visited Sarthebari to get a first hand understanding of the problems faced by the artisans so that appropriate interventions could be adopted.
Sonowal also pitched for popularising the bell metal crafts amongst the new generation and taking up scientific approach for its expeditious development.
He recalled the names of renowned personalities of the place who have greatly enriched the Assamese society like first Assamese Justice Holiram Deka, compiler of Chandrakanta Dictionary Kohiram Das, former president of Asom Sahitya Sabha Hitesh Deka, former DGP and poet Hare Krishna Deka and litterateur Prasanna Deka.
Sonowal also announced financial assistance of Rs. 25 lakh for construction of boundary wall and granary of Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu temple.
Sarbhog MLA and Chairman of HOUSEFED Ranjit Dass also spoke on the occasion.