At BJP government’s completion of one year in Assam, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in his interview to ET said that, though they had inherited a corrupt government, things are smoothing up now. He said that the government is now focusing on completing various schemes and projects within a specific period of time.
He also mentioned that the issue regarding the construction of border fencing along the India Bangladesh border, is under consideration by the government of India. Also, that he himself had visited the border twice and even the MLAs have visited the border, this shows the dedication of the government regarding the issue.
When asked about the government’s eviction drive against illegal settlers, he answered that the main aim of the government is to free the forest and fertile land from the clutches of illegal settlers. He also told that Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has agreed to give extension to 100 foreigner’s tribunals functioning in Assam. He further added that Union Minister is also considering about setting up separate detention centers, to provide shelter to the foreigners till their deportation. He said that the government is on a vigilant search for all the illegal immigrants and will not rest till all of them are deported.
During the interview CM spoke about the party’s progress of the past year. As said during the polls, the party is keeping up its promise of delivering the change and corruption free Assam. He said that people’s perception towards the government has changed now. They are establishing more belief in the government as they can see the change. The government is bringing out corrupt people and putting them behind the bars, be it police officials or politicians. He also said that the government has been successful in solving the issue regarding the huge divide between the hill and valley, and between the two valleys of Brahmaputra and Barak.
Sarbananda Sonowal also informed that many projects are initiated by the government for health, education and industry sector. Few of the measures taken by the government in the past year are:
- Free admission for students, besides Atal Amrit Abhiyan.
- A unique health insurance scheme which gives coverage against five critical diseases.
- Seven lakh Bank accounts for tea garden workers.
- State budget 2017-18 proposes to provide, Rs 5000 in each tea garden worker’s account.
- Dredging of Brahmaputra in India and Bangladesh will begin soon.
- The pre-British era route up to Chittagong port in Bangladesh has been revived.
- Water ATMs are established.
Regarding the matter of chances of BJP in Meghalaya and Tripura, CM said that the youth are getting attracted to BJP as they see a leadership which is hardworking, value based and committed. He also showed gratitude towards the Modi Government saying that it is because of their quality governance, people are establishing their faith in BJP. He also appreciated PM Narendra Modi for showing his extra interest in Northeast India, as no other PM earlier did. Further adding he said that PM has termed the eight states of the region as ‘Ashtalakshmi’, as he believes that for the holistic development of India, development of Northeast India is must. PM also feels that Northeast India is the keypoint for any engagement with ASEAN and therefore has put forward ‘Act East’ policy, for which a separate department is also being set up.