Assam CM Sarma Highlights Demographic Concerns and Major Development Achievements of State In I-Day Address

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma raised concerns about Assam’s changing demographics, particularly the growing imbalance between the Hindu and Muslim populations. He emphasized the need for family planning and vigilance to restore demographic balance and prevent child marriages.

“By 2021, the Muslim population has increased to 41%, while the Hindu population has declined to 57%. We must take courageous steps to restore demographic balance,” Sarma stated, urging all communities to adopt family planning practices.

Addressing the state on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, he reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating child marriage, citing significant progress with 5,413 cases registered by May 2023, and promised to eliminate child marriage from Assam by 2026.

“Under the ‘Nijut Moina scheme’, a girl student who joins in Higher Secondary, 1st and 2nd year that is class 11th and 12th, will get a monthly stipend of Rs 1,000 from the state government. The female students who will get themselves admitted in degree courses and graduation courses will get Rs 1,250 per month from the government. Those who are pursuing Post Graduation will get Rs 2,500 per month from the state govt”, CM Sarma said.

In an effort to stop child marriages in the state, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday announced that his government would provide a monthly stipend to all girl students from Class 11 to post-graduation over the next five years under ‘Nijut Moina Scheme’.

Highlighting Assam’s achievements, CM Sarma proudly announced the inclusion of Charaideo Maidam, the Ahom dynasty’s burial site, in UNESCO’s World Heritage list, marking a historic first for the northeastern region.

On the development front, Sarma pointed out key projects like the Rs 27,000 crore Tata Semiconductor Facility in Jagiroad. Expected to create over 29,000 jobs, this plant will make Assam a significant player in India’s burgeoning chip-making industry, with production slated to begin next year.

The CM also spoke on the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs’ approval of Rs 5,729 crore for the Guwahati Ring Road Project. Spanning 121 kilometres, the project aims to improve connectivity and reduce traffic congestion, with plans for new bypasses, widening existing roads, and constructing a major bridge over the Brahmaputra River.

Additionally, Sarma reiterated his vision of seeing India as a developed nation by 2047, with a $55 trillion economy.

Addressing land rights concerns, Sarma announced the government’s plan to introduce new land laws to protect the rights of tribal and backward communities. These laws would restrict land transfers in certain regions, including undivided Goalpara, Barpeta, Majuli, and Batadrawa, ensuring that land remains within these communities.

The CM also stressed his government’s commitment to finding a permanent solution to the state’s perennial flood problem and reclaiming land lost to the Brahmaputra River.

Finally, he highlighted the Arunodoi scheme, which provides financial assistance to over 24 lakh poor households in Assam. Under this scheme, women receive Rs 1,000 per month through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), a move aimed at reducing poverty and empowering women in the state. “Orunodoi’ scheme provides Financial Assistance of Rs. 1000 per month through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme to around 19.10 Lakh Families in the state.”, CM Sarma said.

In his closing remarks, CM Sarma emphasized the importance of staying united and working together to overcome the challenges ahead, ensuring a prosperous future for Assam.

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