Volume 2, Issue 4 | august 2023
Saluting the brave hearts P3
Female recruits have
surmounted odds while
making it to the Forest Dept.
Assam scores big on poverty reduction
AB BUREAU, GUWAHATI
A
ssam is among the seven States in the
country to record the steepest decline
in ‘multidimensional poverty’ between
2015-16 to 2019-21, according to the NITI
Aayog’s ‘National Multidimensional Poverty
Index: A Progress Review 2023’ report released
in July.
The report stated that a record 13.5 cr
people moved out of multidimensional
poverty in India.
While the country registered a decline of
9.89% in number of India’s multidimensionally
poor from 24.85% in 2015-2016 to 14.96%
in 2019-2021, Assam registered a decline of
13.30% in the same period from 32.65% to
19.35% . A total of 46,87,451 people in Assam
moved out of multidimensional poverty
between 2015-2016 and 2019-2021, the report
said.
Among the top performing districts,
Hailakandi has registered a decline in
multidimensional poverty from 51.07% to
36.22%. Karimganj district witnessed a decline
from 46.02% to 32.93%. Cachar recorded a
decline from 42.29% to 30.58% whereas in
Dhubri the figure fell to 26.02% from 51.06%.
(See Box)
The report stated that rural areas of the
State witnessed a remarkable decline in
poverty from 36.14% to 21.41% while in the
Multidimensional Poverty Box
Darrang
38.22% to 23.65%
Sonitpur
25.32% to 19.94%
Goalpara
40.15% to 18.34%
Karbi Anglong
37.59% to 16.20%
Dhemaji
27.71 % to 13.73 %
Jorhat
20.24 % to 11.49 %
P2 Musings of a Chief Minister
Published and Printed by Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Govt of Assam
A Monthly Newsletter TO Subscribe Whatsapp
Portal in need P7 APL: Survival
is a friend indeed
A new portal of Assam Police is
making life easier for citizens.
“Development in road communication and
impact of income generation activities,
good governance, and development of
infrastructure projects in real time are the
main factors for the decline of poverty
in the State”
Amiya Kumar Sharma
(Executive Director of Rashtriya Gramin
Vikas Nidhi, Guwahati)
urban area it declined from 9.94% to 6.88%.
Welcoming the report, Rouhin Deb, Chief
Economist, Chief Minister’s Secretariat,
Government of Assam said that it reflects good
governance, citizen centric delivery and proper
implementation of schemes on the ground. “Our
Government’s flagship schemes like Orunodoi,
Kanaklata, micro-finance relief specifically
targeted towards empowering the economically
downtrodden sections of society have been
one of the primary reasons for development at
the grassroots,” he said talking to Asom Barta.
“We had actively worked on opening Jan Dhan
accounts. This has enabled us to directly transfer
the benefits of schemes to beneficiaries thereby
eliminating leakages. Our efforts towards
increasing banking penetration have reflected
in the report where we see the percentage of
population deprived of banking significantly
reduced from 15.38% to 3.65% in the period from
2015-16 to 2019-21.”
Morigaon Nagaon
36.75% to 22.46% 30.51% to 20.84%
Tinsukia Barpeta
36.70 % to 17.66 % 39.41% to 19.12%
Baksa Bongaigaon
23.59% to 15.60% 33.77 % to 17.39 %
Dima Hasao Golaghat
31.07 % to 13.62 % 20.60 % 14.60%
Nalbari Kamrup
16.94 % to 11.24 % 26.22 % to 12.71 %
Kamrup (Metro)
25.55 % to 10.28 %
P10 Record plantation drive on Sept 17
“assam” @ 8287912158
P14
of the Fittest
Assam Petro-Chemicals is
scripting a success in India, and
neighbouring countries.
Amiya Kumar Sharma, Executive
Director of Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Nidhi,
Guwahati attributed many factors for the
State’s performance. “Development in road
communication and impact of income
generation activities, good governance, and
development of infrastructure projects in real
time are the main factors for the decline of
poverty in the State,” he told this reporter.
“In the last few years in Assam, we have
witnessed growth of road communications,
particularly in rural and semi-rural segments.
This leads to development in terms of business
and entrepreneurships,” he said.
He also attributed the results to micro
finance activities and the fast-improving power
scenario in the State besides targeted welfare
measures.
The National MPI measures simultaneous
deprivations across the three equally weighted
dimensions of health, education, and standard
of living that are represented by 12 SDG-aligned
indicators.
Based on the latest National Family Health
Survey (2019-2021), this second edition of
the National Multidimensional Poverty Index
(MPI) represents India’s progress in reducing
multidimensional poverty between the two
surveys, NFHS-4 (2015-16) and NFHS-5
(2019-21).
Fom 2015-2016 to 2019-2021
Udalguri
29.46% to 19.16%
Kokrajhar
32.14% to 18.92%
Chirang
36.20 % to 16.79 %
Lakhimpur
24.23 % to 14.06 %
Dibrugarh
28.97 % to 12.26 %
Sivasagar
10.93 % to 5.63 %
P11 Carving a Green Prosperity
 Musings of a
Chief Minister
T
he month of July brought us double delights. The first one was a Niti Aayog report that said
that Assam has pulled 47 lakh people out of multidimensional poverty in five years between
2015-2016 and 2019-2021. The figure in the country was 13.5 crore people. Assam’s rate was
4% above the national average. Our multidimensional poverty rate was 32.65% in 2015-2016 while
it stood at 19.35% in 2020-2021. No doubt, this is not the best rate of reduction in the country but it
goes without saying that our policies are working at the ground. I can assure you that it will be much
faster in the coming years since most policy actions have started taking shape. In general terms,
what this report says is that health, education and standard of living across Assam have got a shot
in the arm in the last few years, thanks to the policies of the Central Government, and the role our
Government has played in implementing these at the ground. The report on why India has done
so well in reducing multidimensional poverty is a tribute to what the Central Government under
our Prime Minister has been able to achieve. From housing to education and the tremendous leap
in medical facilities, there have measures that have helped us to reach where we are today. Mind
my words, this is just the beginning. By the time the next report is published, Assam, and India will
have come a long way in their fight against poverty and ensuring dignity to the poor.
Another piece of news which has a direct bearing on the above is our GST success story. No
less than the Finance Minister of the country was fulsome in her praise of how GST has started to
work wonders on our finances. The increasing collection and the Centre’s continuous support in
releasing our devolution fund has meant that funds are never an issue in the implementation of
poverty-alleviation and welfare measures for the poor and the downtrodden. This has also allowed
us the leverage to go for infrastructural push which all economists, cutting across any school of
thought, agree is the surest way of getting people out of the poverty trap. Our tax collection prior
to GST was just over ₹ 558 cr, but in just six years since its implementation, our net collection has
reached a figure of nearly ₹ 7,100 crore. Assam being a major consuming State, it is an achievement
for which I must compliment those who are being honest to the nation, as well as the State
machinery which is working wholeheartedly towards it. Let us not forget that we were the first
State to ratify GST.
In July, three lakh beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana(Grameen) formally
entered their pucca houses thereby marking a major stride forward in achieving Prime Minister
Narendra Modi’s goal of “Housing for All by 2024”. I know that many of these beneficiaries never
ever dreamt of having concrete protection over their head, not to mention having a house of
their own. This is why a Government that cares and thinks of the poorest and the marginal is so
important.
No doubt this is not the Come September 17, Assam will successfully attempt a shot at the Guinness record of planting
1 crore commercial tree saplings in a single day, rather a specific time of two hours. The idea is
best rate of reduction in not chasing records, but to push for a greener and cleaner environment for our progeny. By doing
the country but it goes so, what we intend to do is to drive home the importance of the commercial variety of trees in
achieving a sustainable economy that lasts beyond our lifetime. The Amrit Brikshya Andolan
without saying that our will have children and women as our informal ambassadors. Not only are we incentivizing the
plantation, but we are also encouraging a form of vigilance in their upkeep by earmarking ₹ 200
policies are working at per plant if they cross the first three years of their existence. The benefit of such a step is too well
known for us to elaborate.
the ground. I can assure In a major outreach to the rural areas, we have decided to encourage Ministers, MLAs, and
you that it will be much 5,000 of our best employees to go and stay in rural areas among the villagers and in their settings to
have a true picture of what Assam needs. A State whose heart lies in its villages cannot be governed
faster in the coming in the best way from the concrete comfort of its urban locales. This initiative will certainly provide
years since most policy us with important inputs in framing policies in the interest of the greater majority. In my public
service life, I have realised that policies are mostly framed based on a theoretical understanding of
actions have started the scenario. Unless one experiences the pain and plight of the masses, how can we call ourselves
a pro-people Government? In no civilization can a Government be only for the powerful and
taking shape. influential, while silently neglecting the majority.

Himanta Biswa Sarma

Chief Minister, Assam

2 Asom Barta |August | 2023

 ASSAM ON THE MOVE

Saluting the brave hearts

(Above) Training in place at the 11th AP Bn. Forest guard trainees going through their drills at the PTC(below).
AB BUREAU, DERGAON

P
lace: 11th AP Bn, Dergaon. Time:
6.30am. Weather: Raining heavily. Yet,
forgetting their daily emotional ups and
downs, sometimes even their own beings,
30-odd women in khakis are furiously going
through drills under the close supervision of
trainers bent upon making it perfect. These
are the fortunate few who will be part of the
first-ever women Forester-1 contingent at the
77th I-Day Parade celebrations in Guwahati.
This does not mean at all that those who are
missing out on the Guwahati trip are not
enjoying their regimented life in Dergaon.
Till the first week of June, these 79
Forester-1 (later trainees at 11th AP Bn) and
319 forest guards (Later trainees at the Police
Training College), courtesy the Department of
Environment and Forest, were representatives
of feminine features that defined their “There are 319 of us
personality. Today, they are battle hardened. here. All are part of one
The softness of their palms has given way to
rough patches and abrasive skin, of which they team, irrespective of the
are least bothered. From scaling the ropes to districts, and places”
holding aloft rifles, and playing with mud, they Rishma
are doing it all here.
Yes, they also have their won tale to tell. assist her parents in selling vegetables after
her college classes. “I was a sportsperson
Trainee forest guard Papori Saikia of
with a passing interest in photography, but
Jorhat says that her mother was ostracised
I could not afford a mobile. This job is a gift “Since childhood, my elder brother has been
because they were from the marginalised
for my family. I am now duty-bound to assist the provider of our family. I, too, had to join
community. “I was almost discarded as dead
my family,” she says narrating her past to this a private school as a teacher to continue my
and thrown away when my twin sister died
reporter. education. Now that I have this job, I am
during premature birth. My life since then has
Deepsikha Das (24) is a graduate from committed to assisting my brother all my life
been a challenge. I grew up wearing others’
Bahona College in Jorhat district. Married in come what may.”
clothes, spoilt and dirty. The smile I saw on my
parents’ face when I got this job will continue the year 2019, while still in college, she cleared Monisha Das of Teok in Jorhat, like
to be the best moment of my life,” Papori tells the examinations in her maiden attempt, but others, is also among the beneficiaries of a
Asom Barta during a brief respite from her her husband failed to make it. “I am sure he massive recruitment drive of the Government
training. will clear it in the next attempt,” she says. of Assam. She will be Forester-1 after her
Rishma is a district level-footballer from training. However, this Botany graduate
“I am here because my parents could not
Karbi Anglong. A graduate in Education, she from Kakojan College in Jorhat district, had
afford me a pair of sports shoes”. Karishma
says she is up and ready by 3.30am for her made four unsuccessful attempts to join the
Gogoi (19) narrates that despite promising
daily routine at the PTC in Dergaon. “There Assam Police. “My height was an issue in
time and again, her daily wage-earning father
are 319 of us here. All are part of one team, Assam Police. But I did not give up. Today, I
and her mother, a cook in a school, could
irrespective of the districts, and places.” am happy that all my efforts have now paid
not save enough to buy her what she needed
off,” she tells this newsletter, while on a short
to have a shot at sports. “My father would It is for the likes of Rishma and others that
break from her daily rigours.
promise me from time to time and unable to Purnima Namasudra, a 21-year-old graduate
keep that. One day, I realised that he will not in Bengali from Karimganj in southern Assam, Come August 15, when these brave
be able to do so because of what he earns. I is adjusting with her new life without much hearts march past some among us, they will
decided to give up on my sporting ambition difficulty. “I am learning Assamese from surely salute as trained. In turn,they will end
there and then.” my new-found friends, and trust me, I am up getting our standing ovation, for their
learning it fast,” she confides in this reporter. dedication and determination.
Malobika Das (19) of Sivasagar would

Asom Barta |August | 2023 3

 CENTRE CONNECTS
PMAY(G) : 3 lakh enter their homes in a day
(Above) Chang-Ghar in Majuli constructed under PMAY (G). Aruna Singh, a beneficiary outside her house after the griha pravesh. (Inset)
A PMAY (G) house in Jorhat (below).
AB BUREAU, GUWAHATI
N
arayan Tanti (30) of Birjhora Tea
Estate under Dangtal Development
Block, Bongaigaon could not believe
his fortune when he first entered his newly
constructed house under the Prime Minister
Awas Yojana (Grameen) on July 13. He was
among the three lakh beneficiaries whose
families stepped into houses which they
would now own.
“Forget about constructing a house, and
that, too, a concrete one. My daily wage is not
enough to even meet my family’s daily needs.
It was manna from heaven when I first heard
that the Government has allotted a house
to me under PMAY(G). An amount of ₹ 1.30
lakh was credited to my bank account in three
instalments. Moreover, I got an additional
amount under the MGNREGA job card for
95 man-days,” Tanti shared his joy with Asom
Barta.
The story of Durga Sharma (58), a mason
by profession, of Amaribari village under
Balipara Development Block in Sonitpur
district, also has a happy ending. He stepped
into his house without anyone joining him.
He lost his wife earlier and does not have any
children. “All families in our village belong to
the BPL category. Hardly anyone among us
has any good house to live in. Around 90%
are kutcha houses here. You can imagine our
happiness of having a pucca roof over our
head. Earlier, I got a free LPG and electricity
connection. These initiatives will certainly
help rural households like ours,” said an
emotional Sharma while talking to this
reporter.
Another happy woman is Maheswari Pao,
a Mishing villager from Baligaon Miri village.
“I am a tribal woman. We are a family
of five. We used to live in a traditional
chang-ghar. Panchayat members told us six
months ago that we will get a house from the
Government free of cost. Construction began
two months after that and in about three
months after that I moved to my house with
my family. Now, I have a new chang-ghar with
4 Asom Barta |August | 2023
concrete walls and stairs. The other material
used in construction of the house is bamboo,”
said Pao.
Individuals such as Narayan, Durga, and
Maheswari were not present among hundreds
of other beneficiaries at a programme in
Guwahati where Chief Minister Dr. Himanta
Biswa Sarma attended the "griha pravesh"
ceremony organised by the Panchayat
& Rural Development Department. This
formal programme, meant for the three
lakh beneficiaries of the PMAY(G), was held
at the Srimanta Sankardev International
Auditorium in Guwahati.
Addressing the event, the Chief Minister
said the State Government has been taking
all measures necessary to give shape to Prime
Minister Narendra Modi's vision of ensuring
“Housing for All by 2024”. The Government of
Assam has been implementing the provisions
of PMAY(G) in letter and spirit, Dr. Sarma
said.
He said that 19,10,823 houses have been
approved under the scheme. The beneficiaries
were selected based on socio-economic caste
census (SECC) and Awas+. The Chief Minister
said that 12,43,584 houses have already been
constructed. “By February 2024, construction
of additional 6 lakh houses would be
completed,” he informed the gathering.
“With the aim of ensuring that the landless
population of the State are also able to enjoy
the benefits of the scheme, the Government
has taken measures such as allotment of land
to the landless,” he said in the meeting.
“We have spent about ₹ 15,000 crore in the
last two years for constructing these houses in
the State. Out of this amount, ₹ 13,000 cr have
come from the Centre and rest from the State
Government’s kitty. This has boosted the rural
economy of our State.”
He stated that in line with PMAY, the
State Government would implement ‘Chief
Minister's Awas Yojana’ under which one
lakh houses would be constructed with State
Government funds.
“We have spent about ₹ 15,000 crore
in the last two years for constructing
these houses in the State. Out of this
amount, ₹ 13,000 cr have come from
the Centre and rest from the State
Government’s kitty. This has boosted
the rural economy of our State”
Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma
In Majuli district, the only riverine district
in Assam, most of the houses allocated to
beneficiaries are chang-ghars. These are the
traditional houses of the Mising community.
Even the Deuri community stays in chang-
ghar. One of them being Jadav Deori (55) of
Chiram Deori Gaon.
“Our village experiences floods in every
monsoon season and hence it is a good step
by the P&RD Department to allocate chang–
ghar to us. My survival rests on agricultural
activities. A house with concrete posts and
stairs and that, too, at the expense of the
Government is like a God gift to my family,”
said Deori.
Gono Kanta Mili (60) of Chikari Gaon in
Majuli district is a proud owner of a chang-
ghar today. He was ably supported by the
block and panchayat officials in building it.
He made full use of locally available material
in doing so.
Pritio Manaki (40) works in the Murmuria
Tea Estate of Jorhat Development Block in
Jorhat district. From a dilapidated house to
his new concrete home is a dream-come-
true for him. “How can people like us dream
of a house unless the Government helps?” he
chuckled.
 CENTRE CONNECTS

As Clean As a Whistle; JJM drives home happiness

AB BUREAU, SUALKUCHI/NALBARI Jal Mitra Har Govinda Das informs this reporter that he looks after

I
t is a few minutes past nine in the morning. Like other days in the day-to-day issues of the scheme to prevent any disruption.
recent times, Minoti Das (50) of Bathan village in Sualkuchi is busy For maintenance of the plant and to ensure smooth functioning of
storing potable water. This water to her and 677 more households the scheme, the working committee has stiplauted a charge of ₹ 100 per
in the village is being discharged from the reservoir of the Bathan Pani month from each household.
Jogan Aachoni under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). Some 70 km northwest of Guwahati is Marowa
“It is a routine for us to store clean and filtered village on the Nalbari-Hajo Road. It is one of the
water every morning ever since we got our tap most thickly populated villages in Nalbari district.
connection under JJM. There are four of us in the Marowa Pani Jogan Achoni, a water supply
family. The water supply we get under the scheme “The objective of JJM is to
scheme in the area under PHE Department
is enough for our daily needs,” says Das while provide 55 litres of water has been amalgamated with Jal Jeevan Mission
talking to Asom Barta. per person per day to every scheme to benefit households in the village.
Minoti, whose husband owns a small tea rural household through “The objective of JJM is to provide 55 litres of
stall at Sualkuchi Town Chowk area, belongs to
a BPL family. “For us, it would have been almost
Functional Household water per person per day to every rural household
through Functional Household Tap Connections
impossible to install a deep tube well for potable Tap Connections (FHTC). (FHTC). In this village, we have provided FHTCs
water,” she says in her gratitude to the Government. In this village, we have to 783 families,” says Ankush Deka, an Engineer
Sualkuchi is some 35 km northwest of Assam’s provided FHTCs with the PHED, who is also in charge of this
capital city of Guwahati under Kamrup district. to 783 families” scheme.
It is a thickly populated rural area known as the A Jal Mitra here, Mantu Baishya, who was
largest silk weaving village in the world. Ankush Deka (Engineer, PHED) awarded at the JJM Conclave held at Nalbari town
Villages in the area have been witnessing in the first week of July, is a happy man despite a
massive welfare-oriented measures by the State hectic schedule.
Government since 2016. “We have seen a spurt in development “I love handling this work pressure. I look after most of the issues on
activities since 2016 here and its adjoining areas. It has created a feel- distribution of water to households.”
good factor among us,” says Nityanada Das, a native of the same village.
Under JJM, the village community has been playing a lead role in
Minoti’s neighbour Anita Das (52), a weaver, has appreciation for planning, implementation, management, operation, and maintenance
the Government and the scheme. She says that previously she used to of in-village water supply infrastructure thereby facilitating FHTCs
have water from handheld tube wells, locally known as ‘Domkol’ which to every rural household. Sambhu Ram Bezbaruah, president of the
had iron contents. “Now we have safe, clean, and filtered water from Water Supply Users Committee, informs Asom Barta that piped water
our tap connection. Our long standing problem of not having potable pressure is better in households near the water treatment plant but all
water is now a thing of the past,” a beaming Anita tells this reporter. households in the village get their regular quota. “We collect ₹ 50 each
Arun Chandra Deka, a Public Health Engineering Department month from the beneficiaries for maintenance and other requirements
(PHED) Engineer, who is in charge of the technical and maintenance of the PWSS.”
aspects of the scheme informs this newsletter that the plant’s The Mugkuchi Water Supply Scheme is yet another success story
modification, installation of new machineries and development of in- under JJM. “The previous water supply scheme has been amalgamated
village piped water supply infrastructure was completed within the with JJM with an extended number of beneficiaries. From this scheme,
stipulated time. “The scheme has hitherto functioned well with active filtered water is provided to schools, anganwadi centres and even to
support from the locals.” the security forces based in at Japarkuchi and Sariohtoli apart from
“Since the number of households in this village is over 700-plus, we households in Pub Mazdia, Gossair Chuburi, Mugkuchi Bala, Paschim
have engaged two Jal Mitras to monitor the scheme on a daily basis. Mazdia and Pub Mugkuchi,” says Phanidhar Haloi, a Jal Mitra of the
Besides, the village working committee of the scheme is also vigilant PWSS.
about it. Every day, we lift 1.60 lakh litres of water through our deep Nipen Baishya (58) of Petuwa Chupa of Marowa narrates,
tube well machines. We store this in two reservoirs with good filtration “Previously, we collected water from tube wells and ponds. We had to
facilities from where it is discharged to these households,” Deka says. filter the water. It was a long process. It is all hunky dory now.”

Asom Barta |August | 2023 5

 ASSAM ON THE MOVE

I-Day parade to chart a new course

AB BUREAU, GUWAHATI

W
hen the Suranjana band of the Assam Police plays its
quintessential Kadam Kadam Bhadaye Ja or the Central
Brass Band of 10AP Bn plays Almora Quick March, just
next to your house, you could be forgiven for thinking that you have
been transported to the central celebration of the Independence Day
Parade at the Veterinary College Ground at Khanapara in Guwahati.
The fact of the matter is that the Assam Government is mulling to
bring them and other contingents near your household to celebrate
the continuation of the Amrit Kaal.
This 77th Independence Day celebration in Guwahati could be the
beginning of a trend that may well become the new norm. Not only
the 20-plus contingent will come out of their traditional frontier of the
Khanapara Veterinary Playground onto the nearby areas, but a couple
of days prior to that important locations in the city may well witness
these contingent marching in unison to drive home the meaning of
Azadi.
“The venue could be Dighalipukhuri on August 13 when NCC cadets
and a few contingents of the Assam Police Battalions may march in full
public view to build up the momentum for August 15,” Akhilesh Kumar
Singh, Inspector General of Police, Training and Armed Police, Assam
Police told Asom Barta.
“Based on the vision of the Chief Minister, this path-breaking
parade will give a new meaning to August 15. We are focusing on new
recruits this time,” the IGP told this reporter. “Since the parade this “Based on the vision of the Chief Minister, this path-
year will have a longer duration and the marching distance would be breaking parade will give a new meaning to August 15.
more compared to the past, we are also inviting a band from one of the We are focusing on new recruits this time’’
Central Armed Police Forces to join our ranks.The idea is to make the
parade more youthful.” Akhilesh Kumar Singh
One of the special attractions would be a first-time parade of (Inspector General of Police)
women foresters currently being trained at the 11th AP Bn in Dergaon.
“Nearly 200 personnel in three groups will go from the Police Locals, too, are excited. Jitmoni Gogoi of Cotton University said that
Training College in Dergaon to Guwahati to take part in the parade,” earlier he used to go to Khanapara to witness the I-Day celebrations,
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Training), PTC, Charandeep but this will be a different experience. “The celebrations in Khanapara
Singh told this newsletter over phone. made us feel that the arrangements were Government-centric in
Meanwhile, formal training for the August 15 parade in the nature. I feel with this initiative of the Government, we will be involved
Commando Battalion in Mandakata in Kamrup will begin from in the entire exercise. Following last year’s Har Ghar Tiranga camapign,
August 1. this will be a new experience,” he said.
Subedar Ajit Gogoi, the band master of 10AP Bn, expressed his Silpukhuri resident Mamoni Kashyap cannot wait to be part
excitement for the forthcoming I-Day celebrations. “We have prepared of the celebration. When told about the planned celebration in
our theme already keeping in mind the fact that the parade this time Dighalipukhuri, she told this publication that these are signals of
will be a bit longer than previous years. Our songs are in place. We will changing times. “We have come a long way since the difficult times of
commence formal training from August 1,” he said. the late 1990s and 2000s,” she said.

6 Asom Barta |August | 2023


Portal in need is a friend indeed
AB BUREAU, GUWAHATI
K
anpur in Uttar Pradesh is nearly 1900
km from Tinsukia town in Assam.
However, this distance was no bar
for Maninder (name changed), a native of
Kanpur, to register a complaint against a
youth from Tinsukia who had conned him to
part with ₹ 25,000, for investing in the stock
market, on May 26. He approached the local
police in Kanpur and was advised to lodge
a complaint via the newly launched Assam
Police Seva Setu, an interactive citizen service
portal developed precisely for registering such
crimes in a nearly real time scenario. As soon
as the complaint was lodged, it reached the
Assam Police thereby helping them to get into
action. Fortunately for Maninder, the portal
was launched by Home Minister Amit Shah, a
day prior. The accompanying media headlines
and relevant interaction with their Assam
counterpart enabled the UP Police to guide
Maninder.
Bibhas Das, the Additional SP of Tinsukia,
who has been entrusted to monitor the
portal, was also excited to have their first ever
complaint through this portal. He directed his
junior to investigate the case. It was cracked in
a week and Maninder got his money back. But
for the portal, one could not have been sure
if Maninder would have managed to register
the case, got it investigated and even have his
money back in his account.
Obviously, Maninder was all praises for the
portal and the Assam Police. “This is indeed
a very good arrangement. I registered myself
following the guidelines. I wrote the complaint
and registered it. I could not believe that police
from another State would come to my aid so
quickly,” he told Asom Barta, on condition of
anonymity fearing tongue lashing from his
family members. He said that the portal would
reduce the hyphen between the police and the
public.
Similarly, a ginger supplier in Assam
defaulted in his commitment to a buyer in
Mumbai. The buyer, Hiren Kumar, lodged a
complaint on the portal which was under the
jurisidiction of police in Karbi Anglong district.
“After I registered the case on the portal. The
police informed me about the progress in the
case. I am hopeful that a postive news is around
the corner,” Hiren told this reporter over phone.
The portal is an outcome of deliberations,
based on the direction of Assam Chief Minister
Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, of a meeting called
a few months ago by Assam DGP GP Singh in
which Special DGP Harmit Singh, DIGP Vivek
“This is indeed a very good
arrangement. I registered myself
following the guidelines. I wrote
the complaint and registered it. I
could not believe that police from
another State would come to my
aid so quickly”
Maninder
Raj Singh, AIGP Dhananjay Ghanawat, and
Joint Commissioner of Police, Guwahati Pratik
Thube participated to evolve ways and means
of reducing the communication gap between
the police and the people.
“This portal while rebuilding trust between
the police and the public will enable the citizens
to avail various services. Our instruction to
the developers was to step into the shoes of
the users while designing it. Something like
the portals available for online shopping:
convenient and simple,” Special DGP Harmeet
Singh told this reporter, stressing that the portal
is the need of the times.
He said that at present 26 services can
be availed by users with the aid of this portal
anywhere and anytime (See box). Although
most services are free, there are some services
wherein a user fee needs to be paid.
“We are getting suggestions from the users
based on which we are developing an Android-
and IOS- based app for the portal. There are
some features even to assist police personnel,”
Singh informed this newsletter.
“This portal will bring speed and agility
among the police personnel. While reducing
the time lag in registering a complaint, it will
also reduce manual work in the workings of the
police administration,” Thube said. He added
that in the Guwahati Police Commissionerate, a
digital force has been constituted to investigate
Asom Barta |August | 2023
ASSAM ON THE MOVE
Services available in the portal
� e-Complaint
� e-FIR
� Public Grievance Redressal
� Service Grievance Redressal
� Permission / NOC for Social
Awareness Events
� Permission / NOC for
Entertainment / Commercial
Events
� Permission for Unmanned Aerial
Vehicles / Drones
� Police Clearance for Commercial
Construction
� Police Clearance for Petrol Pump
/ Gas Agency
� Police Clearance for Explosives
Movement & Storage
� NOC for Sale of Fire Crackers
� NOC for Temporary Bar Licence
� Passport Seva
� Citizen's Tip
� Registration of Senior Citizens
� Government Employment
Verification
� Private Employment Verification
� Tenant / PG Verification
� Domestic Help Verification
� Missing Person's Complaint
� Children Related Complaint
� Lost and Found Property
� Permission / NOC for Cultural
Events
� Permission / NOC for Political
Events
� Permission / NOC for Sports
Events
� Permission / NOC for Religious
Events
complaints registered under the portal. Police
personnel in various stations will also be
trained to tackle issues at their end. Thubesaid
that suggestions have been received from the
people of Guwahati through the portal besides,
complaints related to mobile thefts, cyber
fraud, etc.
Sharing his experience, Tinsukia SP Abhijit
Gaurav Dilip said that in a very short time, his
district has witnessed manifold benefits of this
portal.
7
 ASSAM ON THE MOVE
Dawn of a new era
An insurgent handing over his arm symbolically to the Assam Chief Minister (left). (Right) The Assam Chief Minister inspecting arms and
ammunition laid down by insurgents.
AB BUREAU, GUWAHATI
A
divasis groups across Assam have
welcomed the move by five Adivasi
insurgent groups along with their
three factions to lay down arms and return to
the mainstream.
Nowas Barla, the general secretary of
All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam
(AASAA), one of the most influential tribal
students’ bodies in the State is expecting that
it will bring a settlement of the decades-old
Adivasi militancy.
“We wholeheartedly welcome the final
settlement. We thank both the Central and
Assam Government for their efforts to solve
the problems of Adivasi people living in the
State. We have been deprived of education
and health care facilities and institutions since
Independence. We hope both these issues
will now be addressed by the Government at
the earliest,” said Barla, while talking to Asom
Barta.
AASAA also demanded rehabilitations of
violence-affected Adivasi people in Bodoland
Territorial Region areas and in Sonitpur
district.
The extremist groups that laid down their
arms are ACMA (Adivasi Cobra Military of
Assam) and ACMA factional group, AANLA
(All Adivasi National Liberation Army)
and AANLA factional group, BCF (Birsa
Commando Force) and BCF factional group,
APA (Adivasi People’s Army) and STF (Santhal
Tiger Force). Altogether 1,182 cadres of the
eight groups laid down their arms, which
included 304 sophisticated weapons, before
Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma at
a programme held at Srimanta Sankardeva
Kalakshetra last month.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief
Minister termed the day as “an important day
for strengthening the peace process in Assam
and taking along everybody on board towards
the forward march of the State”.
Dr. Sarma also thanked Union Home
Minister Amit Shah on the occasion. He said it
was because of the keen interest of the Union
Home Minister that Assam and other North
Eastern States that the region is witnessing
unprecedented development.
8 Asom Barta |August | 2023
The Chief Minister reminded the gathering
that 119 model schools for the development
of the Tea community and Adivasis have been
established by the Government. He said that
provision for reservation of seats in MBBS
as well as for B.Sc Nursing, ANM and GNM
courses have also been made besides a 3%
reservation of Government jobs for members
of the two communities.
He congratulated the 16-member
Adivasi Welfare and Development Council
(AWDC) for taking an oath to promote the
socio, economic, cultural, and academic
empowerment of the tea and Adivasi
communities. The formation of the Council
was part of the settlement between the
Government of Assam, the Centre, and these
militant groups on September 15, 2022.
Durga Hasda, Chief Executive Officer of
the Council, told this reporter that housing
will be a priority in their developmental
efforts besides education and health care.
“Adivasi workers are playing a pivotal
role in the growth of our economy since 99%
of tea garden workers are from the Adivasi
community. But the dismal scenario in
education, health care and other development
issues, due to historical and other social
reasons, are a cause of concern. We want to
address them now,” he said.
The AASAA has also appealed for optimum
utilisation of the ₹ 1,000 cr package, which
will be allocated over a five-year period,
while supporting Hasda on ST status to the
community.
“We have an ST status in other States but for
some technical issues we have been deprived
of this in Assam. I hope the Government
will fulfil this long-standing demand of the
Adivasis,” added Barla.
Subhash Tirkey, former C-in-C of Birsa
Commando Force (BCF) and the first Vice
Chairman of the AWDC spoke of rehabilitation
of the violence-affected as a priority.
“The violence-affected Adivasi people’s
rehabilitation issue will get priority in our
development agenda besides improvement
in road communication,” said Tirkey while
talking to this newsletter.
Background
* These insurgent groups surrendered
on January 24, 2012 and later signed the
agreement of Suspension of Operation
(SoO) on October 4, 2016. Since the
signing of the SoO agreement, several
rounds of talks have taken place between
these groups and the Government.
Subsequently on 15 September 2022, the
Adivasi Accord was signed.
* The agreement also provides for
rehabilitation and resettlement of armed
cadres and measures for welfare of the
tea garden workers.
* Rehabilitation package of ₹ 4 lakh
has been announced for each of the
surrendered cadres. Government will
also give ₹ 6,000 per month to each of
the cadres for three years to help them in
self-employment.
* The agreement provides for
setting up of an Adivasi Welfare and
Development Council by the Government
of Assam to fulfil the political, economic,
and educational aspirations; protecting,
preserving, and promoting social,
cultural, linguistic, and ethnic identities;
and ensuring accelerated and focused
development of the Adivasi inhabited
villages/areas as well as tea gardens all
over the State.
* A special development package
of ₹ 1000 crore (₹ 500 crore each by
Government of India and Government of
Assam) will be provided over a period of
five years for infrastructure development
in villages, areas with Adivasi population.

Delivering at the grassroots
AB BUREAU, SUALKUCHI/MUKALMUA
N “We get patients in significant numbers
uria Begum (21 years) is from Bar Dampur Ali Kash village under
Hajo revenue block in Kamrup district of Assam. She was blessed
with a son on the morning of July 22 at the Sualkuchi Community
Health Centre (CHC) after a team of doctors successfully carried out a
caesarean operation.
“I admitted my pregnant wife to this hospital on July 21 after she
experienced severe pain. Early this morning, a team of doctors and nurses
carried out an emergency caesarean operation on her. We were blessed
with a son. Both the baby and the mother are doing fine and getting due
care from the medical staff. Everything was free here,” Nekibur Rahman
Saikia (28), an employee of a private company, narrated this to Asom
Barta.
Like Nuria, many pregnant women were also waiting to have their
medical care at the Gynaecology section of the Sualkuchi CHC. The OPD
section in the hospital also takes care of hundreds of patients. In fact, the
veranda waiting room of the OPD section was full of patients and their
attendants when this newsletter visited the hospital.
Dr Dipak Das, Sub Divisional Medical and Health Officer of Sualkuchi
CHC said that on an average 700 patients visit the CHC.
“We get patients in significant numbers from Sulakuchi and outside
because of our impressive health care standards,” Dr. Das told this
reporter.
Hazira Begum (23) of Pub Sechamukh village under Hajo revenue
circle was admitted in the Gynaecology Department of the CHC despite
a PHC near her village. “Here, they have better healthcare facilities than
the hospital in our area,” said Begum, who was blessed with a boy three-
days ago through a C-section.
When this reporter was doing the rounds of the hospital, Sanjib
Bharali, an electrician by profession and resident of 1 No. Bapuji Path in
Inside view of the Sualkuchi CHC.
ASSAM ON THE MOVE
from Sulakuchi and outside because of
our impressive health care standards”
Dr Dipak Das (Sub Divisional Medical and Health Officer)
Sualkuchi, brought one of his colleagues, who a few minutes back met
with an accident and had bone fracture, to the emergency section. “The
emergency section took all possible measures to provide immediate
medical attention to my colleague," said Bharali after an X-ray was
conducted on the patient’s leg.
The CHC is the only public healthcare institute in greater Sualkuchi,
which has a population of around one lakh.
It has achieved the feat of being the best CHC in the State based on
the recently held Swasthya Sewa Utsav, conducted by NHM, Assam.
Deputy Superintendent Dr Kartik Medhi said that the working theme
for the staff of Sualkuchi CHC is ‘Quality is Everyone’s Responsibility’.
“All employees of the hospital are accountable for his or her respective
responsibility. Our working mechanism is based on accessible,
appropriate, available, affordable, effective, efficient, integrated, safe,
and patient-related health care. This paves the way for quality which
showed in the recent exercise conducted by NHM,” said Dr Medhi.
Mukalmua in Nalbari district is 60-km North-West of Guwahati. Huge
number of patients and their attendants is a given thing in the Mukalmua
Subdivision Civil Hospital.
“The greater Mukalmua area is densely populated. We are
experiencing an increase in the number of patients, of late. This is due
to people's trust in the Government health care mechanism,” said Dr
Pradip Chandra Das, SDMO (Sub Divisional Medical Officer).
Moni Begum (60) of Mukalmua is having problems in her vision since
the last few days. She is currently under the care of an ophthalmologist
of this hospital. “Government hospitals are the only option for us. I am
very happy because of the way my doctor has taken care of me,” she told
this reporter.
Binoy Aminga has admitted his pregnant wife Renuka here. “We were
in touch with doctors for well over six months. We are expecting good
news anytime now. A beaming, to-be-father, Binoy said.
The SDMO said that NHM activities are one of the key factors for
improvement in the Government health care system, which is evident
in every sphere. “I have been in Government health care service for
over 22-years. The improvement I have seen in the last decade or so is
fantastic,” said Dr Das.
Echoing his colleague, Dr Ratul Das, a gynaecologist, said that the
capacity of the healthcare ecosystem to provide last-mile healthcare
delivery in the rural areas has increased significantly in recent years.
Asom Barta |August | 2023 9
 ASSAM ON THE MOVE

Record plantation drive on Sept 17

Environment & Forest Department Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary prsenting a sapling on the occasion of the
74th Vanmahotsav week at Topatoli, Sonapur.
AB BUREAU, GUWAHATI/TOPATOLI
Saplings to be planted

C
ome September 17, the State will witness English Name Scientific Name
a Guinness record plantation drive based
on a mission envisioned by Chief Minister Mango Mangifera indica
Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma of promoting a tree Agarwood Aquilaria malaccensis
economy. Preparation is already underway to
achieve the desired objective of planting 1 crore Indian gooseberry Emblica officinalis
saplings of commercial plants in a single day
Belleric myrobalan Terminalia bellerica
under the Amrit Brikshay Andolan to reap the
reward of such an exercise in the decades to Asian bullet wood Mimusops elengi
come (See Box). Sandalwood Santalum album
The theme for the drive is “Plant Today for a Greener Tomorrow”.
Chittagong wood Chukrasia tabularis
“The drive will be carried out from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on September 17.
This will be the biggest ever commercial tree plantation exercise carried Persian Neem Melia azedarach
out anywhere in the world,” an Environment and Forest Department Terminalia chebula
Chebulic myrobalan
source told Asom Barta.
“An app will be launched on August 2 which will enable interested East Indian almond Terminalia myriocarpa
individuals to register themselves and avail free of cost a sapling specifically Indian Olive Elaeocarpus floribundus
earmarked under this exercise. The State Government has announced
₹ 100 each to be given to those who wish to undertake the exercise. After Kadam Neolamarckia cadamba
three years, and based on inspection, ₹ 200 each shall also be provided to Black catechu Acacia catechu
them for the upkeep of the plant,” the source added.
Big-leaf Mahogany Swietenia macrophylla
The success of this exercise will depend much on people like Jatindra
Nath Deka. A young social worker in Khetri, Deka had immersed himself Malabar Neemwood Melia dubia
neck deep for the task ahead of him beginning July 1. Deka had been Parkia roxburghii
Tree Bean
advocating plantation and conservation as the core philosophy of his social
work. But a different challenge was awaiting him. The Assam Government Mulberry Morus alba
was to observe the 74th Vanmahotsav week in his area on July 7, and he had Pterocarpus santalinus
Red Sanders
made it a point to make the programme a success, come what may.
Chaplash Artocarpus chaplasha
Finally, all went well. In the presence of Chandra Mohan Patowary, the
Environment and Forest Minister of Assam, 300 seedlings of commercial Indian Rosewood Dalbergia sissoo
varieties like Sal, Arjun, Rose Apple, Indian Gooseberry.
Som Persea bombycina
The meeting was a success because Deka went about town meeting
people around East Apricola Proposed Reserve Forest to drive home the Teak Tectona grandis
importance of the day as well as the cause. “The proposed reserve forest Champak Michelia champaca
is spread over a land mass of 10,622 hectare and has teak, sal, chaplaish.
Among others, in it. “It was proposed as a reserve forest in 1979,” Beat biodiversity that must be nurtured A forest guard of the Beat Office
Officer of Topatoli Beat Office Jayanta Medhi informed this reporter. and protected,” Patowary said in his Kameshwar Kalita took this reporter
brief speech at Topatoli. around the nursery and pointed
The plantation programme in the July 7 meeting was like a curtain raiser
Actions in Tapatoli are a out at White Chandan, Arjun,
towards the attempted Guinness record of planting one crore saplings in a
harbinger for the success of Shishu, Ajar, Black myrobalan tree
day under the Amrit Brikshay Andolan.
September 17. seedlings. While pointing out areas
“Even our Minister used the occasion to appeal to the people to create around the nursery, he informed
an awareness about the commercial varieties of tree seedlings. He also “From time to time, we have
Asom Barta that regular inspection
appealed to the people for their cooperation in making the initiative a been organising awareness
of these varieties results in their
long-term success,” Medhi told this newsletter recalling the speech of the programmes in schools by planting
longevity. “Those that die because
Minister. tree seedlings. Besides, we involve
of natural reasons or vagaries
the locals and distribute seedlings
In his speech, the Minister termed trees as ‘our lifeline’. “On this of weather are replaced by new
to them. This year, we have set up
Vanamahotsava, let us plant and nurture plants for our and our children’s seedlings. The same strategy will
a nursery in a vacant space outside
future. Assam is blessed with a salubrious climate, clean air, and abundant be applied for seedlings planted on
our office.”
water. We must thank mother nature for providing us with such a July 7,” he said.

10 Asom Barta |August | 2023

 ASSAM ON THE MOVE

Carving a Green Prosperity

AB BUREAU, KULSI/JUPANGBARI

K
ulsi in Kamrup is a biodiversity hotspot,
a favourite picnic place, tucked some 20
kilometres from Mirza Chowk, amidst
sylvan surroundings. Under the Rabha Hasong
Autonomous Council, Kulsi is in the news for
its enterprising youths, who are turning the
tide here using bamboo and colourful seeds of
different trees as a raw material for designing
jewellery, and household items.
The movement began almost a year ago
when Kamrup West Divisional Forest Officer
Dimpi Bora in association with the office of the
Kulsi Range Forest Officer organised a month-
long training programme to upskill the talents
of youth from the area. Over 25-members of the
Nagaon Joint Forest Management Committee
Ra-Bhanh Self Help Group profited from the
training.
“In 2020-21, I was the CEO of Assam
Bamboo Mission. Nira Sharma, also known
as the ‘Bamboo Lady of India’, met and gifted
me a piece of bamboo jewellery. Later, when
I was posted as DFO, Kamrup West Division, I
decided to train those living in the fringe area
in my division in making bamboo products to
give them the option of an additional source of
income and livelihood,” Bora told Asom Barta. “The training supported by the
“The training supported by the State State Bamboo Development
Bamboo Development Agency was a success. Agency was a success. In less than
In less than a year, handicraft, and bamboo
jewellery worth more than ₹ 5 lakh have been
a year, handicraft, and bamboo
sold,” said Dwipen Deka, the Kulsi Range jewellery worth more than ₹ 5 lakh
Forest Officer, while talking to this reporter. have been sold”
Among the beneficiaries of the training
Dwipen Deka, Kulsi Range Forest Officer
was Rina Rabha of Kulsi. A mother of two
children, Rina is a homemaker, as well as an
entrepreneur. A brilliant hand on the loom, my house. This was a relief for my husband. In
Rina has, in the recent past, consolidated her the future, I want to impart the same kind of
family’s financial health in tandem with other training to the youth of my area.”
members of the SHG by producing bamboo Ankita Rabha is another beneficiary of
jewellery. the training programme. A fifth semester
“Earlier, I would be selling a couple of student at DK College, Mirza, she balances her
loom-woven clothes and feel satisfied. After education by producing bamboo products for
undergoing this training, I realised that there the SHG, of which she is a member.
is a lot of potential to earn money by making “During holiday, I take time to assist fellow
bamboo earrings, necklaces, and bangles SHG members. Since I am from an interior area,
which could be shaped like our traditional I have seen how financial difficulty prevents
japi, pepa, etc. Besides, key rings, soap boxes, most youths from completing their formal
and decorative items used in our homes offer education. These initiatives will go a long way
plenty of choices. These items are priced in harnessing their potential and make them
anywhere between ₹ 50 to ₹ 1,200, Rina told self-reliant. I even assist my family financially,”
this newsletter. she told this reporter. Interestingly, Ankita’s this SHG, which also allows male membership
mother was not part of the training programme despite its nomenclature, told this newsletter
“This is my hard-earned money. By selling
but learnt the craft from her daughter and that one full grown bamboo has the potential
these wares, I not only manage my family, but
has now invested her savings in the bamboo to yield an income of up to ₹ 1 lakh. “We have
even pay for the education of my two sons. I
jewellery business. benefited by setting up a stall at the Chandubi
even contributed towards the construction of
Festival. I was also invited to a school in
“This is a simple business, devoid of
Loharghat to impart training to students. I hope
machinery or modern technology. It is based
to pass on my wisdom to the next generation,”
on collective effort and basic raw material in
Pallab said.
the form of bamboo, and colourful tree seeds,
which are available in abundance in our village. This idea of temporary stalls in trade fairs
So, with minimum investment of money and and festivals have fashioned a new income
time, we can produce quality products which model for the SHGs of the area. From the
are in demand. Our DFO Madam and the Maniram Dewan International Trade Centre
Forest office have provided us with all basic in Guwahati to the India International Trade
facilities,” Ankita’s mother told this newsletter. Fair (IITF) in New Delhi, most members of the
SHGs have experienced the potential of their
The Jupangbari Banani Gaon Women
products. Arnab Rabha is all but 20. He was
SHG under Loharghat Range Forest Office
in New Delhi for 15 days in November 2022 at
conducted a similar training for its members
the IITF. “Women customers were making a
for two months. Pallab Rabha, a member of
beeline for our product,” he told this reporter.

Asom Barta |August | 2023 11

 wind of change

Championing a cause
AB BUREAU, GUWAHATI

S
umit hails from an interior village in
Tezpur. Having seen challenges since
her childhood, she has not given up on
her career ambition. She passed her higher
secondary examinations from Darrang
College in the year 2020. Because of financial
difficulties, Sumit had to give up on her
higher education dream and instead opt for a
job as a teacher in a local school to take care
of her family. However, the wheels of fortune
are now turning for her.
A policy initiative in a college in Guwahati
has given her hope. After a three-year hiatus,
she has applied for admission in Dispur
College under the transgender quota to get
her rightful seat for a BA degree in Education.
Prior to this, she had applied in many
colleges for pursuing higher education, but
the three-year gap was a stumbling block. “I
was fortunate that Dispur College advertised
for seats reserved for transgender students. I
felt it was meant for me,” she told Asom Barta
over phone.
“I had to undergo mental harassment in
my village. My way of life, and demeanour
was mocked at by locals. It was depressing but
I never gave up. I wanted to pursue medical
sciences and enrolled myself in a coaching
institute. Because of financial constraints,
I dropped out. The past is behind me, I am
now looking forward to my classes in Dispur “We have taken this step to prevent
College,” she told this newsletter. discrimination in society against
Dispur College has reserved five seats this gender. Besides reservation of
each in Arts and Commerce sections of their seats, we have undertaken steps to
graduate courses for transgender students create a healthy environment in the
as a policy. Out of these two are reserved for college”
the economically challenged transgender
students. This allows the likes of Sumit to (Navajyoti Borah, Principal)
enrol themselves free of cost in the college,
besides availing other facilities.
“I welcome this initiative. There are many “This College has taken up
like me who will benefit from such a futuristic
policy. I have also spoken to the Principal and
initiatives for transgenders from
Vice Principal of the College,” she confided to time-to-time. I have had feedback
this reporter. that these ideas have gelled well with
“We have taken this step to prevent
discrimination in society against this many recipients. These actions have
gender. Besides reservation of seats, we the potential to bring the much-desired
have undertaken steps to create an inclusive
and healthy environment in the college.
gender equality in society”
An example being a gender-neutral toilet Rituparna
which leaves no room for discrimination.
We have come up with the concept of gender up. Jawaharlal Nehru College in Boko is has taken up initiatives for transgenders
champions. These champions will primarily another college where a gender neutral from time-to-time. I have had feedback
be responsible for creating an enabling washroom has been built. “We had organised that these ideas have gelled well with many
atmosphere in the college, especially among a gender sensitisation programme in our recipients. These actions have the potential
the new batch of students, on a range of college. One of the invited experts Rituparna to bring the much-desired gender equality
issues,” Navajyoti Borah, the Principal of Neog stressed the importance of such a step in society,” Neog said, stressing the need for
the College said. He added that two gender to address the concern of students. It was other educational institutions across Assam
champions will be appointed for each class. based on the feedback from that programme to emulate such programmes.
They will be coached, and sensitised to do that we decided to establish a washroom,” A student of Dispur College, on condition
what is required. He said that experts have Tapan Dutta, Principal of the College, told of anonymity, was appreciative of the College
been invited in the college to interact with Asom Barta adding “if needed we will also taking steps not only for the transgender but
the students. reserve seats for students in various courses”. for the LGBTQIA+ community. “I think it will
Although the college is a pioneer in Rituparna, who manages Akam go a long way in making all of us equal,” the
reserving seats for transgender students, the Foundation, was also very appreciative of the student quipped.
importance of gender parity is fast catching steps taken by Dispur College. “This college

12 Asom Barta |August | 2023

 ASSAM ON THE MOVE

Assam Assembly gets a new address

AB BUREAU, GUWAHATI the socio-economic-academic and cultural

L
ok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has said that
any State legislative building is not just
a building but a temple for democracy.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new
building of Assam Legislative Assembly (ALA),
Birla said, “The building of any State Legislative
Assembly is not just a building. but a temple of
democracy. Sitting in this temple, we should
work only for public welfare. That is why in
this journey of 75-years of this democracy we
have taken the nation forward through socio-
economic development."
Birla said that in Vidhan Sabha and
Lok Sabha every serious issue should be
discussed sans disruptions. “People have a lot
of expectations from Vidhan Sabha and Lok
Sabha. When they elect you, they do it with
a lot of expectations and aspirations. There
should be discussions and dialogues in these
Houses, and laws should be formed here,” he
told elected representatives present in the
meeting.
He had words of praise for the new ALA.
“It is a historic day for all the States of the
North East. This building is a wonderful
“The building of any State
Legislative Assembly is
not just a building. but
a temple of democracy.
Sitting in this temple,
we should work only for
public welfare. "
Om Birla (Lok Sabha Speaker)
amalgamation of modernity, heritage, culture,
arts and crafts of Assam.”
The Lok Sabha Speaker expressed the hope
that the Assembly building will prove to be a
centre to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the
people of Assam.
Speaking on the occasion, Assam Chief
Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma said that
India has been an epicentre of democracy
and democratic values since ages. He termed
the Assembly as an important institution of
democracy.
He said that the Assam Assembly, being
one of the oldest assemblies in the country,
has played an important role in strengthening
edifice of the State, while focusing on equality
and inclusivity.
He referred to several political personalities
for their enlightening role inside the hallowed
precincts of the Assembly. Dr. Sarma hoped
that the new building will ignite dreams and
hopes to build a vibrant and developed Assam.
Cabinet Minister Atul Bora while talking
to Asom Barta termed the moment as historic
and expressed his hope that the new building
will shine forever as a glorious legislative pillar
to fulfill the hopes and aspiration of the people.
Among those present on the occasion were
Speaker of ALA Biswajit Daimary, Deputy
Speaker Dr. Nomal Momin, Union Ministers
Sarbananda Sonowal and Rameswar Teli, MPs
and MLAs, et al.
Prior to the inauguration of the new
Assembly building, a 'griha pujan’, an
auspicious ceremony, was conducted on
July 29. The ALA Speaker spoke about the
historical significance of the Assembly. He
also expressed his hope that this Assembly will
serve as a platform to address issues faced by
the people of Assam.

A Brief Historical Profile of Assam Legislative Assembly
ƒƒ The ALA came into being on the day of its first sitting
on April 7, 1937 in the Assembly Chamber at Shillong, the
erstwhile Capital of the composite State of Assam.
ƒƒ In 1972, the Government of Assam decided to shift the
Capital to Dispur, Guwahati. Accordingly, the first sitting of
the Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly was
held at the temporary capital at Dispur on 16 March 1973.
The Assembly was earlier functioning from an old tea
warehouse, which was converted for the sittings when
Dispur became the capital of Assam in 1972.
ƒƒ Late Babu Basanta Kumar Das was the first Speaker of the
Assam Legislative Assembly.
ƒƒ This new building is equipped with the facilities of e-Vidhan,
audio-visual and information technology. Moreover, the
new building has office chambers for the Speaker, Deputy
Speaker, Chief Minister, other ministers, MLAs, conference
hall, meeting halls, etc.
ƒƒ Spread across 10 acres of land, the new Assembly complex
has the main building which will accommodate the House
and annex buildings for administrative and other sections.
ƒƒ The foundation of the complex was laid over 10 years ago
with an initial estimate of ₹ 234.84 cr but with delay in
construction and introduction of new components to the
complex, the revised estimate has been put at ₹ 351 cr.
ƒƒ The next sitting of the House, scheduled for September,
will be held in the new building. It will be a paperless
sitting.
ƒƒ The new House has a seating capacity of 180 lawmakers.
The current strength of the Assembly is 126 MLAs.

Asom Barta |August | 2023 13

 ASSAM ON THE MOVE

APL: Survival of the fittest

AB BUREAU, Namrup/Guwahati

T
he road from Tinsukia to Namrup is bumpy but with lush green
tea estates on either side it is worth a journey. The visually
appealing images of tea estate workers plucking leaves for the
second flush negates whatever meagre trouble the body endures on
the road. This is akin to the trajectory the State public sector enterprise
Assam Petro-Chemicals (APL) has undertaken over a 52-year-period
now. Bumpy but worth it for more reasons than one. For decades, it has
held aloft the flag of the State PSE high.
It was unusually quiet when Asom Barta visited the imposing
complex of the company. The 500 tonnes per day (TPD) methanol plant
project, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2023, was
shut to undergo a routine maintenance exercise. But this silence could
not overarch the buzz which the company is making in the methanol
and formalin markets in Eastern India and its neighbouring countries
of Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. The latest consignment of formalin
to Bangladesh was flagged off by Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta
Biswa Sarma on July 1. The Chief Minister, while complimenting the
efforts of APL,said that Assam was getting closer to becoming the major
exporter of petrochemicals.
“The company is a representation of our State’s industrial scenario.
A tribute to the hard work of its indigenous people. Imagine a chemical
factory striving and growing despite all odds over five decades,” said
Bikul Deka, the chairman of APL while talking to this reporter in his
Guwahati office. He said that APL is a viable entity that is proving
its worth in a competitive industrial scenario. “We are completely
dependent on external factors. Our raw material is natural gas whose
price is decided internationally, and our finished products methanol
and formalin always compete with imports.”
He said that timber companies in and around the districts of Tinsukia
and Dibrugarh were major customers of APL but the Supreme Court
judgment of 1996 which banned timber industry was a major setback
to the company. As if this was not enough, the closure of a DMT plant
of the public sector undertaking Bongaigaon Refinery Petrochemicals
Limited in 2000 also hampered profitability.
From a modest beginning of 21 TPD Methanol and 37 TPD formalin, Assam Chief Minister flagging of the consignment to Bangladesh.
APL today boasts a production capacity of 600 TPD Methanol and 125
TPD formalin, while a 200 TPD plant in Boitamari in Bongaigaon will company with 48.79% equity. “I came from a Central PSU culture to
be commissioned by December 2023. a State PSU. It has indeed been a wonderful experience to adjust and
“Ours is an employee-driven company. Some of the machines learn from this eco-system.”
which are three decades old are running smoothly, thanks to the S B Paw, Marketing Manager, APL, who had worked with
dedication of our immense human resource talents,” said Rajnish multinationals like Nestle, and Shell endorsed his MD. “After working
Gogoi, the Managing Director while talking to this reporter. The MD for these MNCs for 11 years, I felt it was time to give back to my State. I
is on deputation from Oil India Limited, the biggest shareholder of the feel if PSUs are professionally managed, they can sustain and compete
with any private entity,” he said.
The MD has set his sights higher. “We have now initiated a 15-year
period plan called “Perspective 2038” which will define our trajectory
“It is in the quality and purity of our product and make us a future-ready company. I am thankful to the Government
that we command prestige in the market of Assam for the support that we have from them.”
despite a formidable competition from Gogoi said that the biggest advantage for APL is the availability of
imported products. Our methanol has up natural gas in nearby oil fields. “For me, petrochemicals are the future
of innovation. Creating innovative products will add value to society
to 99.99% purity. We have set a benchmark
and civilization,” he said, adding that innovative youth will find their
which others cannot compete with” true calling in this company.
Despite challenges, the hands-on philosophy of the MD is working
wonders for APL. “It is in the quality and purity of our product that we
command prestige in the market despite a formidable competition
from imported products. Our methanol has up to 99.99% purity. We
have set a benchmark which others cannot compete with.”
One of APL customers is the Dhaka-based Grind Tech Limited.
“We had purchased our first consignment from APL in July. We are
pleased at the way the chairman and the MD established their rapport
with us. Though it is too early to say, but we have enjoyed dealing with
them hitherto,” Saiful Hasan Riku, the CEO of the company said in his
response to an email query from Asom Barta.
Paw said that APL products are in demand because of their quality.
“Since methanol is extensively used in the pharmaceutical sectors,
quality is of paramount importance. The word of mouth for APL
products is spread across India and various sectors. This has helped
our foreign buyers to choose us over others,” he said.

14 Asom Barta |August | 2023

 The Month in Photos

President Droupadi Murmu handing over an award to revenue officials of the Government of Assam for the Mission Basundhara initiative.

Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria with Assam Legislative Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar with Chief Minister Dr. Himanta
Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary and other Cabinet ministers Biswa Sarma, Indian Institute of Technology office-bearers and
during the Panchayat Conference 2023, Phase II. others at the 25th Convocation of the institute.

Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma reviewing the work of the statue of Lachit Barphukan in Ghaziabad. The statue will be
approximately 125 feet in height and will be crafted at the cost of ₹120 cr. It will be placed in an area spreading across 50 bighas.

Asom Barta |August | 2023 15

 Perspective
EDITORIAL
Hail the Action
T he success of Assam as well
as the Central Government in
ensuring an all-round reduction
in poverty or what the Niti Aayog
report says multidimension
poverty is a shot in the arm for the
pro-poor policies of the Centre
as well as the State Government
in Dispur. The report has relied
on a broad set of parameters or
fronts and not solely on income
or monetary measures as had
been the case hitherto. Three
major dimensions that the report
has taken into consideration are
health, education, and living
standards.
The numbers are not only
impressive but startling too. A
cursory glance at some of the
indicators in districts of Assam
prove beyond doubt that, at the
ground, policy actions are working
on multiple fronts.
While India registered a
decline of 9.89% in number of
poor from 24.85% in 2015-2016
to 14.96% in 2019-2021, Assam
registered a decline of 13.30% in
the same period from 32.65% in
2015-16 to 19.35% in 2019-2021.
Yes, the number of poor in terms
of percentage in Assam is higher
than the national average, but
the satisfaction lies in the steep
fall that the State has been able
to witness. Figuratively speaking,
46,87,451 people moved out of
multidimensional poverty in the
State in the period in question.
Assam average is way above its
neighbouring States of the North
East, and many other States of the
country.
The report stated that the
rural areas of the State witnessed
a remarkable decline in poverty
from 36.14% to 21.41% while in the
urban area it declined from 9.94%
to 6.88%. Since more than 80% of
Assam’s population live in the rural
areas, the all-round improvement
needs to be celebrated. Districts
in southern and western Assam,
which are predominantly rural,
have scored highly on all broad
parameters. The Assam indicators
also reflect an even distribution of
resources and efforts.
Editor-in-Chief:
Manabendra Dev Ray (APS)
Director, DIPR, Assam
Planting Seeds of a Green Revolution
by Chandra Mohan Patowary
J
une 8, 2023 was a historic moment for the State when Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta
Biswa Sarma gave a clarion call for achieving a target of one crore commercial sapling
plantation through a massive Jan Andolan.
The Amrit Brikshya Andolan (ABA) is a multi-stakeholder year initiative, aimed at
planting one crore commercial saplings across the State in a single day! The initiative is
aimed at increasing Tree Outside Forest (ToF) areas to give a significant boost to Assam’s green economy by
promoting commercial tree plantation and the agroforestry sector by fostering sustainable practices.
To encourage active participation, the Government would also credit an incentive of ₹ 100 to registered
SHG beneficiaries upon planting and uploading a photo of the sapling. Additionally, an extra ₹ 200 would be
provided after three years if the sapling survives. This ambitious undertaking would be a world record-breaking
feat. The drive has set its sights on empowering grassroots-level institutions, including SHGs, and frontline
ASHA, Anganwadi and tea garden workers, educational institutions, and various Government departments.
By involving these diverse stakeholders, the initiative aims to create a collaborative effort toward massive tree
plantation and sustainable development.
The Andolan would stand out as a women-led tree plantation initiative, empowering women economically
and socially while simultaneously contributing to environmental conservation. By actively involving women-
oriented groups, the drive would promote gender equality and create livelihood opportunities for them.
Additionally, educational institutions, including lower primary schools and high schools, would play a
significant role in this plantation drive.
These events serve as educational opportunities for students to learn about plants, their significance in
environmental conservation, and the importance of sustainable practices. By integrating environmental
education into the initiative, the drive nurtures a sense of environmental responsibility among the younger
generation and promotes a culture of conservation in society at large.
The introduction of the Amrit Brikshya Andolan mobile application to facilitate the registration process
marks a significant advancement for the initiative. The app’s integration with the drive enables seamless
monitoring, right from seedling distribution to sapling growth. By leveraging technology, the initiative would
accurately track the number of saplings planted, their precise locations, and their survival rates. This data-
driven approach enhances the overall effectiveness of the plantation drive, allowing for better assessment and
strategic planning for the future. It signifies a commendable effort by the Government to utilise technology for
sustainable environmental conservation and create a more accountable and transparent process.
In this drive, 23 commercially valuable species, such as Teak, Boga Chandan, Agaru, Hollock, Garjan,
Mahogony, Malabar Neem, Som, Sissoo, among others, would be distributed for planting. These selected tree
species have significant economic potential, presenting opportunities for local communities to improve their
livelihoods. As these trees mature, they could be utilised for various purposes, such as timber, wood-based
industries, and other value-added products, contributing to Assam’s overall economic growth.
In addition to the environmental benefits of increasing the green cover, the plantation of commercially
valuable species aligns with the Government's vision of promoting sustainable economic development and
empowering local communities through green initiatives. The ABA stands as a notable step towards achieving
both environmental and economic objectives for the State.
The focus on ToF and agroforestry is a strategic approach of the Government to promote sustainable land
use and economic diversification. By integrating tree planting with agricultural crops, the initiative would
enable farmers to grow valuable timber species alongside their regular agricultural crops.
Agroforestry offers a win-win situation for farmers and the environment. Farmers benefit from the additional
supplementary income generated through the growth of valuable commercial species. This supplementary
income is in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of doubling farmers’ income, thereby enhancing their
economic well-being.
The Government of Assam recently introduced two significant regulatory reforms, the Tree Outside of Forest
Rules (Sustainable Management) 2022, and the Assam Wood Based Industries (Promotion & Development)
Rules, 2022, that allow ease-of-doing-business environment with minimal regulations for the wood-based
industry sector. This relaxation under the rules presents an excellent opportunity for our fellow citizens to
promote plantation and sustainable tree utilisation in the outside forest space.
The ABA stands as a crucial and far-reaching initiative, making significant contributions to SDGs such as
climate action, gender equality, and good health & well-being. The drive would serve as an inspiring example
of how a community-driven effort could create a positive impact on both local ecosystems and socio-economic
conditions. By inviting every citizen of Assam to actively engage in this initiative, the Government reinforces
the notion of shared responsibility and pride in contributing to the State’s sustainable development and green
progress.
Let us all commit ourselves to planting a sapling in our homestead /baris/community lands/neighbourhood
and contribute towards building a sustainable greener & pollution-free State.
(The author is Minister, Environment and Forest Department, among others, Government of Assam.)
Editorial Advisory Board (Honorary)
Members:
Wasbir Hussain
Anuradha Sarma Pujari
Gurmail Singh
Bijay Sankar Bora
Member convenor:
Sikha Saikia, Sr. Information Officer
Published and Printed by Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Govt of Assam