Chief Minister Sonowal in Silchar: "The government is with you, no need to worry" says, on NRC

Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal, on Wednesday, reiterated that people should not get worried because of the NRC issue as the government is committed to providing security to all the genuine citizens of the state.

Sonowal, who was speaking at a programme – Mahila Samaroh at Silchar Police Parade Ground this afternoon, said there is no reason for people to panic if their names are missing from the second draft NRC (slated to be published on July 30) as enough opportunities would be given to those, whose names would not be featured, to prove their citizenship, he said.

About women empowerment and Barak Valley, he said the valley is marked with brimming potential. The society stretched across on both sides of the river Barak shows the vibrancy of the valley. In this backdrop, the womenfolk of the valley should come forward and work hand-in-hand with their male counterpart for the development of the state.

“Both the central and state governments have been working in tandem to channelise the immense potential of the womenfolk of the country. Therefore, among various women-specific schemes, both the governments have launched Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Kanaklata Mahila Sabalikaran Achoni to take women empowerment to its logical conclusion,” he said.

He termed Barak Valley as a beautiful gift to the state, which has been drawing people from all across the country especially for its pristine beauty and unexplored resources. He further said that the present state government, from the first day in office, decided to bring infrastructural development in the valley.

Talking about the two defunct paper mills in the state, the chief minister said he has brought the matter to the attention of Babul Supriyo, Union minister of state for heavy industries and public enterprises, and apprised him about the pitiable condition of the mills’ workers and their families. He added that he was hopeful that both the mills would be revived soon.

Besides, Sonowal launched an online revenue management system of the forest department. He also handed over cheques as a part of the revolving fund of Kanaklata Mahila Sabalikaran Achoni to women Self-Help Groups. It may be noted that under the scheme, 2392 SHGs under Silchar Lok Sabha constituency would be initially entitled to financial benefits.

Family welfare and health minister Himanta Biswa suspected that a section of evil elements had been trying to confuse the common masses and create unrest in the state using the issue.

He maintained that the government is committed to provide security to all the genuine citizens in the state and urged the common people to not worry or fall prey to rumours related to the matter.

Among others, excise and fisheries minister Parimal Suklabaidya, minister of state with independent charge for panchayat and rural development Naba Doley, former union minister Kabindra Purkayastha, along with legislators including Dilip Kumar Paul, Kishore Nath, Aminul Haque Laskar, Amar Chand Jain and Mihir Shome, were present.