GUWAHATI, Jan 27 - The State government is steadfastly committed to protecting the rights of the indigenous people and has taken several initiatives in this regard in the last three and a half years to ensure harmony among the people in Barak Valley, Brahmaputra Valley, the hills and the plains, said Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi after unfurling the tricolor at the Republic Day function held in the Veterinary College field, Khanapara here on Sunday.
Prof Mukhi said the government is putting thrust on implementing Clause 6 of the Assam Accord as well as protecting the land rights of the people.
�The Central government has constituted a committee under former judge of Gauhati High Court Justice (retd) BK Sarma on Clause VI of the Accord and the State will be benefited by the wisdom and experience of the members of the panel who are highly respected in society. The committee will soon submit their report. Subsequently, the political rights of the people, their culture and language will be protected forever,� Prof Mukhi said, adding that this would pave the way for speedy development of the State.
The Governor, who delivered his address in Hindi, said the government is working towards promotion of Assamese and other local languages, and has also granted financial assistance to the literary bodies of the State to strengthen the organisations and help them promote their languages. Rs 10 crore has been given to Asam Sahitya Sabha, Rs 5 crore to Bodo Sahitya Sabha and Rs 3 crore each to twenty other literary bodies, he said.
The Assamese language as a subject will be made compulsory in private schools too, he said.
Asserting that �Jati, Mati, Bheti� is not merely a slogan but a strong resolve of the government, Prof Mukhi said the new land policy for the State is another step towards protecting the rights of the indigenous people. Also, one lakh landless people will be given land pattas soon, he said.
Referring to the new autonomous councils created for various indigenous communities in the State, which, he said, was a step towards giving special protection and facilities to those groups, the Governor mentioned that a group of ministers has also been formed to make a detailed study of the problems of all sections of people in the State and a report will be submitted soon.
Steps have been taken for skill development of youths of various indigenous communities so that they can engage in self-employment activities. Charaideo will be developed into a world class tourist destination, he added.
The Governor further said initiatives have been taken for �proper implementation� of the Assam Accord and the Indo-Bangla border will be sealed soon to stop further infiltration.
Prof Mukhi further informed that 92 per cent of the people have been brought under health insurance schemes, 99 per cent of the households have latrines and electricity connection, Rs 1,598 crore has been transferred to accounts of 27 lakh farmers, Jan Dhan accounts have been opened for 1.45 crore people, three lakh new houses have been constructed and 10 lakh youths have been given Mudra loans.
Elaborating on the developmental schemes and activities of the State government for the people of the State, the Governor also called for peace and harmony for sustained progress, and appealed to all insurgents to return to the mainstream.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal was also present at the function along with other dignitaries.
On the occasion, the Governor and the Chief Minister presented the Republic Day Journalism Award 2020 to veteran journalist Jodu Kakaty. This year�s Padma Sri and police medal awardees were felicitated on the occasion.
The function concluded with a cultural programme.
