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�An expert panel should assist every MP, MLA to ensure real progress�

By MANASH PRATIM DUTTA

GUWAHATI, April 23 - Public representatives of Assam need to develop a database on various local and developmental issues, for which there is a need for an expert panel for every MP and MLA. Only then people of the State will be able to see the face of development in the coming days.

This observation was made by eminent inventor Uddhab Bharali while talking to this correspondent about his views on duties of the MPs who will go to the Parliament after a few weeks.

The man with hundreds of notable inventions to his name, said, �Assam still lacks a group of MPs with good all-round quality. Today the whole world is going through a stage of rapid growth. Development always takes a new turn with introduction of new technology. So, it is time to cope with these changes. For that we need up-to-date knowledge. In this respect our representatives still lag behind a lot.�

Bharali, a Padma Shri awardee, further stressed that every representative should also be a good orator and said, �Our problems are lingering because our representatives are not vocal in the Parliament. Assam will develop only if our MPs can project our issues with unique proposals for solution in Parliament. Unfortunately, our MPs fail to do so. This is because they lack knowledge. They only follow the ideas formulated by their political followers who have no proper knowledge in any field.�

Analysing the core issues and major problems of Assam, Bharali said, �It is time for the people of Assam to convert flood from a problem into an asset. From the geographical point of view, flood is a never-ending issue for Assam and that is why all efforts to mitigate the problem fail to deliver. So there is a need for research to transform flood into an asset.�

He further said, �Moreover, the unemployment problem of Assam can be reduced by 70 per cent through setting up of new agri-based industries across the State. As such, it is time for Assam to explore the hidden assets, whether natural or in other fields.�

Bharali also stressed self-promoted visits by all public representatives to every educational institution in the state.

Sharing his views, �Forest Man of India� Jadav Payeng said, �We need a special budget for the north-eastern region. The entire region is lagging behind in terms of development by around 50 years in comparison to other parts of the country. So, for the development of this region which has unique climatic and environmental conditions, the Central government should take up a special strategy. In this regard our MPs must shoulder lots of responsibilities. They should take a strong stand in the Parliament.�

Payeng said, �We have lots of problems. Due to mismanagement our forest land is decreasing at a rapid rate, human-animal conflict has been increasing day by day and river erosion has become a serious threat for civilisation. We have to solve these problems by any means because this region boasts of a very unique bio-diversity in the world. Government should concentrate on research of natural assets of the North East. Tourism could be a major key for our economic development, so government should formulate a proper plan to strengthen this sector.�

According to crusader against witch-hunting Birubala Rabha, Members of Parliament should work to ensure medical facilities in every nook and corner of the State. Only then superstition can be eliminated from society, she said.

Emphasising the need to accelerate the trial system on witch-hunting, she said, �There is a law against witch-hunting, but we lack a strong implementing process. Our different stakeholders should show more concern to eliminate the social disease. Our public representatives have lots of responsibilities in this regard. Government should also take steps to stop the illegal trade in liquor, which is seriously harming society.�

She further said, �In Assam, womenfolk still lag behind in terms of proper empowerment in various remote areas. Society will develop only if our new generation people become good citizens and a good citizen can be groomed by a well-empowered mother. MPs should concentrate on this issue.�

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