DHUBRI, Jan 3 � The Deputy Commissioner of Dhubri, Sunil Dutta visited Asharikandi terracotta craft village recently.
He interacted with the artisans of the craft village and listened to the problems plaguing the craftpersons. The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by Kanak Sarma, the Project Director of the DRDA, Dhubri.
The artisans and gaon panchayat officials along with the office-bearers of the NECARDO (North East Craft and Rural Development Organisation) received Dutta and others and organised an interaction session. In his address, the DC assured the artisans that their grievances and problems would be addressed. In this regard, he assured to take immediate action regarding the incomplete works such as construction of the STP bridge on the NH-31, Targhat to Asharikandi road, including approaches (repairing work 1.7 km at the cost of Rs 22.86 lakhs under annual plan in SCCP area 2008-09).
He also assured to follow up the necessary correspondence with the State Government regarding construction of the RCC bridge at the entry point to the craft village on a priority basis in the absence of which the economy of the traditional craft industry has been affected.
The DC also assured to take up the matter regarding the Government of India�s UNDP Rural Tourism Project at Asharikandi, which is yet to be completed due to non-receipt of final instalment from the Centre. The Deputy Commissioner expressed his concern over the role of the line departments and intended to hold meetings with the officials concerned to complete the ongoing incomplete schemes at the earliest. He suggested the PD of DRDA, Dhubri and the GP president to take up NREGA schemes to tackle the problems of the village.
Binoy Bhattacharjee, the director of NECARDO and coordinator of ATAPDC (Asharikandi Terracotta and Pottery Development Committee), a Government-notified committee, explained the ongoing schemes in the craft village, especially on the Centre�s UNDP Rural Tourism Project.
He sought cooperation from other departments for safe drinking water facility, sanitation, healthcare, rural connectivity, rural infrastructure, welfare schemes and rural electrification without which the project would not meet its objective of showcasing rural craft to tourists and improving rural lifestyle.
The gathering was also addressed by the PD of DRDA, Dhubri, master craftsman of national repute DN Paul, Abu Bakkar Siddique, GP president and others. The guests were felicitated with phulam gamochas by artisans Balaram Paul and Ram Dulal Paul.
