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District-wise resource use can ensure State�s holistic development: Sonowal

By Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Sept 20 - Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today said that all 33 districts of the State must be developed as per the resources available in each of those districts.

�When we focus on the available resources of the respective districts for preparing the budget and roadmap for development, then only we can achieve holistic development of the State. In this regard, SITA can help us by studying the resource status of the districts,� Chief Minister Sonowal said while chairing the governing body meeting of State Innovation and Transformation Aayog (SITA) here.

At the meeting, a discussion was held regarding the proposal submitted by SITA�s expert committee for revival of the Assam State Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development (ASCARD) Bank.

Stating that after demonetisation there has been an increased need for bank branches in remote areas to transfer government scheme benefits to the beneficiaries, Sonowal said that State government entities like ASCARD Bank must be revived after thorough consideration of their feasibility and outstanding liabilities.

The Digital India initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi must be implemented to bring in transparency and efficiency in cooperative banking systems and empowering the weaker section of society, he opined.

Reviewing the proposal of SITA to conduct a study on the Tocklai Tea Research Institute, the Chief Minister said that the research centre must aspire to become one of the best in the world providing cutting-edge solutions to the tea industry for increased production and quality maintenance.

He said that the tea sector must also incorporate best practices from around the world from tea producing countries like Sri Lanka and Kenya and incorporate those practices to break into newer markets for Assam tea and reclaim the glory of the tea industry here.

The Chief Minister also directed SITA to find ways to popularise cultivation and consumption of local seasonal fruit varieties for their high nutrient contents.

Referring to the Prime Minister�s vision to develop the North East as an organic hub, Sonowal urged SITA to conduct a study to develop the organic agricultural field in the State. The proposals for conducting a study on muga rearing, producing renewable energy and utilising bioengineering technologies to tackle riverbank erosion were also discussed during the meeting.

Water Resources Minister Keshab Mahanta, Vice Chairman of SITA Dipok Kumar Borthakur and other senior officials were also present at the meeting.

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