JORHAT, July 14 - Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal yesterday laid the foundation stone of the State�s first cultural university at Majuli island.
The construction of the varsity is likely to cost Rs 300 crore.
A district administration source said that speaking at the function organised on the occasion at the mini stadium in Majuli, Sonowal said a society becomes disciplined only when its members have a cultured mind.
He hoped that the cultural university will be able to pave way to study the colourful cultural heritage of Assam in a systematic way.
The Chief Minister also announced that soon an initiative will be taken up by the government to support artistes involved in the traditional art of making boats, the source stated.
He said that the State government has already released an amount of Rs 4.5 crore to make Majuli a model organic hub.
Sonowal said that the farmers of the island should engage themselves in organic cultivation for contributing in shaping a healthy future generation and Majuli can lead the way in this organic revolution in the State, the source further said.
Stating that in the last two years, projects worth Rs 1,000 crore have been launched in Majuli, Sonowal urged the people of the Brahmaputra island to keep a strict watch over the implementation of government schemes, the source said.
He also said that the government is committed to make Majuli a leading tourist destination.
The Chief Minister also distributed tractors to 10 farmers� groups at the programme under Chief Minister Samagra Gramya Unnayan Yojna.
He also presented recognition cards issued by Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Assam to 15 journalists of the district and felicitated artistes engaged in the art of boat making at Salmara area.
Sonowal also felicitated the crew and owner of the ferry boat Jalpari for saving five people from drowning in the Brahmaputra last week.
