GOALPARA, Feb 19 � The Garo National Council (GNC), Puthimari regional unit organised a programme at Puthimari near here on Tuesday to celebrate the announcement of a separate Garo Development Council (GDC) by the government in the recent Assembly session for the development of the Garo community residing in the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) areas.
Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Deputy Commissioner Preetom Saikia said that the district administration is keen on working with the people for their development by putting people first and based on the foundation of allround development, successes in the field education, health and agriculture will pave the way for a better socioeconomic future of the Garo people. He also informed that the government has made separate budgetary provisions for the GDC and stressed on the concept of greater society and urged the gathering to form strong bonds with other communities in the area to live in peace and harmony.
Saikia further assured the people that the Puthimari ME School, which was damaged by miscreants during the RHAC elections, will be repaired soon.
Guest of honour Shiv Charan Basumatary, MLA, Dudhnoi in his speech highlighted the development works carried out by his government and stressed the need for peace and hard work. He said the development council will create more economic opportunities for the people and emphasised on improving connectivity and promoting infrastructure in the area. He said the Krishnai-Puthimari road will be taken up shortly for its improvement.
Another speaker AK Rashid, vice president of the DCC thanked the government for announcing a separate council with budgetary provisions. He said it will go a long way to look after the development aspects and to fulfil the long-standing grievances of the Garo people.
Arbitson Momin, president, GNC in his presidential address highlighted the importance of the programme and also laid stress on the need for having a separate council to look after the affairs and to bring out the full potential of the Garo people. He also thanked the State Government for fulfilling their long standing demands, as also the people for their cooperation and support for raising their demands through democratic means.
Many others also spoke on the occasion. Earlier, a colourful traditional welcome was given to all the guests who were escorted to the programme venue by a Garo dance troupe giving a taste of traditional ambience to the entire surrounding.
