NEW DELHI, Dec 26 � Targeting the Opposition AGP and BJP, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Wednesday hinted at a slew of packages to woo the rural folks. The ambitious proposals include 30 per cent job reservation for rural folks and creation of Assam Rural Administrative Services.
The Chief Minister, who is heading a team of State officials, is attending the National Development Council (NDC) meeting on Thursday.
Addressing a press conference here this afternoon, a combative Gogoi took on the Opposition AGP and BJP, replying to a volley of questions ranging from update of National Register of Citizens (NRC) to resettlement of displaced persons in BTAD areas to the ensuing Panchayat polls.
Confirming that the State Government has received a note from the Register General of India, the Chief Minister said response would be filed soon. The RGI had last month sought clarifications from the State Government on the guidelines for update of the NRC.
�We have received a communication from the Home Ministry regarding the NRC. The idea is to simplify the forms, which we have done and submitted to the Centre for approval,� he said, adding, the State Government would clarify the points raised by the RGI.
The Chief Minister, meanwhile, said that the expert committee on scheduling of the six communities would be asked to visit Delhi and meet the RGI to ascertain the status of the application for grant of ST status to the six communities.
The representatives of the six communities last week met the RGI and were told that Assam Government has not filed any fresh evidence to establish its case. The Centre�s revelation has led to an uproar in the State.
When asked about RGI�s claim that it is yet to receive any fresh evidence, Gogoi said he was unaware about it as nobody has alerted him about the latest development.
Meanwhile, with an eye on the Panchayat polls, the Chief Minister said that the State Government proposes to reserve 30 per cent of government jobs for people in rural areas. A Bill in this regard is likely to be introduced next year. The plan is to ensure at least 15 years of service in rural areas, Gogoi added.
The State Government also proposes to create Assam Rural Administrative Services for recruitment in posts like the BDO, Gogoi said. �Generation of rural employment is going to be a thrust area,� the Chief Minister explained.
