GUWAHATI, Nov 7 - Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today thanked the people of Assam, all government staff and officers, his ministerial colleagues and all others for extending cooperation for the Government to steer the State to be able to bag the best Infrastructure Development State Award.
In a statement on Saturday, Gogoi said that because of the unstinted support of the people of Assam, the State has got recognition at the national level. He, moreover, said, �In spite of all problems afflicting the State like insurgency, infiltration, flood and erosion, conflict of interests of different groups, Assam has been able to top the rank in Infrastructure Development Category which itself is an encouraging sign.�
Besides, in composite development the State has moved from 19th in 2014 to 7th in 2015, in agriculture from 17th to 9th, in education from 17th to 7th, in health from 13th to 12th, in investment from 11th to 6th and in macro economy Assam has progressed from 19th to occupy 4th rank in 2015.
Gogoi also said that the tempo of this development should go on to register higher growth trajectory in the State and accelerate the pace of development on all fronts.
Recounting dissidence, Gogoi said dissident activities led by the former minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sharma also hampered the pace of development in the State. Besides, the retrogressive steps taken by the Centre like withdrawal of Special Category Status, suspension of North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy, slashing of funds of the Centrally-sponsored schemes have also affected growth trajectory of the State.
Chief Minister Gogoi said, �If the much hyped rhetoric of Modi�s �Team India� has to succeed, the States of Indian federalism need to be strengthened by releasing their dues.�
It may be noted that Assam was adjudged the best Infrastructure Development State in the big State category in the 13th State of the States Conclave by India Today group held in New Delhi on Friday.
