BARPETA, Nov 11 - Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale said that the Central Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to all-round development of the people under its declared principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikash, Sabka Biswas.
Addressing a public meeting held in connection with laying of the foundation stone of a road construction project here this afternoon, Athawale dwelt at length about the development and welfare schemes of the government.
He also lauded the role of the state government headed by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal for implementing innovative schemes for developing the state with the active backing of the Central Government.
Referring to the not-so-smooth relationship between India and Pakistan, Athawale said that the claim of the neighbouring country over Kashmir is totally unjustified and baseless, which has been a major bone of contention between the two nuclear-powered neighbours.
He stated that once the relationship takes a turn for the better, then the economy and commercial activity too will reach a new high. Talking to newsmen in this regard, Athawale said that the Indian government will undertake developmental activities in Pakistan if it hands over PoK to India.
The Minister laid the foundation stone of the Barpeta-Baghbar Road which is regarded as an important lifeline in Barpeta district.
During his speech, Athawale informed that the 27.5-km road is proposed to be built at an estimated cost of Rs 96.18 crore. It is expected to ease the surface connectivity problem of the people in the southern part of the district.
It may perhaps not be out of place to mention here that the Barpeta-Baghbar Road is a major means of surface communication in the district and connects the historic Baghbar Hill with the district headquarter.
Baghbar is a potential tourist spot having immense scenic beauty as well as historic significance. However, the dilapidated road for years together had given the local people a harrowing time.
Compelled by circumstances, the people often travelled along the road to Barpeta for official reasons or on medical emergencies. The people are therefore hopeful that construction of this road will help speedy development of this backward area and turn Baghbar into a tourist spot of significance.
