GUWAHATI, Oct 2 - Paying homage to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today announced that the State Government would launch a rural employment generation programme in the State worth Rs 50,000 crore.
Of the amount, Rs 1,600 crore will come from World Bank.
Addressing a function organised on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti by the Kamrup (Metro) district administration at the Circuit House here, the Chief Minister recalled the contributions of Gandhi in the country�s freedom struggle and in promoting peace and nonviolence as one of the greatest personalities of all time.
�Gandhiji�s ideals are even more relevant in today�s restive times, where peace is increasingly being threatened across the globe. Gandhian philosophy holds the key to put an end to strife and tension among communities,� he said.
The Chief Minister added that following of Gandhian philosophy was critical to the success of the Swachh Bharat mission launched by the Centre.
The Chief Minister said that as part of the State Government�s efforts to promote Gandhi�s ideals, it would erect statues of the great man at all district and subdivisional headquarters besides at block level.
�The Government will also incorporate lessons on Gandhi�s life and works in school textbooks for initiating young minds to the lofty ideals and philosophy of Gandhi,� he added.
The Chief Minister also recalled Gandhi�s visits to Assam, and said that he was instrumental in implanting in the minds of the people of Assam a yearning for freedom from British rule besides uniting the people cutting across the divides of caste and creed.
