GUWAHATI, March 1 � The Assam Government has formed a committee to examine and recommend ways and means for prevention of infiltration through the unprotected riverine areas in Assam-Bangladesh border, said the Governor JB Patnaik. He also said that there has been marked improvement in the law and order situation in the State with a number of militant outfits coming forward for talks.
Addressing the Budget Session of the State Assembly today, the Governor said that the Government is committed to speedy implementation of the Assam Accord and a Cabinet Sub-Committee is examining the issues relating to the updating of the National Register of Citizens and implementation of the Clause 6 of the Accord. For detection and deportation of foreigners, 36 Foreigners Tribunals are functioning in the State, while, the PWD has completed the Indo-Bangla border roads and fencing allotted to it except three bridges, which would be completed soon. The Government is also pursuing with the Central agencies for early completion of the border fencing and roads as well as installation of flood lights, he added.
The matter of D Voters is a matter of concern as subsequently, a large number of such voters were found to be genuine Indian citizens. Steps will be taken to ensure that the D Voters, who are genuine Indian citizens, are allowed to exercise their franchise, the Governor added.
Asserting that there have been significant improvement of the law and order situation, Patnaik hoped that the Paresh Baruah led anti-talk faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) would also come forward for talks by shunning the path of violence. He said that the multi-pronged strategy adopted by the Government to deal with militancy paid rich dividends as a number of militant outfits have come forward for talks.
The Governor said that the Government has taken various steps for modernizing the state police force , while, a crime and criminal tracking network system project is being taken up to integrate the entire criminal investigation system from the registration of cases to the completion of investigation.
On the development front, Patnaik said, "the Government is aware that even the best intentions would not be sufficient to bring about development and good governance unless delivery mechanism is strengthened. The Government has decided to create an Assam Rural Service to serve the rural areas of the state in a better way."
The Governor announced that a Legislative Council would be set up in the State and steps would be taken to bring in more accountability in administration. He said that the Government would also encourage social audit of different Government schemes.
Patnaik said that there have been significant improvement of the financial resources of the State and substantial resources have been generated by enlarging the tax base and improving tax compliance.
