GUWAHATI, Aug 16 - In his customary Independence Day speech, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi,�on Saturday, announced creation of five new districts, taking the total number of districts in the State to 32.
The five new districts in Biswanath, Charaideo, Hojai, South Salmara-Mankachar, West Karbi Anglong will be carved out of present Sonitpur, Sivasagar, Nagaon, Dhubri and Karbi Anglong districts respectively. ��Gogoi, during the State function organised at the Veterinary playground at Khanapara here on the country�s 69th Independence Day celebration yesterday, made the announcement saying, �With the view to bring the administration closer to the people, I am declaring the creation of five new districts�.
The Chief Minister in his speech highlighted the achievements of the Government during the last 14 years citing increase in gross State domestic produce, per capita income and cash deposit ratio as some of the indicators of development in the recent years.
�It is owing to this rapid economic development that insurgents have lost their last vestiges of public support that they created through fear rhetoric. There is a general realisation that violence provides no answer and that only engagement in the democratic process can enable diverse groups to fulfil their aspirations,� Gogoi said.
He also stated, �I am also determined to go the extra mile to redress their genuine and legitimate grievances to bring back peace in the larger interest of the State.� �
Gogoi, however, expressed concern on the fund flow from the Centre, saying that it was a matter of grave concern that the funds which flowed from the Centre for the planned development of the State have got significantly reduced last year.
�It is feared that the State might lose Rs 9,000 crores. This would adversely impact the growth and development of the State,� Gogoi opined. �
Gogoi also pressed for continuance of special category status for the State.
The Chief Minister also appealed to the Centre to complete the border fencing works expeditiously and guard the international border more effectively in order to stop illegal influx.
He also urged the Centre to speed up the process of setting up of North East Brahmaputra River Rejuvenation Authority at the earliest to bring a permanent solution to the flood and erosion problem of the State.
During his hour-long speech, Gogoi listed out achievements of his Government and the road map for the future in a number of sectors including health, education, agriculture, skill development, sports and tourism, among others.
Gogoi also welcomed the peace initiatives in Nagaland and the recent developments regarding the Naga Peace Accord, but said that it would have been helpful if the details of the accord were published.
�Not divulging the details have led to multiple apprehensions,� he pointed out.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inspected the guard of honour where members of the security forces, NCC groups and school students participated.
The State function was also attended by several hundred people, which includes a host of dignitaries.
