Guwahati: The maiden full-fledged budget session of the BJP-led coalition government in Assam on Monday got off to a noisy beginning with the Opposition Congress and the AIUDF joining hands to disrupt Governor’s address over failure of the state government to ensure good governance to all the communities.
Governor Banwarilal Purohit was forced to end abruptly his 88-page long speech in just seven minutes as the noisy members of the Congress and All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) created a din in the House protesting the governor’s statement over `good governance’ that formed part of his speech.
The AIUDF MLAs were the first to disrupt the Governor’s speech when they opposed the governor’s statement that the state government had been able to uphold the ideals of great men and saints of the state by facilitating ‘good governance’ for all.
Both the opposition AIUDF and Congress MLAs took to their feet and created a ruckus in the House vociferously alleging that the BJP-led government had failed miserably in ensuring good governance to all.
The Governor himself and Deputy Speaker Dilip Paul, who was in the Chair, tried to pacify the Opposition benches in vain.
The Governor’s speech was then drastically cut short and concluded in seven minutes as the Opposition continued creating a din in the House.
Purohit, in his speech, highlighted the achievements of the state government in various fields and the roadmap ahead for further development.
He affirmed the government’s commitment to implement the Assam Accord, mentioning especially of Clause 6 of the Accord, which promises constitutional safeguard for the indigenous people of the state.
The Governor reiterated the government’s commitment to completion of the on-going process of update of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state, informing that about 97% field verification of the over 68.2 lakh NRC applications received had been completed.
‘Complete sealing of Indo-Bangladesh border
a challenging task’
Assam Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Monday said that complete sealing of the Indo-Bangladesh border is a “challenging task”, although the government is working on to finish it within a definite time frame.
“Complete sealing of the Indo-Bangladesh border is a challenging task, given the vast expanses of riverine terrain in many sectors,” Purohit said in his address to Assam Assembly on the inaugural day of the Budget Session.
His speech, which was stopped after disruption by the opposition and was later considered to be read, talked about the government’s attempt in sealing the international border.
“It would be our endeavour to accomplish this task with the help of suitable technology within a definite timeframe. The Indo-Bangladesh border roads and bridges construction work is almost completed,” Purohit said.
However, there are some existing gaps and damage caused by erosions at certain places, which are being attended on priority, he added.
Also, the remaining border fencing works are targeted to be completed soon. The flood-lighting works have been completed, their electricity service connection works are likely to be completed within the next few months,” he said.
Talking about flood control measures, the Governor said the government has formulated a comprehensive plan for raising and strengthening of the Brahmaputra river embankment and it is currently under observation of the Central Water Commission.
Talking about infrastructure development, Purohit said a special initiative has been taken this year for repairing and reconstruction of the state road network at a cost of Rs 2,000 crore under Assam Road Maintenance Fund.
The Governor said the BJP-led state government is taking necessary initiatives for creating a favourable climate for promotion of entrepreneurship in Assam.
A business summit will be organised in Guwahati in November 2017.
