GUWAHATI, Oct. 24: The Assam government has taken strong measures against child marriage and is moving forward with a legislation to regulate polygamy in the state, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Friday.
Addressing women beneficiaries of a scheme at a public meeting held at the Police Parade Ground in Silchar, Sarma said a related bill would be introduced in the upcoming session of the Assam Legislative Assembly.
On the other hand, he claimed that owing to strict steps taken by the government in the past four and a half years, crimes against women in the state have significantly declined, from 1.5 lakh cases earlier to about 40,000 cases at present.
“We are striving to build a society where women feel safe, move forward confidently, and have the opportunity to establish themselves,” the chief minister asserted.
Barak Valley-Guwahati Road
In regard to improving connectivity between Barak Valley and Guwahati, the chief minister said a new road would be built at a cost of Rs 35,000 crore, which will bring about a major transformation in the region’s connectivity.
“The proposed Doloo Airport project is also likely to receive final approval within the current year”, he announced.
He further stated that the state government has taken up several major projects for the development of the Barak Valley region.
“To ease traffic congestion in Silchar town, a flyover will soon be constructed. Work on this project, costing around Rs 650 crore, will commence in December this year, and once completed, it will substantially help in decongesting the town.
He also announced the construction of a bridge at Madura Ghat at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore.
He further stated that to assist Barak Valley residents travelling to metro cities for medical treatment, the government will construct Barak Bhawans in New Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai.
