‘Assam taking steps towards all-round development’

GUWAHATI, March 4, 2013 PTI



The state government has taken measures for all-round economic development of Assam and its multi-pronged strategy against militant groups and peace overtures have led to signing of an MoS with both factions of the Dima Hasao Daogah, Governor J B Patnaik said on Monday.



Addressing the House on the opening day of its budget session, Mr. Patnaik said the Gross State Domestic product was rising with a steady upward trend during the last few years with increase in revenue generation in the field of sales tax, excise and royalty on mineral resources.



Stating the financial turnaround of the state during the last few years was significant with its condition being "healthy and stable", he said, "Our government has been able to create adequate fiscal space for undertaking many innovative schemes and projects for all round development of the state".



The per capita debt was Rs 9,355 as on March 31, 2012, being the fourth lowest in the country and lowest among the Special Category States, the Governor said.



With the government giving top most priority for economic uplift of small and marginal farmers, he said during 2012-13 the state is anticipated to achieve 7.5 per cent agricultural growth with the production of 55 lakh MT rice and 56 lakh MT food grains during the year.



On containing insurgency, Mr. Patnaik said, "the multi- pronged strategy adopted by my government under the Unified Command against active militant groups, peace overtures towards groups willing for negotiated settlement and rehabilitation of misguided youth have led to the signing of the Memorandum of Settlement with both factions of the DHD last year in New Delhi".



"This is expected to usher in a new proposal of decentralisation of power up to the village council level, giving equal opportunities to all communities," the Governor said.



Conveying his condolences to the families of those who dead in the recent spate of violence in the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council area during the panchayat elections, he said, "nevertheless, the violence was controlled and normalcy restored in the shortest possible time".



Continuing with his government's efforts for bringing development to the state, the Governor said special thrust was given on elimination of rural poverty by implementing various poverty alleviation programmes, importance to fishery sector and animal husbandry, besides providing relief and rehabilitation to the flood affected people.
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