Asom legislators get laptops

Guwahati, Dec 15 (UNI) Asom legislators were presented with a laptop computer each today on the concluding day of the Winter Session of the state Assembly. Desktop computers will also follow soon, the leaders were promised.

All the 126 MLAs of the state were presented with the laptop computers at the Assembly central hall, with Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi leading the ''presentation ceremony''.

Not to be left behind, the Speaker announced that the Assembly would also provide desktop computers to its members soon.

For once, the Opposition appreciated the government's initiative, stating that the laptop computers would help the legislators serve the people better.

The present government's love affair with computers dates back to its last tenure when it had announced last year desktop computers for all placed in first division in matriculation examination.

Much hue and cry was raised by the Opposition then, claiming that the act was a political gimmick, aimed at the Assembly polls in 2006. It also questioned such a heavy burden on the exchequer, which was already cash starved.

The government had went forward with its announcement and computers were presented to the hundreds of students who had attained over 60 per cent marks in the high school examinations last year.

Chief Minister Gogoi's fascination with technology, particularly Information Technology, was also spotted in his budget speech earlier this year.

He had announced special initiatives for development of the IT sector in the state, which he, pointed out, could transverse the geographical isolation of the state.

The state government had accorded state guest status to IT magnate Narayana Murthy, when he came calling a few months back.

The state cabinet also has an IT portfolio, with Himanta Biswa Sharma, a powerful member of the Gogoi cabinet, in-charge of the ministry.

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