Assam celebrates 2 years with special schemes

Guwahati, May 25: The Congress-led Assam government today marked its second anniversary in office with a slew of schemes, including announcement of a pay commission for the government employees, one lakh jobs for the youth and special thrust on education and health sectors.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, addressing a mass rally at Judges' Field here, announced the special schemes on behalf of the government, claiming that the state had marched forward ever since the Congress was voted to power in 2001 Assembly election and retained it in 2006 polls.

Stating that the state pay commission would be announced on June one next, Mr Gogoi announced hike of DA for both employees and pensioners from 91 per cent to 97 per cent and 10 per cent interim relief.

He said one lakh government jobs would be given to the unemployed youth of the state within next year, besides special thrust on implementation of all clauses of the Assam Accord of 1985.

He announced the increase in the Chief Minister's Vikas Yojana from Rs 500 crore to Rs 1000 crore for the next three years.

Dilapidated buildings of educational institutions would receive special funds and scholarships and monthly allowances to poor meritorious students would be increased manifold.

Health sector would be another thrust area, while women empowerment and child welfare would also get special attention, the chief minister said.

He also reiterated the government's committment to uplift the tribals and the tea tribes adding that, ''They have understood that the Congress is the only party genuinely concerned about their welfare and have returned to our fold.'' Earlier, Congress coalition partner Bodoland People's Front (BPF) leader Hagrama Mohilary, in his address, assured of continued support to the party.

He maintained that the smooth coordination and understanding between the two parties would bring them back to power in latter elections also.

Mr Gogoi's Cabinet colleagues, legislators, MPs, APCC chief Bhubaneswar Kalita, senior bureaucrats and officials were present on the occasion.

UNI