Assam: Gogoi welcomes package of PM

Guwahati, Aug 27: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Wednesday, Aug 27 welcomed the financial package announced by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh for improving the infrastructure and education sector in the state.

Addressing a press conference here, the Chief Minister termed the package as 'unprecedented' and assured the implementation of the package in right earnest within a definite time frame with public private partnership.

Under the package, the Prime Minister announced the constituion of a University in Assam, Centrally-sponsored Scheme for Model Schools in every block and construction of four new bridges over river Brahamputra.

''Four bridges will be constructed in Sadiya, Majuli, Numaligarh and Guwahati. Never before in the previous 60 years such major steps for infrastructure were taken up by any previous governments,'' the Chief Minister claimed.

Construction of the bridges is expected to be completed by 2013.

Besides, a centre of the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology and a National Institute of Design (NID) at Guwahati, on the pattern of the NID, Ahmedabad, will be set up.

The Centre will assist the Assam government in setting up a State Skill Development Mission to enhance employment opportunitieis and skill development for the youth.

Further, two Indian Reserve Battalions would be raised and deployed for riverine policing. The Centre will help to train them and also provide specialised equipment. The Border Security Force (BSF) will provide fixed Border Out Posts (BOPs) in riverine areas to strengthen riverine patrolling.

Besides sanctioning Rs 250 crore for flood control, the Centre will provide additional assistance of Rs 250 crore for the integrated development of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).

The Chief Minister informed that the Centre will also set up a Science City near Nagarbera. Together with the Planetarium, it will boost science education in Assam and the entire North East Region.

The Prime Minister visited Assam on Monday and Tuesday and announced the package after returning from Guwahati last night.

UNI