Chief Minister Sets Deadline for Welfare Scheme Rollout in Bodoland

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a deadline of August 15 for the completion of welfare schemes in the Bodoland Territorial Region, in preparation for the upcoming BTC elections. With the Model Code of Conduct expected to be implemented soon, Sarma emphasized the urgency of finalizing all initiatives. He highlighted significant infrastructure plans, including the construction of over 350 km of roads, while addressing challenges such as budget constraints and land classification issues. The review meetings included representatives from various political parties to ensure equitable distribution of benefits. The Chief Minister aims to complete the rollout of key welfare programs before the election period restrictions come into effect.
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Chief Minister Sets Deadline for Welfare Scheme Rollout in Bodoland

Welfare Initiatives Deadline Announced


Kokrajhar, July 7: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has established August 15 as the target date for the completion of all welfare initiatives in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), ahead of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections scheduled for September.


With the Model Code of Conduct anticipated to take effect by mid-August, the Chief Minister emphasized the necessity of finalizing all scheme-related activities prior to its implementation.


“Our goal is to finalize the execution of all schemes by August 15,” Sarma stated on Monday.


He made these comments following a comprehensive review meeting at the Kokrajhar Deputy Commissioner’s office, part of his ongoing assessment of welfare projects in BTC districts.


Recently, Sarma has toured Udalguri, Baksa, Tamulpur, and Kokrajhar, and plans to visit Chirang on July 9 to conclude the review process.


Notably, the Chief Minister mentioned that these review meetings included representatives from all political factions.


“We hold these reviews with all political parties present to ensure that the benefits of these schemes reach those in need without political bias,” he remarked.


Among his key announcements was a significant infrastructure initiative. Sarma disclosed that over 350 km of roads will be constructed in BTR this year under the Assam Mala project.


However, he acknowledged that financial limitations present a challenge in fulfilling the extensive demand for road construction.


“Everyone desires roads in their area, but due to our constrained budget, it’s not feasible. Poor roads exist everywhere — even Tamil Nadu, one of the richest states in India, faces similar issues,” Sarma noted.


He also pointed out a unique obstacle in road development within BTR — the classification of populated areas as forest land in government documentation.


“Frequently, what seems to be a village is officially recorded as forest land, which complicates road construction in BTR,” he explained.


The Chief Minister’s review sessions concentrated on five key welfare schemes, including Orunodoi, Mukhya Mantri Atmanirbhar Asom, and Eti Koli Duti Paat.


In Kokrajhar district alone, the number of Orunodoi beneficiaries has surged from 60,000 to 1.4 lakh, he reported.


“We’ve added around 80,000 new beneficiaries in Kokrajhar. The selection process is being conducted at the polling booth level to ensure the scheme reaches the appropriate individuals,” he added.


Under the Atmanirbhar Asom scheme, nearly 3,000 youths from Kokrajhar are set to receive financial support of Rs 2 lakh each, with the final beneficiary list nearing completion.


Sarma reiterated the objective of concluding the distribution of all welfare benefits before the election code limits government activities during the election period.


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