On Saturday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized the labels ‘Gen Z’ and ‘Alpha,’ describing them as concepts rooted in European culture. He emphasized the need for Assam to develop its own distinct strategies for engaging with youth and fostering development in the region.
He also announced plans for a satellite city, eight additional sub-districts and another edition of Khel Maharan. The senior BJP leader outlined a series of government plans during the address, including an investment programme of around Rs 1.5 lakh crore over the next five years for roads, education, urban development, rural infrastructure and other sectors. Of this, he said, Rs 1 lakh crore was expected from the Centre and Rs 50,000 crore from the state. The government, he said, would also provide free treatment for 50 critical diseases affecting children.
The chief minister said the government would create a separate department focusing on skill development and empowerment of young people, with an emphasis on preparing them for employment and other opportunities. He also reiterated the government’s opposition to polygamy and said steps would be taken to safeguard the rights of first wives. In the case of government employees, he said half of an employee’s salary would be provided to the first wife if the employee abandoned her. The chief minister said the government was also working on a separate law covering non-government employees in similar situations.
“We are going to rehabilitate everyone. On land ownership, Sarma said people who had been residing for three generations in 40 revenue circles would be allowed to purchase land, describing the decision as a measure aimed at strengthening the land rights of indigenous communities. By September 10, we will have a clear picture of the losses of property,” he said.
Referring to the recent floods, he said the government would work towards rehabilitation and restoration in affected areas.
