Guwahati, March 18: Chief minister Tarun Gogoi today used the discussion on budget to project Assam as a pioneer in certain education and welfare schemes in the country.
“I do not only wait for Delhi to launch something. We also take initiatives. In some instances Delhi is following us as in the case of launching the rural health practitioners’ course, setting up of model schools in each block, skill development centres at block and insurance for the poor. Which state has so many development councils to meet the aspirations of its diverse population?” Gogoi asked.
He was responding to the criticism of the budget proposals by the Opposition.
Earlier, during question hour, the Opposition staged a walkout dissatisfied with Dispur’s reply over price rise.
A relaxed and smiling Gogoi even admitted Opposition charges of tabling an election-oriented budget, but pointed out that his economics was different from that taught by the economists as his focus had always been on welfare human capital.
“You may say free mosquito nets or blankets are wastage but I say it helps prevent the poor from falling sick, adding to his efficiency and productivity. I have tried to help the poor, students, women and the unemployed. What will be the use of high growth rate if the human capital is neglected? Only a student and a poor man will understand the benefit of a computer or a blanket. For us everyday is an election. For you all it comes every five years,” he said.
After Gogoi’s reply, PWD minister Ajanta Neog tabled the Assam Public Works (Regulation of Road Development and Road Transport) Bill 2010, repealing the Assam Highways Act, 1988.
The bill envisages prevention/regulation of unauthorised encroachment upon PWD roads, prevention of haphazard construction and damage to road while leaving scope for expansion of roads depending on traffic flow. Those violating the provisions of the bill will be punished.
The minister for welfare of plains tribes and backward classes Pramila Rani Brahma tabled four separate bills envisaging autonomous councils for the Rabha Hasongs, Deoris, Sonowal Kacharis and the Thengal Kacharis as committed by Dispur.
