Assam CA 4 July

1.

Nalbari district on July 3 witnessed a grand display of progress as Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated a series of development projects and laid the foundation stones for several others during his one-day visit. The event was marked by the Chief Minister’s attendance at the state’s first Jal Jeevan Sanmilan, emphasizing the connection between spirituality and karma and his affirmation that Assam now competes with the developed states of the country.

With a total investment of Rs 164.14 crore, the projects inaugurated and initiated are expected to redefine the district’s growth trajectory. At the outset, the Chief Minister unveiled the upgradation work of the 1.50 km stretch from Nalbari Ganesh Mandir to Hari Temple, now known as Gaurav Path. This crucial entry point to Nalbari town connects National Highway 31 to N T Road near Hari Temple.

Subsequently, CM Sarma laid the foundation stone of the Chilarai Bhawan at Barkusi Milanpur. This two-storey building, costing Rs 2.10 crore, will serve as the headquarters of the Nalbari District Koch Rajbongshi Sanmilan . The facility will house offices, guest houses, auditoriums, business shop rooms, and accommodation quarters.

In a momentous occasion, the Chief Minister inaugurated a two-lane flyover on Nalbari Dhamdhama Road, enhancing the region’s transportation infrastructure. The 467.24-meter-long bridge, constructed at a cost of Rs 54.29 crore, will significantly improve connectivity and alleviate traffic congestion.

Moreover, to bolster the transportation services for the people of Nalbari, CM Sarma launched a new citybus service under the Assam State Transport Corporation. This service, operating from Nalbari town to Nalbari Medical College, will cover various villages in the district. 

Continuing the development spree, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the permanent office building of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Nalbari District Committee, and laid the foundation stone for the permanent office of the East Nalbari Mandal Samiti.

The Chief Minister’s visit culminated with his presence at the state’s first Jal Jeevan Sanmilan, held at Government Gurdon Higher Secondary School ground. The event marked the launch of various projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission, benefitting villages, Water Consumer Committees, Jal Mitras, and village panchayats. CM Sarma inaugurated four 33/11 KV sub-stations, three roads spanning 7.60 km and six other projects.

During the event, the Chief Minister emphasized the significance of the Jal Jeevan Yojana in ensuring pure drinking water for every individual. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of providing 55 liters of water per family member by 2024. CM Sarma expressed confidence in achieving 100% success in implementing the scheme in Assam, emphasizing the state government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens.

Furthermore, CM Sarma underscored the need to connect spirituality with actions, stating that it imbues work with a deeper sense of purpose. He applauded the Prime Minister’s concept of ‘Vikas Tirthas’, which includes educational institutions, hospitals, flyovers, and more, urging individuals to visit these sites and foster a sense of camaraderie and inspiration.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the achievements of the state government, including providing pure drinking water to 35 lakh families within the stipulated time. He announced plans to issue ration cards to every below poverty line family, ensuring access to free rice and medical care up to Rs 5 lakh annually. The Orunodoi Scheme, aimed at empowering women, will extend benefits to 7 lakh new beneficiaries, while the state government will provide financial support and loans for self-employment opportunities.

In his closing remarks, the Chief Minister expressed his pride in Assam’s progress and its ability to compete with developed states in various aspects. He announced plans to establish eight new universities, further enriching the state’s education landscape. CM Sarma commended the rapid implementation of central government schemes like the Jal Jeevan Mission and Rashtriya Swasthya Abhiyan.

The event concluded with the Chief Minister providing necessary materials to Jal Mitras and introducing the ‘Jal Kosh’ QR scan system to enhance water quality monitoring under the Jal Jeevan Yojana.

2.

With the advent of the “Amrit Kal” era, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has delivered an impassioned call to action, urging the bright minds of IIT students to harness their potential and become the driving force behind technological advancement. Speaking at the the 25th Convocation of IIT Guwahati at Amingaon on July 4, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma inspired the budding engineers and innovators, emphasizing the critical role they play in shaping the future of Assam and beyond.

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his pride in the joint efforts between IIT Guwahati and the Government of Assam and unveiled an ambitious project, the Assam Advanced Health Innovation Institute, which aims to revolutionize medical science and multidisciplinary services.

The collaboration between the Assam government and IIT Guwahati goes beyond the realm of healthcare. They have also partnered in the fields of water resource management, disaster response and preparedness, agriculture, wildlife protection, heritage preservation, and the development of multiple technologies in the oil and natural gas sector. The collective efforts have also focused on capacity building of teachers and skill development, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits the state and its people.

3.

For the year 2022, the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital Cardiology Department outperformed all other centres with cardiac catheterization laboratory facilities (both private and public sector) in the State of Assam in terms of the volume of coronary angioplasty and stenting procedures performed.

This information was disclosed in the National Interventional Data provided yesterday, or on Saturday, during the National Interventional Council (NIC 2023), Cardiological Society of India’s ongoing mid-term meeting in Hyderabad. It was made possible by the incredibly diligent work of all the faculty members and the entire cardiology staff at CN Centre, GMCH. The National Interventional Council, Cardiological Society of India, uses the NIC register as the gold standard register for all cath interventions carried out in India. It aids cardiac hospitals and interventional cardiologists in evaluating and raising the standard of care they provide to patients.

4.

Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has asked private universities in the state to create a defined 10-year roadmap that fosters a focused vision for development of higher education.

This roadmap should encompass a diverse range of talent forms, including literature, singing, yoga, language, folklore, philosophy, vastu, sports, etc. By intertwining ancient Indian knowledge with contemporary Indian knowledge, these talent forms can be interconnected in a way that promotes the overall well-being and advancement of society

5.

Diganta Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre (DPRC) Award for the year 2023 was announced recently, recognizing individuals for their exceptional contributions in the field of journalism, art, culture and medicine.

Prasanta Jyoti Baruah, eminent journalist and the current executive editor of the Assam Tribune, has been honored with the DPRC Journalism Award. This accolade acknowledges his outstanding work and dedication to the field of journalism.

It is to be mentioned that the DPRC Kala-Sanskriti Puraskar was presented to two distinguished individuals. Hemanta Dutta, a renowned lyricist, and director, was recognized for his remarkable contributions to the art and culture of the state.

Additionally, Dr. Narayan Bordoloi, an esteemed optometrist and the founder of Chandraprabha Eye Hospital in Jorhat, received the award in recognition of his significant achievements in the field of medicine.

The DPRC, a premier institution offering top-notch physiotherapy and rehabilitation services in the North East, is celebrating its eleventh anniversary this year. Simultaneously, the Barpeta Centre will commemorate its fifth year since its establishment.

The awards, chosen by a select committee, will be presented during the DPRC Foundation Day function on Saturday, July 15, 2023. The event will take place at the District Library Auditorium in Barpeta. Alongside the award ceremony, the annual mouthpiece of DPRC, “Phoenix,” edited by Rituparna Das, will be unveiled.

To further enrich the celebration, various artists from Barpeta will showcase their talents. Performances will include the captivating Bhortal Nritya and Thio Naam.

Manoj Kumar Das, the recipient of the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar from Sangeet Natak Akademi, will showcase his expertise in Khol Badan. Additionally, acclaimed vocalist Pulak Banerjee will mesmerize the audience with his enchanting performance.

The DPRC Awards and the Foundation Day celebration promise to be a memorable events, acknowledging exceptional individuals and showcasing the vibrant culture and talent of the region.

6.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on July 4 inspected the ongoing construction of the Badminton stadium in Guwahati’s Amingaon and said that the same will be inaugurated on August 11.

Assam government has built this stadium in Amingaon and it will be operated by both the state government and the Badminton Association of India (BAI).

The indoor stadium of Amingaon has been set up as the largest badminton stadium in the country

A modern stadium will be built for the disabled in Chandrapur

7.

166 families from various minority communities residing in Kobu Chapori of North Assam’s Dhemaji district left after decades of settlement there, leaving behind a part of their families. 

166 families from various minority communities residing in Kobu Chapori of North Assam’s Dhemaji district left after decades of settlement there, leaving behind a part of their families. 

Poba Reserve forest 

Poba Reserve forest was created in the year 1924 and is one of the richest rain forests of Northeast India in terms of the flora and fauna found.

Towards the north of the Reserve Forest are the foothills of the Himalayan range in Arunachal Pradesh while it is flanked on its east and south by the confluence of Rivers Siang, Dibang and Lohit creating the mighty Brahmaputra and the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park. 

This Reserve Forest is considered to be an important elephant corridor linking the foothills of Arunachal Pradesh and Dibru Saikhowa National Park, covering the Kobo Chapori Reserve Forest. 

8.

The Charaideo Maidams near Sonari town in Upper Assam are India’s lone nomination for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list this year. The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has forwarded the dossier to the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. In this regard, a UNESCO team will be visiting the Charaideo Maidams in September-October this year. After the dossier was sent to the UNESCO headquarters, a team of the Directorate of Archaeology reached the Charaideo Maidams to monitor the beautification, exploration, conservation and preservation works. During excavation in one of the maidams, sources said that some bones and skulls were recovered. These bones and skulls have been preserved by the Directorate of Archaeology but details have not been divulged. The maidams constructed in the Ahom style, preserve the typically mummified mortal remains of the Ahom royalty and nobles. There are 90 maidams stretched over several bighas of land. In the next meeting of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee, the proposal for the inclusion of the Charaideo Maidams in the World Heritage list will probably be put up for consideration. This meeting is likely to be held in mid-2024.

9.

If anyone has any grievances regarding the delivery of notified public services within the stipulated time limit, they can now appeal before the Assam State Commission for Right to Public Services. The Assam Government has promulgated an ordinance to amend the Assam Right to Public Service Act, 2012. This ordinance, titled the Assam Right to Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, seeks to improve the public service delivery system. The Assam Right to Public Service Act, 2012 is an Act to provide for the delivery of 475 notified public services to the people of Assam within the stipulated time limit. The Assam Government wanted to amend this Act to further improve the delivery of public services in the State. As the Assam Legislative Assembly is not in session now, the government has issued the ordinance titled the Assam Right to Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023. This ordinance will have to be approved by the Legislative Assembly in its next session. A significant clause of this ordinance is the establishment of the Assam State Commission for Right to Public Services. If any person does not receive any of the notified public services within a stipulated time limit, he can appeal to the Commission for resolving the issue. The Commission shall comprise a Chief Commissioner and Commissioners (not less than two). The Chief Commissioner and the Commissioners shall be appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of a Committee consisting of the following members, namely– the Chief Minister, who shall be the Chairperson of the Committee; the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly; and a Cabinet Minister to be nominated by the Chief Minister. The Chief Commissioner of the Commission shall be appointed from amongst the retired officers of the State Government who had held a post not lower in rank than that of a Principal Secretary to the Government of Assam having a wide range of experience in the field of Public Administration.

10.

• Changing climatic conditions in Assam have disrupted the blooming cycle of the foxtail orchid, traditionally associated with the Assamese new year, causing premature flowering and wilting.
• Assam is identified as one of the most climate change-vulnerable regions in the Indian Himalayan region. Higher temperatures and lesser rainfall have already impacted the state’s water resources, agriculture, forests, and unique biodiversity, including its rich orchid population.
• Shifting climates have prompted some orchid species to migrate to higher altitudes. However, these changes may not favour epiphytic orchids that rely on specific tree hosts, raising concerns about their survival and potential loss.
• Orchid conservation in India faces additional challenges, including illegal trade, deforestation, and limited protection measures. Collaborative efforts involving local communities are essential for successful conservation.

11.

 The Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport has witnessed a 15 per cent rise in passenger footfall in June this year to almost five lakh travellers

Out of the total, nearly 2.95 lakh were departure passengers and the remaining were arrival travellers. It represented a total increase of 15 per cent compared to last year’s June

Out of the total, nearly 2.95 lakh were departure passengers and the remaining were arrival travellers. It represented a total increase of 15 per cent compared to last year’s June

The largest airport of the Northeast had handled a record footfall of nearly five lakh passengers in May this year too, indicating that air travel is resurging strongly after the pandemic period.