Assam Celebrates R-Day, CM Outlines New Schemes

Guwahati, Jan 26 (IANS) The 66th Republic Day was celebrated across Assam Monday with enthusiasm, with people ignoring threats from militants.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi unfurled the tricolour at a function at the Khanapara veterinary college here.

Governor (additional charge) P.B. Acharya was not able to attend the function. However, in his message on the occasion, he expressed concern over the killings of rhinos and said: "The year 2014 has not been a good year for our state's symbol, the one-horned rhinoceros. The preservation and proliferation of rhinos is our collective responsibility and we must shoulder it with sincerity."

The Assam Police and other agencies have beefed up security across the state to deal with any untoward incident.

There had been warnings that the United Liberation Front of Asom and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland militants might try to disrupt the celebrations and carry out subversive activities in the run up to the Republic Day in the state.

Gogoi, reiterating the government's tough stand on militancy, urged the militants to shun violence and join the mainstream.

Referring to the violence in Kokrajhar, Sonitpur and Chirang districts, Gogoi said: "Violence will not solve any problem. Our government is committed to take action against terrorists. Our door for talks is opened. Militants must shun violence and come for talks."

He said the state government would provide free healthcare to the people Below Poverty Line (BPL).

"The government is planning to launch a new scheme to ensure free medical treatment to those below the BPL and ensure no children are deprived of medical treatment," he said.

"Skill development and employment generation are the two priority sectors for the government," he said.

Gogoi also said that the state government will implement a new sanitation scheme.

He said the state government has decided to give Rs.5,000 to mothers who give birth to a girl.

"We have a scheme to grant Rs.5,000 in the form of fixed deposit for each girl child. We have decided to grant the same amount to those mothers who give birth to girls," he said.

Gogoi also expressed concern over the killings of rhinos in the state, saying "One-horned rhinoceros are being killed in the state and it is a matter of great concern."

"However, we have seen that the number of rhinos is increasing in Assam, which is a good sign. We have taken steps to stop the poaching of rhinos. A task force has also been constituted to look into the matter," he said.