Noting that economic prosperity was crucial to root out insurgency, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has sought massive infusion of financial resources by the Centre into the state during the 12th Five Year Plan.
Demanding an attitudinal change in ensuring development of the state, Gogoi told National Development Council in New Delhi on Saturday that a “holistic approach” coupled with an effective implementation and monitoring mechanism was key to help the economy of the state grow on par with rest of the country.
Identifying lack of adequate connectivity in the entire North Eastern region as a major hurdle, he sought special emphasise on strengthening of road, rail and aerial network in Assam during the 12th Plan period.
“Twelth Plan has to lay due emphasis in improving the infrastructure in terms of road, railway and air connectivity both within the NE region and with other parts of the country,” he said, also demanding better resource allocation for maintenance of 2,848 kms of National Highways in Assam.
Gogoi said Guwahati airport should be developed as hub for aerial connectivity in the region.
Noting that although law and order situation has improved in the state remarkably, he said still the “perception” about the scenario has been influencing economic decisions such as flow of investment into the state.
He said ensuring connectivity to all parts of the state and building infrastructure were crucial for eliminating insurgency in the state.
Seeking a special agricultural policy for the North East as part of the 12th Plan, he said extending institutionalised support to the farmers was necessary to transform the rural economy of the state.
Gogoi also sought support from the Centre to expand irrigation facilities in Assam, saying a total 27 lakh hectares of agricultural land needs irrigation facility.
The Chief Minister also proposed to undertake a comprehensive human development survey in his state in consultation with the Planning Commission to arrive at a definitive figure of poor people in the state.
Highlighting the perennial problem of floods in the state, he said since 1954, Assam has lost approximately 4.25 lakh hectares of land due to erosion which is 7.4 percent of the gross geographical area of 17 riverine districts and sought assistance from the Centre to deal with the problem.
Saying that there was need for steps to speed up industrial growth, he also urged the Centre to grant a special industrial package for Assam in order to fuel economic growth.
“I urge the Central Government for a special industrial package for Assam in order to impart impetus to industrial growth and ensure a level playing field with rest of the country,” he said.
Gogoi said an estimated 20 lakh job seekers are currently registered with various employment exchanges of which 80 percent do not having any professional skills.
He said government has framed programmes to impart skill development training to the youths.
In this regard, he said government was keen to set up one ITI or skill development centre in all the 219 developmental blocks in the state.