Under Sarma’s visionary leadership, Assam is scripting a new development narrative”: Minister Rai

way2barak January 27 : Assam is witnessing a decisive transformation driven by peace, transparency and inclusive development under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, asserted Minister for Food and Public Distribution, Consumer Affairs, Mines & Minerals and Barak Valley Development Department, Kaushik Rai, while addressing the 77th Republic Day celebrations at the Police Parade Ground here on Monday.

Extending warm greetings to the people on the occasion of Republic Day, the Minister paid glowing tributes to the freedom fighters, martyrs and architects of the Constitution, recalling the seminal contributions of Dr B R Ambedkar, Dr Rajendra Prasad, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi and Mahatma Gandhi. He said the Constitution, which came into force on January 26, 1950, laid the foundation of India’s robust democracy and continues to guide the nation’s journey of unity, justice and progress.

Highlighting the development trajectory of the State, Minister Rai said Assam’s current momentum is the result of decisive governance and a clear development vision spearheaded by Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma. “From restoring law and order to empowering youth, women and the marginalised, the Assam Government has ensured that development reaches the last person,” he said.

The Minister stated that sustained improvement in law and order has been a key enabler of growth, with overall crime rates and crimes against women showing a marked decline in recent years. Modernisation of the Assam Police, technology-driven crime prevention and coordinated border management have significantly strengthened public safety and public trust.

He also spoke at length about landmark reforms such as Mission Basundhara 3.0, which has resolved long-pending land issues through digital settlement, drone surveys and real-time monitoring, bringing transparency and relief to thousands of families across the State.

On healthcare, Minister Rai said Assam has witnessed unprecedented expansion in medical education and infrastructure, with government medical colleges increasing to 14, a significant rise in MBBS seats and the establishment of India’s largest three-tier cancer care network under the Assam Cancer Care Foundation. Schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, Ayushman Asom and Atal Amrit have ensured cashless treatment to millions, while free diagnostic services have benefitted over two crore patients.

Referring to education reforms, he said the State is reshaping its future through the establishment of new universities, government degree colleges, women’s colleges and law colleges. Free textbooks in nine languages, bicycles for students, uniforms up to Class VIII and focused interventions in tea garden areas have further strengthened equity and inclusion.

Focusing on the Barak Valley, the Minister highlighted that Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma has created a dedicated Barak Valley Development Department to accelerate region-specific growth. He outlined major initiatives including the installation of MRI machines at Silchar, Hailakandi and Sribhumi hospitals, construction of Barak Bhavans in Delhi and Kolkata, development of modern cultural infrastructure in tea garden areas, and rapid progress in education and healthcare projects.

He informed that the first Government Law College at Lakhipur is nearing completion, model degree colleges at Dholai and Lakhipur are progressing swiftly, multiple school buildings are under construction under NESIDS and RIDF, and six Tea Garden Model Schools in Cachar are almost ready to commence academic activities.

In the healthcare sector, the new 500-bed hospital building at Silchar Medical College is ready for inauguration, while a Rs 198-crore super-speciality hospital, critical care blocks, district hospitals and the second medical college at Sribhumi are being developed at a fast pace.

Major infrastructure projects including the proposed Barak Valley Secretariat, a state-of-the-art convention centre, expressways, flyovers, four-laning of highways and new bridges over the Barak River are poised to redefine connectivity and economic prospects of the region, the Minister said.

The Minister also urged citizens to actively participate in the development journey, emphasising unity, civic responsibility and collective effort to take Assam to greater heights.

Earlier in the morning, preceding the main ceremony, Minister Kaushik Rai, along with Silchar MLA Dipayan Chakraborty, District Commissioner Aayush Garg, IAS, and Senior Superintendent of Police Partha Protim Das, IPS, paid floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhi Bagh, Silchar. They also offered homage at the martyrs’ memorial, remembering the supreme sacrifices made for India’s freedom, unity and integrity.

As the Chief Guest of the main function, the Minister unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of an impressive march-past by contingents of the Assam Police, 6th APBn, CRPF, NCC cadets and school students, creating a stirring patriotic atmosphere.

The celebrations featured vibrant tableaux presented by various district departments, with the Social Welfare Department’s tableau winning the first prize for its depiction of empowerment and inclusion. Cultural performances showcasing traditional dances, music and a synchronised yoga display by students enthralled the audience.

The event was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Kanad Purkayastha, MLAs Dipayan Chakraborty and Nihar Ranjan Das, senior civil and police officials, public representatives and a large gathering of citizens.

The programme concluded with the distribution of prizes for the best parade contingents, tableaux and cultural performances. In a resonant finale, the gathering joined in a collective rendition of Vande Mataram on the occasion of the song’s 150th anniversary, reaffirming the spirit of unity in diversity and the enduring values of the Constitution.

This was stated in a press release issued by the Regional Office of Information & Public Relations, Barak Valley Zone, Silchar, Assam.