Himanta Biswa to hold his 1st cabinet meet on Tuesday; decision on Covid management will be taken

May 10: The first cabinet meeting under the Chief Ministership of Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma will take place on 11 May. This was announced by the new Chief Minister himself during a press conference after the swearing in ceremony on Monday. Himanta Biswa Sarma while addressing the media stated that the 1st cabinet will give priority on three prime issues.

“During our 1st cabinet meeting, we will discuss the Covid situation of the state in details. Covid situation in Assam is quite alarming as daily cases have almost crossed the 5000 mark. We would take all measures whatever required to bring the Covid under control. Assam government would do its best. Tomorrow after the cabinet meet, I will let know the decisions taken,” said the Chief Minister.

“Assam will get a pro-active government which will remain functional round the clock, at midnight, at 5 AM and also at 2 PM. We all will work as a team. Even in case of Covid management, it is not only the new health minister (whosoever he will be) who will work for Covid management. But the Chief minister, the Health Minister, all 14 cabinet minister and all our MLA’s will work as a team in our fight against Covid-19,” said the new Chief Minister.

The 2nd issue that would come up for discussion as per Dr.Sarma is the assurances given by the party in its election manifesto like creation of 1 lakh jobs for the youths, enhance the financial grant under Orunodoi scheme, micro finance loan waiver etc. He informed that the issue of devising ways and means to ensure a flood free Assam will also be discussed.

Chief Minister Sarma also stated that his government is committed to carry forward the peace and prosperity which Assam has been striving for in the last 5 years. He appealed to the militant groups in general and ULFA in particular to come back to the mainstream giving up arms. He said, “I would request Mr Paresh Barua to come for open discussion giving up arms and help us in making a strong Assam.”

As regards the financial situation in the state, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “We have one of the best fiscal situation in the entire country. Assam is doing the best and will continue to do the best and there is absolutely no cause of concern as regards financial situation of Assam.” He also added that as of now, there is Rs.7000 crore in the state treasury. “The financial situation is good and we are confident of carrying forward all our developmental works,” quipped Dr. Sarma.

Replying to a query by a journalist on National Register of Citizens (NRC), Dr Sarma said, “As regards NRC, our stand is very clear. We have raised the demand of reverification of 20 percent of cases in the bordering districts of Assam’ whereas, for the rest of the districts, we want 10 percent reverification. If after this reverification, we find that the exercise is satisfactory, then we will proceed ahead. However, if we find that even after reverification, there are major anomalies in the NRC, then we would urge upon the Supreme Court to analyse the situation and give its directives on this issue.”

As regards the cut-off date for NRC (1951 or 1971), the Chief Minister said, “Let us now tackle the prevailing Covid situation in the state. As regards the baseline year of NRC, we will discuss this issue afterwards with the people of Assam and then finally decide on it based on the wishes of the people of the state.”

With blessings & grace of people of Assam, I took over as Chief Minister of the state today.

Taking Assam to greater heights of prosperity and making it as among the leading states, pursuing the ideals and values of Adarniya Pradhan Mantri Sri @narendramodi, is our pledge. pic.twitter.com/fhJERouAVL

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 10, 2021

On the issue of crime against women and protection of women, the new chief minister said, “I firmly assure that my government will stand besides the women of the state. No injustice against women will be tolerated. Out government will have a zero tolerance policy against criminals involved in crime against women.”

As regards the poll promise of taking action against Love Jihad and Land Jihad, Himanta said, “Every promises made in the election manifesto or during the polls are solemn for us and we are duty bound to fulfill all such assurances given by us to the people.”

As regards the roadmap of development of Assam for the next 5 years, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “Assam has already set its step in the track of development during the last 5 years. We have achieved much success in various sectors, such as, GDP growth, literacy rate, access to education, road network etc. Now we are moving ahead in great pace towards development. The 1st budget of my government will see the reflection of the various developmental works which this government will pursue in its truest stride.”