Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for projects amounting to Rs 11,000 crores in Guwahati, Assam, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing sports and medical infrastructure, as well as connectivity.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the opportunity to inaugurate and initiate projects of substantial value. The projects, he mentioned, are poised to bolster Assam’s connectivity with the North Eastern states and neighboring countries in Southeast Asia. The initiatives aim to generate employment in the tourism sector, providing new avenues for sports enthusiasts in the state. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the positive impact on the medical education and healthcare sector resulting from these developmental endeavors.
Commending the people of Assam and the North Eastern region, Prime Minister Modi congratulated them on the transformative projects. He extended appreciation to Maa Kamakhya and the warm welcome from the citizens of Guwahati upon his arrival.
Focusing on the Maa Kamakhya Divya Lok Pariyojana, Prime Minister Modi described the foundation stone-laying as an auspicious moment. Once completed, the project will enhance accessibility for devotees, contributing to increased footfall. The Prime Minister praised the efforts of the state government and Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma in this regard.
Emphasizing the significance of Indian pilgrimage sites and temples, Prime Minister Modi underscored their representation of India’s rich civilization. He lamented the trend of neglecting cultural heritage in the post-independence era for political reasons, expressing relief that this has been rectified in the last decade. Prime Minister Modi stressed the importance of connecting historical and spiritual places in Assam with modern facilities to preserve them and expedite development. Notably, he highlighted the expansion of prominent educational institutes like IIT and IIM in the state.
The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to “Ease of Living,” emphasizing initiatives such as housing for the poor, tapped water connections, electricity, and cooking gas connections under Ujjwala Yojna, and construction of toilets under Swachh Bharat.
Commenting on the record influx of devotees at various pilgrimage sites across India, Prime Minister Modi cited examples like Kashi, Mahakal Lok in Ujjain, and Kedardham. He expressed confidence in witnessing a similar surge after the completion of Maa Kamakhya Divya Lok Pariyojana.
The Prime Minister highlighted the positive impact of tourism on livelihoods, particularly for rickshaw pullers, taxi drivers, hotel owners, and street vendors. He outlined the government’s focus on tourism in the budget and announced upcoming schemes for the development of places of historical significance.
Discussing the development in the North East, Prime Minister Modi credited the double-engine government at the central and state levels for all-around progress. He noted a fourfold increase in the region’s development expenditure, enhanced railway tracks, and the construction of national highways in the last decade.
Underlining the government’s focus on electricity supply, Prime Minister Modi announced the Rooftop Solar Scheme, aiming to reduce electricity bills to zero for one crore families. He affirmed the commitment to create three crore Lakhpati Didis, benefitting women from Assam and beyond.
The Prime Minister concluded by expressing faith in the government’s guarantee of development and peace. He highlighted the establishment of peace in previously disturbed areas, the resolution of border disputes, and the significant reduction in violence. The Prime Minister envisioned the North East developing as a trade hub, transforming into a vibrant and prosperous region akin to East Asia.
Governor of Assam, Gulab Chand Katarai, Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways and AYUSH, Sarbananda Sonowal, were among the dignitaries present at the event.