Assam Govt. transfer 39 departments to BTC 

By: Lonie Brahma Choudhury 

Kokrajhar (Assam), Oct16: In pursuance to the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) reached between the state government, Govt of India and Bodo Liberation Tiger (BLT) on Feb 10, 2003 the state government has transferred 39 powers (excluding relief and rehabilitation, which will be notified separately) to the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) at a function held at Kokrajhar Diatrict Sports’ Association (KDSA) indoor stadium on Saturday. 

The State P& RD Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma read out the text of the office memorandum handing over the powers to BTC. Rokybul Hussain, state home minister was also attended the occasion.  

The Chief Minister also announced the release of Rs.27 crore as the first installment of the amount of Rs.87 crore for the financial year 2004-05. The rest will be released in second installment, he declared. 

Earlier, the CM laid the foundation stone of Chirag district DC office, SP office and Circuit House at the district headquarter town of Kajalgaon before moving to Kokrajhar where he laid the foundation stone of the second fly over to be built at the eastern side of the township. He also called for a joint meeting of the officers of govt of Assam at Kokrajhar District Sports Association (KDSA) before the Open Session.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest in the Open Session at Kokrajhar Govt. MS & MP school ground, the chief minister said the state government has transferred 39 powers to BTC, who will work for development of Council in all respect including health, education etc.  

‘Today the power is with Hagrama (referring to BTC chief), Chandan (BTC deputy chief) and others EMs of BTC and I am happy to transfer to them, he said and assured every help for its success and development.

On the insurgency, the chief minister said no problem can be solved without negotiation. He said the insurgency problem has led the state of Assam more backward. ‘The insurgency has claimed more than 5000 innocent lives who are our own brothers and sisters. He however claimed of peace in state saying, ‘Today peace has returned to the state except for few stray incidents’. 

‘In the North East the insurgency started in Nagaland but both the NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) has realized the importance of peace and came forward for negotiation. Same with Mizoram where peace has returned. And today the BLT, one of the most powerful groups has understood it and joined mainstream and I thank BLT for that, he said adding ‘It good sign that the other group NDFB have come forward for peace process. I want end of killing all people both civilian and militants. I am waiting for the day and I am optimist that we don’t have to wait for long. I would be happy when Armed Force Special Power Act will be totally lifted from the state’.   

Rajya Sabha MP UG Brahma said now that the powers lies with BTC, it will be responsible for every right and wrong work and should keep the hopes and inspiration of the people and the state govt who are the guardians must see and keep eye in very development and the money spend and urged for a coordinated effort to make the BTC a success.