PM Modi distributes 'land pattas' to 1.06 lakh indigenous families of Assam

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GUWAHATI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, distributed land Patta( land allotment certificates) to 1.06 lakh indigenous families, in Upper Assam’s Sivasagar district.

Addressing the people, he said, that the BJP-led Assam government has removed a decades-long concern of the landless people of the state.

Opening his speech in Assamese, Modi extended his New Year and Bhogali Bihu greetings to the people of Assam, almost striking an emotional chord with the thousands that gathered at Jerenga Pothar in Sivaagar.

“Even after Independence, there have been lakhs of people (belonging to indigenous families) who have been deprived of land rights. In Assam, about six lakh people did not have legal rights to own land. Today, the Assam government has removed a major concern by securing the land rights of people. Land rights to indigenous people of Assam will guarantee their pride, freedom and protection,” he said.

He also talked about Assam’s progress over the past five years (under BJP), and also referred to the central schemes including the banking inclusion of all sections, the vast Adivasi population, through direct transfer benefit schemes.

“Speedy development of Assam is very important for us. The way to 'Atmanirbhar Assam' is through 'Atmavishwaas' (self-confidence) among the people here. As much as 40 per cent of the state's population is taking benefit of 'Ayushmaan Bharat' scheme of the Central government.

“Less than 50 per cent of households in Assam had access to electricity about five years back… now almost 100 per cent of households have electricity. Besides, in the last one and half years, water connections have been provided to more than 2.5 lakh households in Assam under the Water Life Mission,” he said.

He also touched upon the importance of the growing connectivity between the Northeast and the South East Asian countries.

He further said that the BJP government has resolved to protect Assam’s culture and language, and has chosen Sivasagar, as one of the five most iconic archaeological sites in India.

Modi lauded the Assam government's efforts in handling the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

He also stressed on the need to take precautions against COVID-19, and also urged the people to get two complete doses of the vaccination when their turn comes.

Modi visits the state ahead of the Assembly elections likely to be held in April.

(Edited by Gabriel G Momin)