Did Welfare Schemes Fail to Reach the Underprivileged Before BJP's Governance?
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Synopsis
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized the opposition, asserting that welfare initiatives failed to aid the poor before BJP's governance. He emphasized the government's commitment to infrastructure development and highlighted successful welfare schemes that have provided significant relief to the underprivileged.
Key Takeaways
- Welfare schemes under BJP governance are aimed at poor and middle-class relief.
- Infrastructure projects include new schools and flyovers.
- Flood protection initiatives are underway to protect vulnerable areas.
Guwahati, Dec 1 (NationPress) Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma leveled accusations against the opposition on Monday, stating that before the BJP's governance, welfare schemes were ineffective in reaching the impoverished segments of society.
While participating in a government event in Hojai district, Sarma claimed that development initiatives in the state had stagnated prior to the current government's tenure, resulting in welfare programs not adequately benefiting the underprivileged.
He remarked, “Since the BJP took charge in Assam, initiatives like Orunodoi, Mukhyamantrir Mahila Udyomita Abhiyan, Nijut Moina, and the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana, as well as the distribution of essential items like pulses, sugar, and salt at subsidized rates through ration cards, have provided significant relief to both the poor and middle-class families.”
Additionally, the Chief Minister highlighted the government's commitment to enhancing infrastructure alongside welfare initiatives.
He noted that previously, schools received minimal funding for their development; however, new schools being constructed today will incur costs ranging from Rs. 6 to 8 crore each.
Sarma inaugurated a new railway overbridge in Jamunamukh, Hojai, which was built at an expense of approximately Rs. 83 crore. This overbridge spans 951 meters and features a 7.5-meter-wide motorable carriageway.
During his visit, the Chief Minister also virtually launched the Model High School at Balijuri Tea Estate and community halls and skill centers at Kandali, Dhantola, and Sagunbahi Tea Estates.
He further laid the foundation stones for new buildings at Barhampur Higher Secondary School and Jamunamukh Higher Secondary School, in addition to several flood protection and road connectivity projects managed by the Nagaon Water Resources Division.
These projects include work on the right bank of the Kopili River from Jamunamukh–Chikamari to Milonpur and from Jamunamukh to Patiapam, and also the left bank from Bakulguri to the Jamunamukh RCC bridge, as well as anti-erosion projects from Palsa to Pub Tetelisara.
At a public meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of the day for the Barhampur Legislative Assembly Constituency, noting that the new overbridge would facilitate seamless connectivity between Dabaka, Kampur, and Jamunamukh railway stations.
Regarding flood protection efforts, he pointed out that areas such as Kampur and Jamunamukh suffer yearly from floods caused by the Kopili River. The Water Resources Department has initiated projects worth approximately Rs. 80 crore to alleviate flooding in Barhampur and Jamunamukh, which, once concluded, will provide enduring relief to the residents.
Highlighting ongoing developmental projects in Barhampur, the Chief Minister stated that the newly constructed flyovers at Chaparmukh and Kampur have already been inaugurated, and road development along with stadium construction projects amounting to about Rs. 350 crore are advancing swiftly throughout the constituency.
Point of View
It is crucial to evaluate the claims made by Assam's CM regarding welfare schemes and their reach to the underprivileged. The development initiatives under the BJP's governance highlight the party's efforts to address long-standing issues in the state, yet an unbiased assessment is necessary to gauge the real impact on the lives of the citizens.
NationPress
01/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What welfare schemes has the Assam government implemented?
The Assam government has launched several welfare schemes such as Orunodoi, Mukhyamantrir Mahila Udyomita Abhiyan, Nijut Moina, and Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana, aimed at providing relief to the poor and middle class.
How is the Assam government improving infrastructure?
The government is investing in infrastructure by constructing new schools, flyovers, and flood protection projects, with significant funds allocated for these developments to enhance connectivity and educational facilities.
What measures are being taken for flood protection in Assam?
The Assam government has initiated projects worth around Rs. 80 crore to mitigate flooding issues in areas like Barhampur and Jamunamukh, aiming to provide lasting relief through the construction of embankments.
