Assam Governor unveils BTR Vision Document, charting inclusive development path

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 31, 2024

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya formally unveiled the BTR Community Vision Document on Monday at the ITA Centre in Machkhowa, Guwahati. The launch, attended by prominent leaders, marks a significant step toward fostering inclusive socio-economic, cultural, and infrastructural development in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).

The Vision Document outlines a comprehensive roadmap for the socio-economic, cultural, and infrastructural development of the region. It aims to ensure inclusive growth, peace, and prosperity by focusing on various development initiatives.

The Vision document emphasized on promotion of agro-based industries and sustainable farming practices, establishment of industrial hubs to generate employment, boosting tourism by leveraging the natural and cultural heritage of BTR, education and skill development, upgrading educational institutions with modern facilities, promoting vocational and technical training programs for youth empowerment and ensuring access to quality education in remote and underserved areas.

The Vision document also gave special focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and services, including primary health centers and hospitals, addressing malnutrition and improving maternal and child health and empowering women and marginalized communities through targeted welfare schemes.

To improve infrastructure and connectivity of the BTR, the vision Document emphasized on enhancing road, rail, and digital connectivity within the region by developing sustainable urban and rural infrastructure and ensuring reliable electricity and water supply across all areas.

The Vision Document further emphasized on conservation of forests and biodiversity in the region by implementing climate-resilient agricultural and livelihood practices and promoting renewable energy initiatives.

It also speaks of preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Bodo community, supporting local artisans, craftspeople, and traditional art forms and organizing cultural festivals to foster unity and identity.

As regards to governance and peacebuilding process, the Vision Document talks of strengthening local governance and administrative efficiency, promoting harmony and resolving long-standing disputes and engaging community leaders and stakeholders in policy-making.

The Vision Document underscores the commitment of the BTR administration to align its goals with national development strategies while addressing the unique needs and aspirations of the region.

In his address, Governor Acharya lauded the initiative as a step toward peace and equal development in Bodoland, emphasizing the translation of the vision of Bodofa UN Brahma and Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma into reality. He highlighted the Bodoland Happiness Mission as an example of holistic development efforts, advocating for communal harmony as a foundation for sustainable growth.

BTC chief Pramod Boro reiterated the council’s commitment to inclusive development under the motto of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.” He credited the BTR Peace Accord for fostering peace and co-existence in a region once marred by violence and conflict.

The document reflects the aspirations of diverse communities within the BTR, including Bodo, Garo, Rabha, Hajong, Madahi Kachari, Koch Rajbongsi, Muslim, Adivasi, and several others, ensuring equality and justice for all.

The programme was attended by the Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly Biswajit Daimary, Speaker of BTLA Katiram Boro, Cabinet Ministers- Ashok Singhal,  UG Brahma, Atul Bora, Ranjit Daas and Ranuj Pegu,  MPs- Joyanta Basumatary and Dilip Saikia, noted journalist and social activist Padmashree Patricia Mukhim, Deputy Chief of BTC Gabinda Chandra Basumatary, president of the noted journalist and Chancellor of Nagaland University Samudra Gupta Kashyap, Vice Chancellor of Bodoland University Prof. BL Ahooja, ADGP (SB) Hiren Nath, noted journalist Wasbir Hussain, Executive editor of Assam Tribune P J Baruah and others. The programme was also attended by the community leaders of 26 communities living in BTR.

The BTR Community Vision Document charts a bold and inclusive roadmap for the region’s future, emphasizing unity, cultural preservation, and sustainable development. This ambitious initiative reflects a commitment to aligning local aspirations with national goals, paving the way for a prosperous and harmonious Bodoland.