Medilytix Bureau : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that a 1,000 MW solar power project will be set up in Dima Hasao district and the Skill Development Centre will be able to provide skilled employees that would be required for running a project of such a huge magnitude.
Sarma on Wednesday formally inaugurated the Integrated Skill Development Centre at Ardha in the Diyungbra area of Dima Hasao district. The skill centre, built at a cost of Rs 36.60 crore, has been established under a special financial package that was agreed upon as per the accord between the Government of India, the Government of Assam and both the factions of the erstwhile militant group Dima Halim Daogah (DHD).
At a public meeting held in relation to the inauguration, the Chief Minister exuded confidence that the Integrated Skill Development Centre, built by the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region, would play a prominent role in imparting skill training to the youths of the hill district. The Chief Minister added that naming the skill development centre after Veer Sambudhan Phonglo is an appropriate tribute to the great freedom fighter.
The Chief Minister stated that under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has been making rapid strides on all fronts. Speaking of the Indian economy having surpassed the British economy to become the fifth largest economy in the world, the Chief Minister said that the economic growth of the country is opening up numerous opportunities for those with the requisite skills. The Chief Minister added that there is great demand for skilled people in the economy, and initiatives such as integrated skill development centres are aimed at ensuring the employable youths of Assam can reap the benefits the economy is offering, the Chief Minister added.
The Skill Development Centre will be able to provide skilled employees needed to run a project of this magnitude.He assured the residents of the district of the government’s seriousness in transforming Dima Hasao into one of the most progressive regions on all parameters.
The Chief Minister referred to the current state of general peace in the once-restive region and expressed satisfaction at different ethnic groups co-existing with one another in a brotherly environment. He attributed this to the coming into the mainstream of the Dimasa National Liberation Army in 2021.
Referring to the ongoing construction of the 120-Mw Lower Kapili Hydel Power Project, whose foundation stone was laid by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and the Bamboo Industrial Park at Manderdisa, the Chief Minister assured the residents of the district of the current dispensation’s seriousness in transforming Dima Hasao into one of the most developed regions in the State.
He further added that construction work for the 90-km long road connecting Haflong Tiniali with Lower Haflong will begin at the earliest, while the development of the road connecting Lanka with Umrangso is expected to be completed within a year. Referring to the immense tourism potential of Umrangso, the Chief Minister assured the residents of all the steps necessary to develop the road and other infrastructure in the area. Improvements in the infrastructure scenario in the area will be a huge boost to its tourism potential, the Chief Minister added. The Chief Minister also declared the government’s resolve to hold a Cabinet meeting in the hill district within the next seven months.
Referring to the massive appointments in the government sector in recent times, the Chief Minister expressed satisfaction at having many candidates from Dima Hasao getting selected purely on the basis of merit. Referring to the 5% quota for the Schedule Tribe (Hills) category in government vacancies, the Chief Minister stated that many vacant positions in that category are not being filled up due to a lack of applicants belonging to the said category. He appealed to all to raise awareness among the youths of Dima Hasao regarding the benefits available under the ST(Hills) category.