How Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Visionary Leadership Transformed Northeast: A Tribute by CM Sarma

Guwahati, Dec. 25: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma celebrated the enduring legacy of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, attributing the Northeast’s current developmental progress to his visionary leadership. At a gathering marking Vajpayee’s 100th birth anniversary in Adabari, Sarma unveiled a statue honoring the Bharat Ratna awardee, highlighting Vajpayee’s transformative impact on the region.

Sarma credited Vajpayee with initiating the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), with Arun Shourie as its first Minister, which laid a foundational stone for addressing the Northeast’s developmental needs. During Vajpayee’s era, Assam’s annual budget was between Rs 20,000 to 25,000 crore, and other states like Meghalaya and Manipur had modest budgets. Responding to this disparity, Vajpayee mandated that 10% of the national budget be allocated to the Northeast, establishing a Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources to harness unspent funds for regional development.

Sarma highlighted Vajpayee’s significant contributions to peace and progress in Assam, notably through the signing of the Bodoland Accord in 2003, which led to the formation of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). This accord is hailed as a pivotal step towards achieving enduring peace and fostering regional growth.

Further, Vajpayee’s tenure saw infrastructural advancements, including the development of National Highways, the Maligaon flyover, and critical bridges like Bogibeel and Naranarayan. His leadership also facilitated the growth of educational institutions like Assam Medical College in Dibrugarh.

Importantly, Vajpayee recognized Assamese leader Gopinath Bordoloi with the Bharat Ratna and eased financial constraints by waiving Assam’s share for central funds, enabling critical funding for state panchayats.

Sarma celebrated Vajpayee’s comprehensive approach in addressing regional disparities and promoting peace, urging continued development along the paths he charted.

Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/assam/cm-sarma-credits-vajpayee-for-transforming-northeasts-development-landscape-1562302
Category : Assam,North East,Featured
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Publish Date: 2024-12-25 16:07:00