Assam CM announces Rs 1000 crore special package for SC community

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Sunday announced a special package of Rs 1,000 crore for the development of Scheduled Caste community in the state.

Announcing the special package at a public meeting held on the occasion of 60th death anniversary of B R Ambedkar, Gogoi said his government has all along given thrust on the development of SC and other communities.

"If the SC and other communities lag behind, then how can Assam march on the path of growth and development? With this in mind, we constituted the Development Councils so that the different communities can take part in the development process and reap the benefits," he said.

The chief minister also announced that an Institute of Social Justice will be set up in the name of Ambedkar and additional grants would be given to the SC Development Council.

Paying tribute to Ambedkar, Gogoi said he was a freedom fighter, a jurist, economist, politician and social reformer - all rolled into one.

"The principal architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr Ambedkar fought untiringly for the downtrodden, against social discrimination, injustice and oppression. He devoted his entire life to the cause of social justice, gender equality and promotion of education," he added.

Following the footsteps of Ambedkar, Gogoi said his government is giving emphasis to gender equality by empowering women through education and formation of Self Help Groups to bring about economic transformation.

Advocating for continuation of reservation for backward communities, Gogoi said he will oppose the decision of the Centre to review the policy of reservation on the ground that these communities are still trailing behind and need support to be on par with other advanced communities.