GUWAHATI: The Assam Government has granted initial approval for the commencement of a "Socio-Economic Assessment" process aimed at benefiting the state's five indigenous Muslim communities—Goria, Moria, Deshi, Syed, and Jolha.
The decision was taken during a meeting held at the Secretariat, presided over by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The meeting also saw the presence of the Minister for the Department of Minority Affairs, Chandra Mohan Patowary and senior state government officials.
CM Sarma directed the relevant authorities to take necessary steps to ensure that the forthcoming "Socio-Economic Assessment" can provide substantial data. This data will be utilised by the Assam Government to implement comprehensive initiatives for the socio-political, academic, and economic advancement of the five indigenous Muslim communities. It's noteworthy that the State Cabinet has already conferred "indigenous" status upon these five Muslim communities.
This recent decision to proceed with the "Socio-Economic Assessment" of the state's five indigenous Muslim communities is expected to accelerate their inclusive development in various areas such as healthcare, cultural preservation, education, financial inclusion, skill development, and women's empowerment, among others.
Upon assuming office as the Chief Minister of Assam, Sarma participated in an interactive session titled "Alaap-Alochana — Empowering the Religious Minorities." During this session, he engaged with intellectuals and prominent figures from the indigenous Muslim communities in the state.
Following this, the State government formed several sub-committees with representatives from these communities to address pressing issues and formulate mitigation measures. The sub-committees subsequently submitted reports to the state government, recommending a comprehensive "Socio-Economic Survey" covering the five indigenous Muslim communities.
