GUWAHATI: Today, on 7th February, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi made his second visit this year to Assam, prior to the assembly polls.
The PM was in Assam to launch the ambitious 'Asom Mala' scheme - an ambitious road network project worth Rs. 7,700 crores and to lay the foundation stone of two medical colleges at Biswanath Chariali and Charaideo from Dhekiajuli.
Launching the 'Asom Mala' project, Modi said, "This initiative will boost the state’s road infrastructure and contribute to Assam’s economic progress and improve connectivity."
Speaking about the development of medical studies under the current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, Modi said, "Till 2016, Assam had only 6 medical colleges. In the last 5 years, we have begun work on the construction of 6 more medical colleges. Seeing the need in North and Upper Assam, foundation stones have been laid for 2 more medical colleges in Biswanath and Charaideo."
After the establishment of the upcoming medical colleges, Assam will be producing an additional 1600 doctors every year, said Modi.
He further added, "It is my dream to ensure that every state has at least one medical college and one technical college that teaches in the mother tongue. I promise to people of Assam that when we come to power after the election, we will establish a medical and technical college in local language."
The PM acknowledged the various developments undertaken under the various governmental schemes and also said that after the historic Bodo Agreement, the Bodo Territorial Council elections have written a new chapter of trust and development in the region.
Expressing his displeasure at people who are conspiring to defame India, Modi said, "People who are conspiring to defame India have stooped so low that they're not sparing even Indian tea... Some documents have come up revealing that some foreign powers are planning to attack India's identity associated with tea. Will you accept this attack?"
He praised the tea industry of the state and especially the 'laal chai' of Sonitpur. "I often compare the development and success of the tea workers with the overall development of Assam," he added.
He finally added that in the next 15 years, ‘Asom Mala’ will improve Assam's highways alongside the major district road networks, thus connecting villages to the cities.
