“Assam is not a land of difficulties and problems. We must change the perception of the state into a land of opportunity. Our youth must play a vital role in bringing about a change in the way Assam is perceived by outsiders,” said Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal, speaking at the India Today Mind Rocks programme held at a Guwahati hotel on April 29.
Urging the youth of the state to strive to realise their optimum potential and commit to the cause of the society, Sonowal said that removing corruption from the system is one of the prime objectives of the government. Citing an independent study, the chief minister said that corruption has been reduced from 30 per cent to 18 per cent in the governance and it is significant indication that government’s actions are bearing fruit.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also appreciated our government’s zero tolerance approach towards corruption by pointing out Assam as the example where a consistent and ruthless campaign against corrupt practices in governance has been carried out,” the chief minister added.
Stating that the youth of the state must shoulder the responsibility of focussing the inherent strengths of the state, Sonowal said that 21 per cent growth in revenue collection of the state government compared to previous year is a huge boost to the efforts of the government to bring about economic resurgence and sustainable development.
Saying that Assam is a land of potentialities, possibilities and prosperities, Sonowal said that the government has started programmes like “Discovery of Assam” to highlight the inherent strengths of the state and introduce outsiders to the beauty of Assam. He appealed to the youth to extend their cooperation in making this programme a grand success.
Referring to Namami Brahmaputra as the government’s effort to highlight the immense potential of the great river, Sonowal said that the dredging of Brahmaputra would boost the flood management activities and provide huge fillip to inland water transport by enabling cargo ships to ply on the river.
Sonowal also urged the youth to take up sports as a way of life and aspire for glory in the sporting arena. “The government is working towards making Guwahati the sports capital of the country,” he added.
The session ended with light hearted moments with the chief minister sharing his experience as the Union sports minister and giving insights into his daily fitness routine. On being requested, he also sang a few lines of a Bihu song to the loud cheers of a primarily young audience.
