35TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF ALL BODO STUDENTS' UNION

The 35th annual conference of All Bodo Students' Union (ABSU) was held at Maidangshri Nwgwr, Bonorgaon in Kokrajhar district with a colourful three-day programme from 14th to 16th February, 2003. The conference virtually turned into a victory ceremony as jubilation was expressed by the people in the aftermath of the signing of the BTC accord on 10th February, 2003. Shri Tarun Gogoi, Chief Minister, Assam ceremonially inaugurated the conference on February 14. Amidst an unprecedented big crowd, the Chief Minister said the signing of the Bodo accord is a big step towards peace and development. He said that the accord would not only fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the Bodos, but also ensure equal rights and opportunities to the non-Bodos. The Chief Minister also observed that the mammoth gathering on the occasion had beyond doubt proved that the Bodos have accepted BTC with their heart. The Chief Minister, thanking the BLT leaders for their initiative in finding out the amicable solution to the Bodo imbroglio, appealed to other insurgent outfits to eschew violence and join the mainstream of the society. On the occasion, the BLT leaders led by the Chairman Sri Hagrama Basumatary, were formally welcomed back to the mainstream by the Chief Minister and other Bodo leaders. The BLT chief, Hagrama Basumatary, addressing the august gathering thanked everybody including all the political parties of the state for the support to create the new Bodo politico-administrative setup. He asserted that all rights of non-Bodos including acquiring and selling of land, socio-political, economic, culture and religion etc. would be protected as enshrined in the Constitution of India. The other highlights of the programme on the first day was inauguration of the delegates camp by Dr Ashish K. Bhutani, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Kokrajhar, the exhibition-cum-book fair by the Principal Secretary of BAC, Sri J. S. Vasava. The second day's programme began with the flag hoisting of All Bodo Students' Union by Sri Rabiram Narzary, President, ABSU, followed by homage to the Bodo national martyrs. The advisor of All Assam Students Union, Dr. Samujjal Bhattacharya inaugurated the observance of the 30th foundation day of ABSU by unveiling a mega size ABSU emblem. The function was attended among others by the President of AJYCP, Sri Apurba Kr. Bhattacharjee and Shri Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, General Secretary of ATTSA. Sri Kamal Kr Brahma, ex-President of Bodo Sahitya Sabha inaugurated the souvenir of the conference titled "Elaisri Jahar". Dr. Bhumidhar Barman, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, who inaugurated the open session, said that the BTC accord assures rights and protection of non-Bodos equally as it safeguards the Bodos constitutionally. The BTC will bring peace and communal harmony among the people of the northern part of the Brahmaputra, the minister added. The chief guest of the open session Sri Ranjit Sekhar Mushahary, Director General of National Security Guard, speaking on the occasion hoped that everybody would work to create an atmosphere of peace and progress after a decade of chaotic and unpleasant atmosphere. He added that for the aim of the newly created self-administrative set-up of the Bodoland Territorial Council should be to become a role model in all respects. Sri S K Bwiswmuthiary, MP, Sri U G Brahma, MP and Sri Brojendra Kr Brahma, President of Bodo Sahitya Sabha spoke as appointed speakers. Also gracing the open session were leaders from different student organizations of the north-eastern states. Sri Rabiram Narzary, President of ABSU, chaired the function. The 35th Annual Conference of ABSU also witnessed representatives from countries like Thailand, Korea and Japan who participated in the exhibition. The conference was also marked by cultural rally, sports competition, career awareness camp, etc. One significant fact about the conference was that the ABSU adopted a resolution not to pursue their longstanding demand for a separate State.

UNDP SPONSORED NATIONAL LEVEL WORKSHOP ON MUGA & ERI SILK

A very successful workshop " On Development of Muga & Eri Silk" was organized by Roje Eshansali Cooperative Society, Salakati in collaboration with Central Silk Board and Directorate of Sericulture, Assam as part of UNDP sub-programme for the development of non-mulberry silks on February 17 and 18, 2003 at the Indoor Stadium at Kokrajhar. The National-level workshop was attended by experts from various fields like sericulture and handloom including professors form National Institute of Design (NID) and NIFT. The workshop had provided an opportunity to various beneficiaries, rearers, reelers, spinners and weavers working with Eri and Muga to share their experience and get further information and guidance form the experts and professionals who had come from various parts of the country. Among the various objectives of the workshop, the important one was the assessment of implementation of UNDP sub-programme, identifying constraints experienced by the beneficiaries working with Eri and Muga and evolving strategy for future planning for development of non-mulberry silks in the region. The function graced by Hon'ble Minister for Handloom & Textiles, Assam, Mrs. Hemo Prabha Saikia as Chief Guest, stressed on the importance of sericulture in providing jobs to the unemployed youths. Mr. S.K. Bwiswmuthiary, Member of Parliament who chaired the function also stressed the need for extending financial help to the beneficiaries by the various departments and agencies. Joint Secretary, CSB, Mr. J.V. Krishna Rao explained the objectives of the workshop. It is worth mentioning that Roje Eshansali Cooperative Society got the best field implementing agency award in the following categories :- Best Muga silk Supply Centre, Best Seed Rearer of Eri and Best Private Grainuer. The significant impact of the workshop was that the rearers got exposures to the techniques of systematic rearing. Similarly the spinners were given hands on experience on use of modern Eri spinning machine which can produce yarn many times more than the traditional hand spinning with better quality and consistent thickness of the yarn. Constraints in production of adequate quantity of yarn for meeting the requirement of weavers were identified. This included shortage of spinning and reeling machines which was decided to be met by procurement under various on-going schemes.

HAND PUMPS INSTALLED IN DATGIRI AREA

The monthly meeting of District Development Committee, Kokrajhar was held on 3rd February at D.C's conference hall with Shri P.K. Paul, A.D.C. in the chair. The meeting reviewed the progress of the developmental schemes including schemes under 20-Point programme. In the meeting, the Executive Engineer, P.H.E. Division- II informed that 9 Mark- III hand pump by rig machine (Odex system) have been installed at Hatisar Datgiri, along the Indo-Bhutan border, adjacent to Galegphu and commissioned for public use. The Chair emphasized the need for awareness in taking up community based rural water supply programme through Swajaldhara Scheme in the light of Govt of India's instruction. In this regard he instructed the concerned department to arrange to invite all the B.D.Os and G.P. Secretaries to mobilize and make them aware of the project and its formulation and implementation of the Swajaldhara schemes in the district. The meeting also urged the departments to submit the list of under-utilised staffs for re-deployment to other departments where there are shortage of staff for smooth implementation of projects or schemes.

30TH AAAA CHAMPIONSHIP

The 30th All Assam Amateur Athletic championship was held at Kokrajhar District Sports Association playground from January 28 to 31 last. A total of 724 athletes coming from all the districts of the State fought for the medals in the competition. In the four-day sports extravaganza, the Guwahati contingent excelled with a total of 59 medals including 29 golds to top the position. The host Kokrajhar took the second position with 23 golds and the highest number of overall medal tally of 60. Bajali obtained the 3rd position with 30 medals which included 14 golds. Amid much fanfare the event was ceremonially declared open by Assam Governor, Lt. Gen (Retd) S.K. Sinha on January 28. Sports and Youth Welfare Minister, Capt Robin Bordoloi, graced the function of the opening ceremony. Sri Subhas Basumatary, Director-in-Charge, SAI, Guwahati, released the souvenir brought out on the occasion.

REPUBLIC DAY AT KOKRAJHAR

Along with the rest of the country, the 54th Republic Day was also celebrated at Kokrajhar in a befitting manner. The daylong colourful programme began with prabhat ferry and patriotic songs organized by publicity department. The Republic Day function was centrally held at Govt H.S. & M.P. School play ground where sports and youth welfare minister Capt Robin Bordoloi unfurled the tricolour flag amid a huge public gathering. He also took salute of the ceremonial march past and reviewed the guard of honour. In his Republic Day speech the minister paid glowing tribute to the martyrs who made supreme sacrifice for independence. On the occasion the sports minister distributed the Mohini Mohan Brahma Memorial Social Service awards and also grants to schools amounting to Rs. 4 lakh, 45 thousand from the DPEP - II, Kokrajhar. Other programmes of the day included children sports, cultural demonstration, distribution of fruits among the inmates of District Jail and R.N.B. Civil Hospital, fancy cricket match, etc. In Gossaigaon, the National Flag was hoisted by the Revenue Minister Sri Mithias Tudu.

ROAD SAFETY WEEK

Along with the rest of the country the 14th Road Safety Week was also observed at Kokrajhar district from January 6 to 12 last. During the week-long programme organized by District Transport Officer, a meeting on road safety measure with President / Secretary of Bus /Truck association and citizens was held? Postering of banners in public places, distribution of hand bill, announcement of slogans for road safety measure through F.L.S. of Publicity department, road checking by District Transport Officer and staff of traffic police, etc. were done. Dr. A.K. Bhutani, D.C. flagged off the procession throughout the town to sensitise the public on road safety measures.

KOKRAJHAR DISTRICT TO BOOST LAND REVENUE COLLECTION

In a bid to boost revenue collection and also to help settle various land related anomalies on the spot, the Kokrajhar district administration has been holding rajah adalats weekly in different rural areas of the district. During the month of December last, the pragramme was held at Ranchaidham L.P. School covering a total of 12 villages. In the two Rajah adalats, mutation of 202B-3K -17L, partition of 200B-1K-13L while conversion of a total 105B -6K-12L were done. The total revenue collection in the two Rajah Adalats were to the tune of Rs. 59,281. Manjit Brahma, Asstt Settlement Officer and Pranjit Wary, Circle Officer Kokrajhar conducted the Rajah Adalats. The District Administration, Kokrajhar has distributed handbills besides holding meetings appealing to pay respective local and land revenues regularly. It also pleaded to the public to clear all outstanding revenue by February 28 next. If the appeal is not responded to, movable and immovable property would be confiscated and auctioned to collect the outstanding revenues as per existing law. It was asserted in the appeal that in addition to the existing procedure of revenue collection at Tahsil Office such camps as Rajah Adalats in different parts of the District are to be held from time to time to collect revenue, settle mutation and partition, make conversion, awarding land to deserving landless beneficiaries and settle other land related disputes. Dr. Ashis Kr. Bhutani, D.C. Kokrajhar called upon all to co-operate with the district administration in this regard.

CHILDREN FESTIVAL

Under the aegis of the Assam State Social Welfare Advisory Board, a children festival was held at Kokrajhar Pragati Bhawan recently. The daylong programme was started with flag hoisting. A children's art competition, extempore speech, dance, song competition and an exhibition were held on the day.