GUWAHATI, Jan 28: Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma today attended the 5th anniversary celebrations of the Bodo Peace Accord in Kokrajhar. Various programmes were held to mark the completion of five years since the accord was signed in New Delhi on Jan 27, 2020 between the Government of India, the Assam government and Bodo militant groups paving the way for return of peace to the Bodo heartland.
Chief Minister Dr Sarma, during his visit, inaugurated the newly constructed quarters for the Executive Members and Members of the BTC Legislative Council in Kokrajhar, built with an Infrastructure Development Grant of nearly Rs 100 crore in the scenic locale of Baukhungri.
Minister of Handloom, Textile and Sericulture etc. UG Brahma, Chief Executive Member of Bodoland Territorial Council Pramod Boro, Executive Members, Members of the Council Legislative Assembly, and other notable dignitaries, were present on the occasion.
Following this, in a decisive move to strengthen the higher education infrastructure in Kokrajhar, Dr Sarma laid the foundation stone for the administrative building of the forthcoming Kokrajhar University in Harinaguri.
Notably, the 80-bigha land has been meticulously planned through a comprehensive master plan, with the aim of transforming it into a distinguished centre of academic excellence, focusing on contemporary fields such as AI, machine learning, robotics, and more, heralding a new era of educational progress.
Originally founded in 1959 as Kokrajhar College, which later became Kokrajhar Government College and subsequently elevated to university status, this institution has, over the years, made an enduring and substantial impact on the educational landscape of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).
During the event, the Chief Minister outlined the state government’s substantial efforts to advance higher education in BTR. He stated that a full-time Vice-Chancellor would be appointed to the university by April of the current year.
Emphasizing the state’s unwavering commitment, he highlighted the provision of comprehensive educational resources to elevate the dignity of the BTR’s people and accelerate regional development through quality education.
He also stressed the importance of inspiring students to dedicate themselves to the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, which, he noted, would not only enhance educational progress in the BTR but also positively influence the state’s broader development. He further announced a financial allocation of Rs 50 crore for the university’s growth.
Chief Minister Dr Sarma also took part in a spiritual ceremony in Kokrajhar to mark Bathou Puja. He expressed his hope that the observance of this sacred ritual would strengthen the sense of peace, progress, and prosperity among the people of the BTR. On this auspicious occasion, he extended his heartfelt greetings to the people.
