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Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Highlights 300% Surge in Northeast Budget for 2023-24

December 6, 2024, 4:24 pm

In a significant announcement, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, revealed that the Northeast region has experienced a remarkable increase of over 300 percent in its budget outlay since 2014. The budget for the region has surged to Rs 94,680 crore for the fiscal year 2023-24, up from Rs 36,108 crore nearly a decade ago.

Infrastructure Expansion and Development

Sonowal highlighted the impressive growth in infrastructure, noting a 28 percent increase in the expansion of National Highways (NHs). The number of NHs in the region has risen from 80 in 2014 to 103 by 2023. Additionally, the outlay for infrastructure development schemes has seen a staggering 26-fold increase, jumping from a mere Rs 94 crore to Rs 2,491 crore.

The railway sector has also witnessed significant advancements, with over 193 km of rail lines being commissioned annually. The railway budget for the Northeast has increased by 370 percent, and the region has achieved 100 percent electrification of broad gauge lines.

Aviation and Education Growth

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Northeast now boasts 17 operational airports, leading to a 113 percent increase in weekly flights. The region has also seen a healthy growth of 39 percent in the number of universities, contributing to enhanced educational opportunities.

In an effort to promote sustainable practices, more than 1.55 lakh hectares of land have been allocated for organic farming. Ongoing road projects span over 4,016 km, and 4G connectivity has reached nearly all areas of the Northeast, improving communication and access.

Sonowal emphasized the government’s commitment to rejuvenating inland waterways as an economical and ecologically friendly mode of transportation. The Northeast, with its extensive riverine systems, stands as a success story in this initiative, showcasing the potential of inland waterways for enhancing regional connectivity.

The Union Minister’s remarks underscore the transformative changes taking place in the Northeast, driven by substantial investments and a focus on infrastructure development under the current government.

“Congress Stands For Corruption, Communalism, And Conflict”: Sarbananda Sonowal’s Fiery Attack

November 11, 2024, 4:38 am

While campaigning for BJP candidate Diganta Ghatowal in the Behali Assembly bye-election, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal accused the Congress of being synonymous with “communalism, corruption, and conflict.” He claimed the party’s past governance was marked by divisive tactics for political gain.

BJP’s Vision of Nation-Building

Sonowal contrasted Congress’s alleged misdeeds with the BJP-led NDA government’s focus on nation-building. He emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the guiding principle of “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas.”

Development and Progress Under NDA

Highlighting the strides made under Modi’s leadership, Sonowal noted a significant transformation in Assam and the Northeast. “The NDA government champions progress, equity, and dignity for every Indian,” he said, adding that BJP’s governance has empowered communities and uplifted lives across the nation.

Call to Action for Voters

Urging voters to reject Congress, Sonowal said, “When you vote, choose nation-building over corruption, communalism, and conflict. The future of India depends on the choices we make today.”

Support from Party Leaders

Sonowal’s campaign was bolstered by the presence of senior Assam ministers and BJP leaders, including Sanjay Kishan, Piyush Hazarika, and Union Minister of State Pabitra Margherita, among others.

Conclusion

As the Behali bye-election draws near, BJP aims to consolidate its position, promoting a development-focused agenda while highlighting the flaws of past Congress regimes.

Modi 3.0: North East India Secures Three Ministerial Berths, Two Elevated To Cabinet Rank

June 10, 2024, 10:31 am

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has retained Kiren Rijiju, Member of Parliament from Arunachal Pradesh, and Sarbananda Sonowal, representing the Dibrugarh constituency in Assam, in his cabinet while welcoming a new face, Rajya Sabha MP from Assam, Pabitra Margherita, as a Minister of State. Although their portfolios are yet to be announced, their inclusion reflects a strategic balance of experience and regional representation from North East India.

Kiren Rijiju: A Steadfast Figure from Arunachal Pradesh

Kiren Rijiju, born on November 19, 1971, has been a significant presence in Indian politics, serving as the Cabinet Minister for Earth Sciences and Food Processing Industries since 2023 and 2024. Additionally, he is the Lok Sabha MP from Arunachal West, a position he has held since 2014, with previous tenures from 2004 to 2009. Rijiju’s political journey is marked by diverse roles, including Minister of State for Home Affairs (2014-2019), Minister of State for Minority Affairs (2019-2021), and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Sports and Youth Affairs (2019-2021). He also served as the Law Minister from 2021 to 2023.

Sarbananda Sonowal: A Leader of Assam’s Aspirations

Sarbananda Sonowal, born on October 31, 1962, has been retained in the cabinet, symbolizing the continued representation of Assam’s interests at the highest level of governance. He currently serves as the Cabinet Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, and AYUSH in the Government of India. Sonowal’s political journey includes serving as the 14th Chief Minister of Assam from 2016 to 2021 and holding various ministerial portfolios at the state and central levels. He has been a member of the Rajya Sabha since 2021 and previously served as a Member of Parliament from the Lok Sabha.

Pabitra Margherita: A New Entrant with Rajya Sabha Credentials

Pabitra Margherita, the new face in the cabinet, brings representation from the Rajya Sabha, adding depth to the government’s legislative prowess. While his portfolio is yet to be unveiled, his inclusion underscores the government’s commitment to regional inclusivity and parliamentary diversity.

Prime Minister Modi’s decision to retain seasoned leaders like Rijiju and Sonowal while welcoming new talent like Margherita signals a strategic blend of experience and fresh perspectives in driving the nation’s development agenda forward in North East India.

As the portfolios of the newly inducted ministers are awaited, their induction into the cabinet sets the stage for robust governance and focused leadership in addressing the diverse challenges facing the nation.

India Plans To Replicate Chabahar Port Model In Key Locations – Here’s Why

May 17, 2024, 10:40 am

India is committed to strengthening its maritime presence and improving trade connectivity by exploring opportunities to develop ports in strategically important locations, according to Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The country plans to emulate the successful model of Iran’s Chabahar port, initially proposed during former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure, and apply similar principles to other ports in the region.

The government’s strategy focuses on identifying ports with economic potential and investing in their infrastructure modernization. Sonowal stated, “India aims to replicate the Chabahar model in other strategic locations by adhering to similar principles such as identifying ports in regions that offer economic advantages, investing in the modernisation and development of port infrastructure,” in an interview with ET’s Twesh Mishra.

The Chabahar port project is seen as India’s strategic counter to China’s Gwadar port in Pakistan, part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). A recent 10-year agreement between India and Iran allows India to procure, install, and operate key equipment at Chabahar, marking it as the first overseas port managed by India.

Sonowal highlighted the commercial and strategic importance of this long-term contract, noting that Chabahar offers a more direct and efficient route to Central Asia, reducing transportation time and costs. The port is anticipated to enhance trade between India and Central and West Asian countries, serving as a gateway for Indian goods and promoting economic integration by opening new markets, especially in landlocked regions.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has prioritized infrastructure development, leading to significant sector transformation, according to Sonowal. India is currently implementing the Sagarmala port upgrade plan, worth Rs 5.8 lakh crore, aimed at modernizing ports, improving connectivity, and developing inland waterways. This initiative includes 839 projects, with 262 completed, 217 ongoing, and 360 in the development phase.

“Our ports have seen huge improvement in capacity, operation and efficiency during the last 10 years,” Sonowal remarked.

He acknowledged that regional tensions could impact Chabahar port’s operations but mentioned that measures can be taken to mitigate risks, such as enhancing port security and collaborating with regional partners to ensure safe and secure operations.

India will continue to engage diplomatically with regional stakeholders to manage tensions and promote stability. “We will be implementing comprehensive risk management strategies to anticipate and mitigate potential disruptions,” Sonowal said.

He added that Chabahar would complement the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) proposed by New Delhi at the G20 summit last year, offering alternative routes to stakeholders instead of the conventional Suez Canal course.

Chabahar port’s strategic location reduces dependence on traditional transit points, and “by leveraging the infrastructure and logistical capabilities of Chabahar port, India can efficiently facilitate the flow of goods and materials, contributing to the success and viability of the IMEC project,” Sonowal explained.

Regarding the Sittwe port in Myanmar, Sonowal mentioned that significant progress had been made in developing its facilities, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) approving a proposal by India Ports Global Ltd (IPGL) to take over operations at the Bay of Bengal port in April. He added, “Sittwe port is operational, with successful trial runs completed, handling cargo and verifying logistical capabilities. Significant progress has been made in developing port facilities, warehouses, and improving connectivity to the hinterland.”

Assam: Padma Shri Birubala Rabha, Anti-Witch Hunting Activist, Passes Away Battling Cancer

May 13, 2024, 1:54 pm

Renowned activist and Padma Shri awardee, Birubala Rabha, breathed her last at a government-run hospital in Guwahati after a prolonged battle with cancer. Rabha, born in 1954 in Thakurvila village near the Meghalaya border in Assam’s Goalpara district, dedicated her life to combating superstition and societal evils like witch-hunting.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his condolences, stating, “I am deeply distressed to learn about the passing away of Padma Shri Smt. Birubala Rabha. Through her untiring efforts to end social evils, she illuminated the paths of scores of women with hope and confidence. Rising through a challenging life, she epitomized courage against all odds. Assam will forever remain grateful for her leadership in serving society. Om Shanti.”

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also mourned Rabha’s demise, highlighting her relentless battle against superstitions and prejudices. He stated, “Padma Shri Awardee Birubala Rabha baideo battled against the superstitions and prejudices entrenched in society, exemplifying the strength of women through unwavering determination and courage.”

In 2015, the Assam Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention, and Protection) Act, 2015, largely influenced by Rabha’s advocacy. Her passing marks the end of an era.

Recognizing her significant contributions, the government of India honored her with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2021.

Her activism gained momentum following a distressing incident in 1985 when her son was misdiagnosed by a village quack.

Sarbananda Sonowal praises high voter turnout in Dibrugarh

April 19, 2024, 10:44 am

Union Minister and BJP candidate from the Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency, Sarbananda Sonowal, exercised his voting rights at a polling station in Dibrugarh town at Sahitya Sabah Bhawan during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Following his vote, he expressed satisfaction with the public turnout, citing it as a positive indicator for democracy.

Sonowal emphasized the importance of public participation in strengthening democracy, attributing the high voter turnout to the positive changes brought about by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. He highlighted developments such as employment generation, income growth for farmers, and improved livelihoods for laborers as key achievements of the BJP government, resonating with voters.

Encouraging voters to support the BJP, Sonowal urged them to vote for the lotus symbol, symbolizing the party, and reiterated his endorsement of Narendra Modi for a third term as Prime Minister.

The ongoing Lok Sabha elections are taking place across 21 states, covering 102 seats in the first phase, including five seats in Upper Assam where Sonowal is contesting. The remaining seats will be voted on in subsequent phases.

In the first phase in Assam, elections are underway for seats including Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, Kaziranga, and Sonitpur. The BJP is contesting all these seats, with a total of 36 candidates vying for victory.

Notable candidates in this phase include Sarbananda Sonowal, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, and sitting MPs from various parties. Assam, with its significant electoral representation, will witness voting in three phases for its 14 seats, with the BJP and its allies aiming to secure a substantial portion of these seats.

Union Minister Sonowal to chair first Inland Waterways Development Council meet in Kolkata

January 7, 2024, 5:51 pm

The first-ever “Inland Waterways Development Council” meeting will take place in Kolkata on Monday, hosted by the Inland Waterways Authority of India, which is a division of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW). A statement from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways states that important individuals from the central government and the states that border the waterways, such as Shripad Naik and Shantanu Thakur, Ministers of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, will be present at the all-day meeting, which will take place on board the MV Ganga Queen, hosted by Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH.

“The event will also see the participation of Ministers from various State Governments, accompanied by their principal secretaries, Secretaries, alongside numerous senior officers of the Central Government and domain experts in the field” the ministry said in its statement.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will also unveil groundbreaking initiatives, including “Harit Nauka – Guidelines for Green Transition of Inland Vessels” and the “River Cruise Tourism Roadmap 2047,” during the meeting. Additionally, the event anticipates the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), marking collaborative efforts towards advancing the inland waterways and associated sectors, it added.
“The inaugural IWDC meeting boasts a packed agenda with consecutive sessions addressing vital issues in the development of inland waterways in India. The sessions encompass topics such as fairway development, private sector engagement and best practices, optimizing cargo transport efficiency in Inland Water Transport (IWT), fostering the promotion and development of eco-friendly vessels for passenger transportation, exploring the economic advantages of river cruise tourism, and emphasizing sustainable practices, among others,” the ministry said.

Vishnu Deo Sai, former union minister selected as new Chhattisgarh CM

December 10, 2023, 4:46 pm

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has selected tribal leader and former Union Minister Vishnu Deo Sai to be the next Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. Renuka Singh Saruta, a Union Minister and BJP leader, expressed her happiness at Vishnu Deo Sai’s appointment as Chhattisgarh’s chief minister. For the first time, a party employee from a farmer’s family’s tribe has been chosen to serve as the chief minister.” The BJP has swept Kunkuri in north Chhattisgarh, where Sai won the recently held assembly elections. Sai, a well-known member of the BJP, has served in a number of capacities, most notably as a former union minister and state chief.

Sai hails from the influential Sahu (Teli) community which has a sizable presence in the Durg, Raipur and Bilaspur divisions.
He served as State President of the party for Chhattisgarh from 2020 until 2022. He was the Union Minister of State for Mines, Steel in the first PM Modi cabinet. He is highly regarded among tribal voters.
Earlier, BJP central observers Sarbananda Sonowal and Arjun Munda held a meeting in Raipur.
The polling in the state was held in two phases, with the first on November 7 featuring 223 candidates and the second seeing 958 candidates put their electoral fates to the test on November 17.

In Chhattisgarh, out of 90 assembly constituencies, the BJP won 54 and the Congress, 35.

Legislature party meeting: BJP observers Arjun Munda, Sarbananda Sonowal reach Raipur

December 10, 2023, 10:53 am

The party’s chief minister candidate in Chhattisgarh was a source of excitement when BJP central observers Sarbananda Sonowal and Arjun Munda traveled from New Delhi to Raipur. In regards to the state’s chief ministerial candidate, BJP observers are probably going to be present at a meeting with recently elected lawmakers. In attendance at the meeting was Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the co-incharge of the BJP in Chhattisgarh and Union Health Minister. Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the Chief Minister position, the Bharatiya Janata Party declared its Central observers in the newly acquired states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan on Thursday.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Rajya Sabha MP Suresh Pandey and Vinod Tavde, National Secretary General have been appointed as observers in Rajasthan.
In Madhya Pradesh, Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar, K Laxman, National President, OBC Morcha and Aasha Lakda, National Secretary have been given the responsibility.
For Chhattisgarh, alongside Munda and Sonowal, BJP leader Dushyant Gautam has also been appointed as observer.
Earlier Union Minister Arjun Munda said that the Chief Minister candidate would be named in the legislative party meeting.
“It is time to form the government after getting the majority. There will be a meeting of the legislative party and the leader will be chosen.

India is land of Lachit Barphukan, Chhatrapati Shivaji, says Assam CM Sarma

November 25, 2022, 1:33 pm

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed the 400th Birth Anniversary celebration of Lachit Barphukan and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“PM Modi always inspires us to bring our history, unsung heroes to light. This is our humble effort to bring the proud saga of Lachit Barphukan before the country. But just the efforts of govt are not enough, there should be efforts from people, historians, too,” CM Biswa said.

Meanwhile, CM further said, it is not the land of just Aurangzeb, Babar, Jahangir, or Humayun but it is the land of Lachit Barphukan, Chhatrapati Shivaji, Guru Gobind Singh, and Durgadas Rathore.

“Humble request to historians-India isn’t just the story of Aurangzeb, Babar, Jahangir, or Humayun. India is of Lachit Barphukan, Chhatrapati Shivaji, Guru Gobind Singh, Durgadas Rathore. We should make an effort to see in a new light. It’ll fulfill our dream to be Vishwa Guru,” Assam CM said.

Moreover, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also talked about PM Modi and said the mantra of self-reliance given by PM Modi was a tribute to Lachit Barphukan.

“PM Modi, the mantra of self-reliance you gave to the people of the country through the ‘Make in India’ initiative, I feel is your tribute to Lachit Barphukan as the weapons and equipment he used in the fight against the Mughals were all built by the people of Assam,” Sonowal said.

“I think that the journey of Atmanirbhar Bharat began then and today you have encouraged the citizens to promote it before the world,” Sonowal said.

At the 400th Birth Anniversary celebration of Lachit Barphukan, in Delhi, Assam CM Sarma also felicitated PM Modi.

However, in the 400th Birth Anniversary celebration of Lachit Barphukan Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Governor Jagadish Mukhi, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and others participated.

As part of the 400th Birth Anniversary celebration of Lachit Barphukan, the exhibition has been organized and was attended by PM Modi and Assam CM.

Furthermore, Lachit Barphukan was born on 24 November 1622 in Charaideo. Barphukan had great extraordinary military intelligence and in the Battle of Saraighat Barphukan halted the Mughals.