New Legislative Assembly building to ignite dreams and hopes to build a vibrant and viksit Assam: CM

Guwahati:Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla unveiled the new building of Assam Legislative Assembly in presence of Chief Minister Dr, Himanta Biswa Sarma at a function held here today. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma expressing his gratitude to the Speaker, Lok Sabha, said that Om Birla is a glittering personality in the Parliamentary Democracy of India. Some of the decisions he took as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha besides lending a new lease to democracy in India, have enabled the institution in passing various Acts of far-reaching impact in the country. He has also been a source of inspiration for all the Parliamentarians from Assam to raise various questions on people’s welfare in the Parliament. The Chief Minister also said that from the very ancient time, India has been an epicentre of democracy and democratic values. Parliament has been addressed as the temple of democracy in this country. Therefore, the Assam Legislative Assembly is also an important institution of democracy. Referring to the glorious history of Assam Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister said that it is one of the ancient assemblies in the country.

This institution of democracy has taken an important role in strengthening the socio-economic-academic and cultural edifice of the state. It has also taken a role towards equal development of all sections of the people of the state. Toeing line with the changing landscape of democracy, like Central Vista of the Union Government, Assam has also taken steps towards constructing a new building of Legislative Assembly. This new building is equipped with the facilities of e-Vidhan, audio-visual and information technology. Moreover, the new building has office chambers for Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Chief Minister, other ministers, MLAs, conference hall, meeting halls etc. The Chief Minister also said that the New Building will be a symbol of a developed and confident Assam. Dr. Sarma also said that located at the heart of the city, the new Assembly Building will carry the image of an iconic building. The new building constructed using the classical and ethnic arts, epitomises the confluence of modern and traditional design. The different rooms of the building are designed using the rich and diverse art forms of Assam. The Chief Minister also said that Assam Legislative Assembly has a rich history. Several eminent personalities like Bharat Ratna Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi adorned the House. Assam Legislative Assembly is the witness to several remarkable events. From this house, several members raised their vociferous protects against line system and design of the Cabinet Mission in Grouping Plan to include Assam in erstwhile East Pakistan. From this house, the members raised their voice to protect the interests of the indigenous people of the state. From Assam Legislative Assembly, effort was first initiated for the establishment of Assam University. Based on the demands raised by Gopinath Bordoloi in Assam Legislative Assembly, a decision was taken for setting up of Gauhati High Court. With the unanimous decision of the members of the treasury and opposition bench in Assam Legislative Assembly, proposal was taken for the establishment of Oil Refinery. Moreover, decentralisation for strengthening Panchayati Raj System, Cow Protection Act, abolition of zamindari system, establishment of institutions of higher education, banning of ragging in educational institutions and hostels etc have been passed in Assam Legislative Assembly. The Chief Minister also said that several eminent personalities increased the glory of Assam Legislative Assembly. Gaurisankar Bhattacharya was prominent among them. As a member of the Assembly for 26 years as well as the Leader of the Opposition, he raised his voice as well as worked for the interests of the poor and under-privileged. The glittering stars of culture and literature of Assam Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, Bishnu Prasad Rabha and Lakhyadhar Chowdhury got elected in this Assam Legislative Assembly in the year 1967. Bishnuram Medhi, Bhimbor Deuri, Rupnath Brahma, Amiyo Kumar Das, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, Sarat Chandra Sinha, Bimala Prasad Chaliha, Mohendra Mohan Chowdhury, Debakanta Baruah, Hiteshwar Saikia, Tarun Gogoi adorned the house at different times. During his speech, the Chief Minister also made a mention of those debates in the Assembly which have far reaching impact in the anal of the democratic history of the state. Dr. Sarma said that the new building will ignite dreams and hopes to build a vibrant and viksit Assam. Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly Biswajit Daimary, Deputy Speaker Dr. Nomal Momin, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Rameswar Teli, MPs, MLAs, senior officers and host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.