By TIOL News Service

SIVASAGAR, JAN 23, 2021: PRIME Minister Mr Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Assam's Sivasagar today and distributed land allotment certificates to the indigenous landless people under the State government's programme to one lakh beneficiaries.

"It is a matter of sadness that even after so many years of Independence, there are those in Assam who have not got recognition for their land," Mr Modi said on the occasion, taking a jab at the previous administrations.

"Today I am here to be a part of your happiness and celebration as our government in Assam has completed a huge task. Today, those who love Assam and are from the State are getting recognition of their land," he added while handing over the land pattas and praising Chief Minister Mr Sarbananada Sonowal and his government for ensuring the land rights.

He said when the BJP had come to power in Assam in 2016, there were nearly six lakh landless people but Mr Sonowal's administration has provided land certificates to more than 2.28 lakh people with another lakh added today.

This move, the PM said, has paved the way for improving the standard of living of million of people in Assam. With land rights, the beneficiaries can also access schemes such as the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi or the Kisan credit card and apply for bank loans.

Mr Modi said the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has always kept the preservation of Assamese culture at the forefront while implementing policies for protection of the Assamese language and promotion of its literature.

"Rapid development of Assam is is integral to Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The road to an Aatmanirbhar Assam passes through the self-confidence among the people here. Confidence only grows when basic facilities are available and the infrastructure is better," he said.

"Assam has seen unprecedented developmental work in the last few years," added the Prime Minister, mentioning the 'Act East' policy which sees a developed northeast widening connections with East Asia.

PM Modi said that Assam is also a major partner in making India a 'gas-based economy' with over Rs. 40,000 crore spent on oil and gas infrastructure which will be further strengthened by the Guwahati-Barauni gas pipeline.

Mr Modi is visiting Assam and West Bengal ahead of the assembly elections and to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Mr Subha Chandra Bose in Kolkata.