Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma voiced deep concerns about the state’s future on Thursday, highlighting the significant challenges posed by the changing population balance between Hindus and Muslims. In his Independence Day address, Sarma emphasized that indigenous Assamese people are increasingly becoming a minority in 12 to 13 districts due to these demographic shifts.
Sarma provided a stark comparison, noting that the Hindu population in Assam, which once comprised 60-65% of the state’s total population, has now decreased to around 57%. Meanwhile, the Muslim population has risen to 41% as of 2021. The Chief Minister stressed the urgency for all communities to adhere to family planning norms, underscoring the importance of maintaining a balanced population ratio. He particularly cautioned against the practice of polygamy, advocating for its cessation as part of efforts to restore demographic equilibrium.
In his speech, Sarma also outlined the state government’s initiatives to safeguard indigenous land and interests. He announced the successful reclamation of 167 square kilometers of forest land from encroachers, attributing the majority of these encroachments to one particular community. The Chief Minister emphasized the need for a strong legal framework to prevent the sale of land by indigenous communities, such as tribals and Adivasis, to outsiders, especially in the undivided Goalpara district.
Further, Sarma highlighted the government’s plan to introduce new legislation in the upcoming Assembly session aimed at protecting the land rights of various communities, including Koch-Rajbongshi, Bodo, and Rabha. The Revenue Department, he stated, is actively working on the legislation, which will also see the creation of micro tribal belts outside the existing tribal areas to ensure the protection of these communities’ land rights.
As part of his broader land reform agenda, Sarma announced the launch of the third edition of Mission Basundhara on October 2, which will focus on granting land rights to indigenous people in the hills of Guwahati. He also revealed plans to return land belonging to tea garden workers, with a comprehensive policy to be unveiled in the near future.
Beyond land reforms, Sarma discussed the introduction of a state domicile policy designed to ensure that only locals can secure government jobs in Assam. This move is aimed at protecting the employment rights of Assamese residents and preserving the state’s cultural identity.
The Chief Minister also reiterated his commitment to resuming the National Register of Citizens (NRC) update process, which had been halted due to the suspension of 9.22 crore biometric records. The NRC update is a crucial element in the government’s efforts to address illegal immigration and secure the state’s demographic future.
In his address, Sarma highlighted the government’s progress in combating child marriage, reporting that 5,413 cases had been filed by May 31 of this year, with many leading to convictions. He vowed to eradicate child marriage in Assam by 2026, identifying education as a key tool in this fight and reaffirming the government’s dedication to this cause.
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