HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, June 21: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday dedicated two newly constructed district jails in Chirang and Baksa, marking a major step towards strengthening the criminal justice infrastructure in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). The information was shared in an official statement issued by the government.
The jail in Chirang, located at Kajolgaon, was inaugurated first and has been built at a cost of ₹72.79 crore. It has a capacity to house 500 inmates, including 352 males and 138 females. Later in the day, the Chief Minister inaugurated the district jail at Mushalpur in Baksa, constructed at an expenditure of ₹53.86 crore. This facility also accommodates 500 inmates and is equipped with standard administrative and inmate amenities.
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Speaking at the inaugural function at Kajolgaon, the Chief Minister noted that Chirang, despite being a full-fledged district, has been lacking in essential infrastructure. However, through joint efforts of the State government and the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), steps are being taken to improve the district’s facilities. He announced that the construction of a district stadium will commence soon, and highlighted the Upendra Nath Brahma Garden, being built at a cost of ₹8 crore, which is expected to enhance the aesthetic value of the area.
Referring to Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City, Sarma said it presents multiple opportunities for Chirang. In this context, the state government has launched several projects to boost the district’s socio-economic development, including a new road to Gelephu and a proposed rail link connecting Gelephu to Kokrajhar via Chirang. He also informed that under the Asom Mala scheme, at least 25 kilometres of road are currently being constructed in the district.
Emphasising the rapid development in BTR in recent years, Sarma said the region stands as a symbol of peaceful coexistence and harmony among diverse communities. He added that several welfare schemes are in the pipeline, including the expansion of the Orunodoi 3.0 programme to cover 40 lakh families from September 10, and the Mukhya Mantrir Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan, under which women will receive ₹10,000 each. From October 1, ration card holders will also receive sugar, salt, and pulses at subsidised rates, and HSLC candidates will be provided ₹300 each for nutritious food.
Minister for Home (Prisons, Home Guards and Civil Defence) Rupesh Gowala, BTC Chief Executive Member Pramod Boro, MPs Jayanta Basumatary and Rwngwra Narzary, MLAs Ajay Kumar Ray and Nirmal Kumar Brahma, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Ajay Tiwari, Special DGP (CID) Munna Prasad Gupta, and Inspector of Prisons Pubali Gohain were among those present at the Chirang event.
In Baksa, Chief Minister Sarma reiterated the government’s commitment to the equal development of all five districts of the BTR. He informed that the Deputy Commissioner’s office construction in Baksa has reached 40% physical progress, and that the district stadium project is advancing swiftly. Two new bridges are also being built over the Pagladia River to improve connectivity with Tamulpur. He announced that science stream courses will be introduced at Nikashi College and assured that graduates will receive financial aid from the state government.
Minister UG Brahma, Minister Rupesh Gowala, CEM Pramod Boro, BTC Speaker Katiram Boro, Commissioner and Secretary (Home) Diganta Barah, and other senior officials were also present at the Baksa programme.
