HT Bureau
DIPHU, Dec 15: The Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Tuliram Ronghang, alleged on Sunday that beneficiaries had to bribe officials to receive free rice under the previous Congress government.
Ronghang made this statement during a program in which he participated in the Chief Minister’s online official distribution of ration cards which was held at the Sarsing Teron (Langkung Habe) Memorial Town Hall.
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The CEM informed that each individual in a family would receive 5 kg of rice.
“During the previous Congress government, beneficiaries had to bribe someone to get the rice. However, under the BJP government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it free. All families under Below Poverty Line (BPL), Above Poverty Line (APL), and Antodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) categories will receive free rice every month,” he added.
He further highlighted that the BJP government has introduced a health scheme where every individual is entitled to medical expenses of up to Rs 5 lakh per year, provided they have an Ayushman Bharat card.
“This is irrespective of their financial position,” he added.
Commenting on the development of Karbi Anglong, the CEM stated that not only have ration cards been distributed, but schemes such as Arunodhoi, PMAY, road infrastructure improvements, and health schemes have also been implemented.
Later, he criticised the opposition, stating that certain leaders were using the issue of the Sixth Schedule to create confusion among the people.
“They want unrest and division among tribes and communities. Unity and peace are what are truly needed. The people of different communities and tribes should respect each other’s cultures, languages, and traditions, and co-exist peacefully,” he said.
“12,000 youths have been appointed to government jobs, but some political leaders are misleading the people with propaganda. The powers under the Sixth Schedule are not sufficient to run the KAAC, and to gain more autonomy, we are demanding an Autonomous State. We do not want to divide Assam,” he added.
He further stated that Karbi Anglong is no longer known for “bandhs” (strikes), but for a strong work culture. With the APSC and UPSC free coaching center, 61 individuals were appointed to various posts in the Government of Assam last year. The CEM Relief Fund has also sponsored writers to write books and provided pensions for local accredited journalists.
The CEM ceremonially distributed new ration cards to beneficiaries. A total of 7,430 new ration cards were issued in Karbi Anglong, while 4,702 were issued in West Karbi Anglong.
MLA Bidyasing Engleng, executive member of KAAC Madhuram Lekthe, and members of the Autonomous Council (MACs) Dr Mongve Rongpi, Johny Timung, Tilotima Hasnu, and district commissioner (DC) Nirola Phangchopi participated in the CM’s online official distribution of ration cards.
