HT Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, May 31: Assam Minister for Panchayat & Rural Development and Tourism, Ranjeet Kumar Dass, on Friday hailed the developmental progress made in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), crediting the leadership of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pramod Boro for the effective implementation of flagship government schemes.
“BTC, under the leadership of CEM Pramod Boro, has achieved a milestone in implementing Panchayat and Rural Development schemes, particularly in reaching the marginalised and underserved communities,” Minister Dass said during a review meeting at the BTC Secretariat in Kokrajhar.
He further lauded Kokrajhar’s performance, noting it as a model district in comparison to others in Assam.
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“The commitment and seriousness shown in Kokrajhar should inspire other districts,” he remarked.
The Minister was in Kokrajhar to assess the progress of key programmes under the Panchayat & Rural Development Department, the Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ASRLM), and the Tourism Department.
During the review, Dass expressed satisfaction with the execution of major schemes such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G), noting their impact on rural infrastructure and livelihood development in BTR.
The review also focused on ASRLM initiatives such as the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Scheme, One District One Product (ODOP), and Lakhpati Abou.
Dass stressed the importance of marketing and support infrastructure under ODOP to bolster rural entrepreneurship.
In the tourism sector, the Minister urged both the P&RD and Tourism departments to work together to improve tourism infrastructure, especially in Raimona National Park.
He noted the encouraging rise in tourism, with foreign tourist arrivals in BTR increasing from just 33 in 2021–22 to 3,975 in 2024–25, and a total of 80,660 tourists visiting the region over the past year.
BTC CEM Pramod Boro, addressing the officials at the meeting, called for dedication and innovation in implementing government schemes to ensure timely delivery of benefits to the most deserving sections of society.
He also sought continued cooperation from the state government to drive further development in BTR. The meeting was attended by BTC Executive Members Dharma Narayan Das (Tourism), Nilut Swargiary (PHE), Political Adviser to the CEM Madhab Chetry, BTC Secretary Dhiraj Saud, and senior officials from the Panchayat & Rural Development and Tourism departments.
