October 30, 2018
Chief Minister inaugurates various projects in Cooch Behar
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today inaugurated a number of infrastructure projects in the district of Cooch Behar from the Rasmela Ground in Cooch Behar town. Foundation stones were also laid for several projects. The CM also distributed the benefits of various schemes to beneficiaries in the district.
The projects which were inaugurated include a blood bank, two 33/11 kV sub-stations, bridge, Karmatirtha, 56 Anganwadi centres, Piped drinking water projects, widening and modernisation of 19 roads, district Health and Family Welfare Department store, LED street lamps among other things.
Projects whose foundation stones were laid include a bridge, classrooms in Cooch Behar College, fire-fighting equipment, dam along bank of Dharala River, road projects etc.
Highlights of the Chief Minister’s speech:
I have visited every corner of the State since the days of student activism. My association with Cooch Behar district goes back a long time. I have done a lot for the welfare of the people of this district. As railway minister, I had gifted many projects and railway lines to this district.
Cooch Behar has emerged as the best district in 100 Days’ Work. My best wishes to all.
We are constructing a bridge on Raydak river. We will connect Haldia with Mekhliganj.
We have set up ITIs, polytechnics, new university, medical college, engineering colleges and mother & child hubs in this district.
Cooch Behar was neglected for 70 years. It was during our tenure that Chhitmahal problem was solved.
We have increased the honorarium of ICDS, ASHA workers, civic volunteers and para-teachers.
All girls are eligible for Kanyashree now. They will build the society in the future. Girls are not burden on the family. They should stand on their own feet, shoulder to shoulder with boys.
Farmers’ old age pension has been hiked from Rs 750 to Rs 1000.
We have started Sikshashree scheme for SC/ST students. We are offering soft loans of Rs 10 lakh (domestic) and Rs 20 lakh (foreign) for higher studies.
We have already spent Rs 6,000 crore for Kanyashree scheme. We give cycles to the students of classes IX-XII.
We have set up Rajbanshi Akademi, Kamtapuri Akademi, and given recognition to Hindi, Urdu, Ol Chiki, Santhali, Kurukh and other languages.
We have started the Khadya Sathi scheme. Nearly 9 crore people receive rice at Rs 2 per kg.
We also offer compensation to farmers affected by hailstorm, floods and natural calamities.
We are paying off the debt incurred by the Left Front Government. Yet, we are running welfare schemes for every stage of life – from birth to death.
We provide Rs 2000 under Samabyathi scheme so that poor families can perform the last rites of their near and dear ones.
We provide monthly stipends to 2 lakh folk artistes. They are given musical instruments too, and also perform at government functions.
We provide a subsidy of 30% on loans taken by self-help groups.
Construction workers, masons, rickshaw pullers, taxi drivers, auto-rickshaw drivers, daily wagers have been brought under social security scheme.
Adivasis receive rice at Rs 2 per kg. They also get pension. We provide farming equipment to farmers. Handloom workers also receive necessary equipment from the government.
We have renovated Madan Mohan Mandir. Tourism Department will construct one more lodging facility for tourists.
We have declared Cooch Behar as a ‘Heritage City’. No other government thought of this in the past.
I would urge you to become self-sufficient by starting small enterprises.
In the past, people were scared of going to government hospitals. Now, we provide health insurance up to Rs 5 lakh. Our government is always with the people.
We have set up an SNCU here. Fair price medicine shops and diagnostic centres have been set up as well. Matri Jan facility has also been started.
We are distributing hens, chicken and goats for free. We encourage you to start rearing animals.
We have set up several Kisan Mandis and 19 Karmatirthas in this district.
Like Kanyashree, we have started Rupashree scheme. Financial assistance of Rs 25,000 is provided to people with income of less than Rs 1.5 lakh per annum for their daughter’s wedding. Those enrolled under social security scheme will get Rs 25,000 from the labour department.
Cooch Behar has been declared as an ODF district. We have set up 4.2 lakh toilets here.
Two industrial growth centres are coming up in Cooch Behar.
The construction of a road connecting Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal with north Bengal is nearing completion. People will benefit immensely. Trade will be boosted.
The assembly and parliamentary segments of Bangla begin from Cooch Behar. But this district was neglected for long. I want people of this district to prosper and live with their heads held high.
I never leave any work incomplete. Unlike the CPI(M), I do not desert projects after foundation laying.
Our government will never take any anti-people decision. We have reduced unemployment in the State by 40%.
Where there is a will, there is a way. Bangla will become the best in the world one day.
