Assam: Union Minister vows development of Bokajan to benefit locals

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, on September 21 visited the Cement Corporation of India (CCI) factory at Assam's Bokajan, Karbi Anglong district, emphasising that the locals will benefit as efforts will be put in place to harness the potential of the region.

Kumaraswamy, who is the minister for heavy industries and steel, also held a meeting with members of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and top district officials.

During the meeting, KAAC chief advisor Elwin Teron submitted a memorandum, claiming that the council has been receiving nominal royalty from CCI despite significant annual expenditures further urging CCI to expand its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to focus on reducing unemployment and promoting skill development.

Assuring that the points raised in the memorandum would be thoroughly reviewed in consultation with CCI, he reiterated his commitment to the development of Bokajan, promising that the "region's potential would be harnessed for the benefit of its residents".

District Commissioner Nirola Phanchopi presented the district’s achievement reports, emphasising the collaborative efforts between KAAC and the district administration in driving development and maintaining law and order.

The minister was accompanied by Numal Momin, deputy speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly, among others.

Kumaraswamy attended a public meeting where he inaugurated the hot gas utilisation project in the raw mills of the cement factory.

Important issues of the area were placed before Kumaraswamy during the meeting, with Momin emphasising the need to upgrade the Bokajan cement factory, implement pollution control measures and improve infrastructure at the local Kendriya Vidyalaya.

CCI CMD Sanjay Verma presented a detailed plan to upgrade the factory's industrial equipment over the next three years to enhance its competitiveness.

He also stressed on the importance of employing local labourers, which will significantly contribute to the region's economy.

Kumaraswamy also participated in the foundation laying ceremony of a 1-MW grid connected solar PV plant near the cement factory colony, in line with the country’s renewable energy goals.

Earlier in the day, the minister inspected a community health centre. He interacted with the patients and distributed fruits and sweets among them.