"Assam now showing way to other states..." CM Himanta Sarma on inauguration of Co-District headquarters for Jalukbari

Guwahati (Assam) [India], October 5 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday said that despite being a small state, several innovative schemes implemented by the Assam government, are now being adopted by other states.
"Assam is now showing the way to the other states of the country which are adopting many schemes implemented by the Assam government. Assam government's Orunudoi scheme is now adopted by many states by giving different names," CM Sarma said, while inaugurating the new Co-District headquarters for Jalukbari at a function held at Jalukbari.

In a significant step towards decentralising governance and bridging the burden of distance, Assam CM on Saturday .
To create smaller administrative units below the district level for timely access to essential government services and streamline citizen-centric services by bringing governance to the grassroots, state government under the leadership of CM Sarma rolled out 39 co-districts in the first phase.
As a part of it, CM Sarma today formally inaugurated Jalukbari Co-District and dedicated the Co-District Commissioner's office to the service of the people.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Sarma said that in the annals of the administrative history of Assam, 4 and 5 October will be considered an important milestone as the inauguration of 39 Co-Districts will lead to bringing all major services to the doorsteps of the people.
"During my tenure as MLA, I have noticed many residents travel long distances to have access to basic services at the district headquarters. It was a challenge that the people encountered, which fuelled the demand for new districts, often granted without the necessary administrative infrastructure. With the launch of Co-District Headquarters, we have taken important steps toward decentralizing local governance. I believe this initiative will eliminate the burden of distance, bringing essential services closer to the people," he said.
The Chief Minister further said that taking forward Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi's ideals of decentralising power and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of effective grass-level governance, Assam has become the first state to launch and operationalize Co-Districts, which will be targeted administrative units of the district.
The Chief Minister also said that after the delimitation exercise, the need was felt for creating an equal and enabling administrative infrastructure in all the 126 legislative assembly constituencies in the state.
"For the works like Next of Kin certificates, caste certificates, PRC, land matters etc., going to the office of District Commissioners and spending time takes a toll on the people. Moreover, District Commissioners also remain busy in such works, the time the DCS otherwise could have spent on development works of the district. With the steps like creating co-districts based on Assembly constituency will lead to saving precious time for the people of the district," CM Sarma said.
The Chief Minister also said that though the people demanded for sub-divisions, these administrative units do not have much power vested in them.
"However, the Co-Districts have been endowed with more powers enabling them to become more empowered to fulfil the basic needs of the people. These 39 Co-districts will streamline citizen-centric services as their operations will be focussed over a defined geographic area," he said.
CM Sarma expressed hope that the Co-Districts will cohesively work in targeted areas to improve the district's overall growth prospects.
He also said that the State government, in its regular review meetings with the DCs, underlined the importance of a district-led development model in Assam's growth and Co-Districts will turn into an important component to achieve this vision.
The Chief Minister said that over the last two days, the Council of Ministers including him dedicated the offices of Co-Districts to the service of the people. It is a major administrative overhaul and an important part of the present State government's efforts to ensure 'Ease of Living' for the people of Assam, CM Sarma added.
The Co-Districts will have jurisdiction over services like land revenue, administrative and magisterial powers, food and civil supplies, excise, disaster management, development and welfare works of the people.
The Chief Minister said that this focused approach will greatly ensure efficiency in service delivery, leading to convenience of the people and the development of the state.
The Chief Minister while inaugurating the Co-District Headquarters also planted a 'Bakul' sapling in the premises of Jalukbari Co-District Headquarters.
MP Guwahati Bijuli Kalita Medhi, Mayor GMC Mrigen Sarania, and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.