Guwahati, June 7: Assam government today approved a Rs 160 crore rehabilitation scheme for 4036 surrendered National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) cadres in the state.

The decision was taken in a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma to review the status of implementation of Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Accord today.

The rehabilitation programme for the NDFB cadres would be conceptualised and designed by the BTC in association with State Institute for Panchayat and Rural Development (SIRD) which would be coordinated by Inspector General (Special Branch) of Assam Police, Hiren Nath. 

Under the programme skill development training would be imparted to 4036 NDFB cadres in several parts of the BTR for their socio-economic development. 

The meeting took place in presence of Minister for Welfare of Plain Tribes and Backward Classes (only BTC) Urkhao Gwra Brahma, Chief Executive Member BTC Promod Boro and several executive members also decided to expedite the means for empowering the Council to enable the BTR Accord signed on January 27, 2020 to usher in renewed peace. 

Moreover, identity of the Bodo people, their culture, language and education aspects were also discussed. Chief Minister Sarma in the meeting also advocated to promote and build a social empowerment narrative around Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma’s philosophy for the Bodo people.

The meeting also decided that the Welfare of Plain Tribes and Backward Classes (for BTC) to be reconstituted and renamed as BTC Affairs Department which will work exclusively for the welfare of the Bodo people. 

Chief Minister Sarma also said that office cum residential quarters for the IGP, DIG, Additional SPs and DSPs should be built in the BTR districts within a stipulated time frame.