[Assam] Layman as a victim

[Mohan R. Palleti]

The fervor and concern of the layman is very genuine.
We divert a lot of energy towards unproductive and sometimes unconclusive
tasks. Changing the name of Assam to Asom ?? (not even okhom). Trying to
find out who is responsible for the blast in Guwahati. Pushing the blame
on one another. AASU came in existence, made its presence felt. Did its
bit which was right. Then ULFA came into existence and made it an ugly
name that formed a formidable curtain for business growth in Assam. All it
did was send terror messages. They want an independent Assam, .... for
whom?

We want economic growth. We need more money from the center. We want
businesses to open up and create more jobs for the youth. That is the only
way for growth and peace. We need somebody who can do all this for the
state.

Assam has always been known for its peaceful and simple folks. This is a
way different state from any other state in the country. Let us strive to
bring back our state on its feet.

Make jobs available to local people first. 90% of all jobs should be given
to local people. If there is a non assamese who claims to be a local,
he/she  needs to show that he has studied assamese as a subject. In areas
where there are more Bengali folks then assamese folks. Let us think what
we can do about it? Even in the US, they had to accept spanish language as
a second language, but the spanish folks do go to english schools. This is
how they blend in to the US.
Maybe we should leave people to follow their culture, but make it
necessary for them to go to Assamese medium schools or make it compulsory
for them to learn assamese. This is the first step. I don't see any other
way. We can not just wish them away....And also make our borders more
secure!

If temporary workers from other states is a problem. Make it compulsory
for every worker to pay a weekly tax to the state. This way the state will
have some extra funds for development. This may be tough to implement, but
I am just thinking out loud.
We need Assam houses in other states to take care of our own people. The
mother of a friend of mine died in Hyderabad last month because of
terminal cancer. She couldn't have a good meal all the while she stayed
there. Another person I know went for training to Hyderabad, but returned
back without completing his training, food was again the problem. Why not
have some private Janata canteens run by the state on lease in major
hospitals in major cities?

I am aware that I am mixing up issues. These are some of my personal
observations and suggestions.


Junu