Tarun Gogoi assures rehabilitation package for Deepor Beel fishermen

GUWAHATI: The Assam government was planning to formulate a rehabilitation package for fishermen depending on Ramsar site Deepor Beel for their livelihood, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said today.

"We will soon formulate a rehabilitation package for the 815 fishermen families who earn their livelihood through fishing in Deepor Beel," Gogoi told a 10-member delegation of Asom Anusuchit Jati Yuba Chatra Sanstha here.

The Chief Minister also assured the delegation that his government would take all possible steps to stop the flow of contaminated water into the Deepor Beel from nearby factories and prevent fresh encroachment.

He further assured them that the government would look into their demand for reservation of SC/ST in venture schools and their appointment in different posts under National Rural Health Mission.

The delegation, led by its President Nripen Das and Secretary Nityananda Das submitted a charter of demands to the Chief Minister, which included, among others, a separate secretariat for the Scheduled Castes, enhancement of funds and recruitment of SC candidates in river police.