Assam: Bokakhat’s Agriculture Knowledge and Training Centre lies abandoned two years after inauguration

A government building constructed at a cost of nearly Rs 1 crore in Bokakhat, under the constituency of Agriculture Minister and local MLA Atul Bora, now stands neglected and in ruins just two years after its inauguration.

The “Knowledge and Training Centre,” located within the premises of the Sub-Divisional Agriculture Office, was inaugurated by Minister Bora on June 6, 2023. The centre was envisioned as a hub to empower farmers with knowledge on modern agricultural practices, provide access to updated information, and offer training on advanced seed usage and improved farming techniques.

Despite high expectations from the farming community, the facility has never been put to use since its inauguration. As a result, the building has rapidly fallen into disrepair. Ceiling panels, fans, lights, and bathroom fittings are deteriorating, while reports suggest that monkeys have also damaged parts of the unused infrastructure.

Farmers expressed disappointment, pointing out that the centre was meant to play a pivotal role in agricultural development but has instead turned into a symbol of wasted public resources. Locals have raised concerns over the lack of accountability, questioning why departmental officials have failed to bring the matter to the minister’s notice despite the building being in his own constituency.

The incident has triggered widespread criticism and sparked a larger debate on the misuse of public funds and the absence of follow-up mechanisms in government projects.