Assam: Foundation laid for 'Dhartii Abha Janjatiya Utkarsh Mission' hostel in Boko

The foundation stone for a 100-bed hostel under the ambitious Government of India initiative ‘Dhartii Abha Janjatiya Utkarsh Mission’ was laid at Gohalkona High School in Boko. The ceremony was officiated by Arjun Chetry, Executive Member of the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council.

This initiative, aimed at the welfare and upliftment of tribal students across India, saw the virtual inauguration of 209 hostels in various tribal regions of the country. The event was formally launched by Union Minister for Education and Tribal Affairs, Dharmendra Pradhan.

In Assam’s Kamrup district, foundation stones were laid at three different locations under this scheme — Gohalkona, Hahim, and Bandapara — falling within the Boko-Chaygaon Legislative Assembly Constituency and the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council area.

Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony at Gohalkona High School, located near the Assam-Meghalaya border, Arjun Chetry stated that the initiative will greatly benefit students from tribal communities. He highlighted that students from tribal-dominated remote areas often travel long distances to pursue school education and face numerous hardships in doing so. The upcoming hostels will provide significant relief and support in the coming days, he said.

Chetry expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Tankeswar Rabha for initiating such a project that directly addresses the needs of tribal students.

He further paid tribute to the architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, noting that it was due to his vision and commitment to social justice that tribal communities today are able to access such dedicated welfare schemes. Chetry emphasized that this initiative would offer a substantial boost to the educational aspirations of tribal youth.

Additionally, Chetry informed that under the Dhartii Aabha Tribal Excellence Mission, a total of seven hostels will be constructed in the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council area—three in Kamrup district and four in Goalpara district.