Assam: MLA Diganta Kalita defends disaster response agencies over flood response, backs anti-paper leak Bill

BJP MLA Diganta Kalita on Tuesday, July 28 criticised Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Sherman Ali for allegedly questioning the efficiency of disaster response agencies engaged in Assam's flood relief operations, saying such remarks undermine the efforts of personnel working on the ground during a humanitarian crisis.

Responding to Sherman Ali's reported statement that government agencies and representatives had failed to tackle the flood situation effectively despite significant expenditure on training, Kalita said it was unfortunate to blame the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) for circumstances beyond their control.

He said the NDRF and SDRF personnel have been working tirelessly in the flood-hit areas and deserve public support rather than criticism. Describing the floods as an unprecedented natural disaster, Kalita maintained that disaster response agencies should not be held responsible for the scale of the calamity and condemned the remarks made against them.

Commenting on the Centre's proposed anti-paper leak legislation, Kalita expressed confidence that the new law would strengthen the integrity of public examinations and help restore the confidence of students.

He said the constitution of a high-level task force to examine the issue of examination paper leaks reflects the government's commitment to addressing the problem. Kalita highlighted that the proposed legislation provides for imprisonment of three to five years for those found guilty of involvement in paper leak cases, with such matters to be tried in fast-track courts.

He further said the Bill contains stringent provisions to deter organised malpractice, including a penalty of Rs 10 crore and imprisonment for any NGO, organisation or private enterprise found to be in connivance with those involved in examination paper leak offences.

According to Kalita, the proposed legislation sends a strong message against examination fraud and is expected to instil confidence among students appearing for competitive and recruitment examinations in the future.

Referring to recent protests over the alleged paper leak issue, Kalita also appealed to young people to exercise their democratic right to protest peacefully and within the framework of the law.

He alleged that "third-party elements" had entered the CJP protest, citing social media reports, and urged protesters to maintain respect for the Constitution and the country while pursuing their demands through lawful and peaceful means.