GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on October 2 paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on Gandhi Jayanti and linked his vision of Swadeshi and self-reliance with the state government’s efforts to strengthen villages and panchayats.
In a post on X, Sarma said the country was moving towards a new era of “Swadeshi and Atmanirbharta” under Gandhi’s vision and stressed the importance of ensuring development reached people at the grassroots.
Highlighting the role of panchayats in implementing welfare and development programmes, Sarma said more than Rs 525 crore had been allocated to Assam’s panchayats through the Finance Commission in 2025 for grassroots welfare initiatives.
He said the government would continue working to strengthen rural institutions and empower villages and panchayats to become more resilient and self-reliant.
Gandhi Jayanti is observed annually on October 2 to mark the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who was born in Porbandar, Gujarat, in 1869. The day is also observed as the International Day of Non-Violence.
