Inauguration of the Brahmaputra Wing: A New Era for Assam’s Governance
On August 29, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the newly constructed Brahmaputra Wing of the Raj Bhawan in Guwahati, a significant milestone in enhancing Assam’s constitutional and administrative infrastructure. This event marked the second day of Shah’s two-day visit to the state, where he was warmly received by Governor Laxmi Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
A Spiritual Beginning
Before the formal inauguration ceremony, Amit Shah engaged in spiritual rituals, offering prayers at a temple located within the Raj Bhawan premises. He performed gau pujan, a traditional cow worship, and planted a Sindur tree while Vedic hymns resonated in the background. This blend of spirituality and governance set a positive tone for the day’s events, reflecting the cultural richness of Assam.
Advancing Cybersecurity in the Northeast
From the Raj Bhawan, Shah also virtually inaugurated the National Cyber Forensic Laboratory–North East (NCFL-NE) at the Lachit Borphukan Police Academy in Dergaon. Built at a cost of ₹45 crore, this state-of-the-art facility is designed to tackle various aspects of digital forensics, including network, mobile, media, and disk forensics, as well as damaged media data recovery and cryptocurrency investigations.
Shah emphasized the importance of cybersecurity as a crucial pillar of Digital India. He noted that the establishment of the NCFL-NE would position Assam as a hub for advanced digital investigations in the Northeast, following the first National Cyber Forensic Laboratory set up in Delhi in 2019. This initiative aims to bolster efforts against cyber fraud and enhance the capabilities of police officials from all eight northeastern states through advanced training in digital forensics and cybercrime investigations.
Infrastructure Development for Security Forces
In addition to the Raj Bhawan inauguration, Amit Shah laid the foundation stones for several infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening the paramilitary forces in the region. These projects include the SSB headquarters housing quarters, a 350-jawan barrack, an official mess, and a 10-bedded hospital for ITBP personnel at Sonapur, along with new facilities for the Assam Rifles. This investment in infrastructure underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing security and operational efficiency in the region.
Historical Significance of the Raj Bhawan
During the ceremony, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reflected on the historical significance of the Raj Bhawan. He noted that the first Raj Bhawan in Guwahati was inaugurated on October 19, 1980, by Governor L.P. Singh, but it primarily functioned as a camp office. It was only in 1989 that it was officially designated as a Raj Bhawan. Sarma highlighted the lack of adequate facilities for the Governor’s effective functioning, which prompted the foundation stone for the new Raj Bhawan to be laid on January 5, 2023. The newly inaugurated Brahmaputra Wing, situated near the banks of the Brahmaputra River, is now considered one of the most beautiful Raj Bhawans in the country.
A Center of Excellence for Policing
Sarma also announced that the Lachit Borphukan Academy has been upgraded to a national-level training institution under Amit Shah’s guidance. The academy has already begun training personnel from the Manipur Police, with requests from other states indicating its potential as a center of excellence for policing and digital forensics in the region.
A Vision for the Future
Amit Shah expressed pride in inaugurating the Brahmaputra Wing, stating his confidence that it would rank among the most beautiful Raj Bhawans in India. He extended his best wishes to the Governor for the new facility, emphasizing its role in enhancing governance in Assam.
In conclusion, Chief Minister Sarma noted that this inauguration marks only the first phase of the new Raj Bhawan’s development. Plans for future phases include the addition of a grand Durbar Hall and several other facilities, promising a bright future for Assam’s governance and administrative capabilities.
The inauguration of the Brahmaputra Wing and the associated projects signify a transformative step for Assam, enhancing not only its administrative infrastructure but also its commitment to security and digital advancement in the region.