Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy today virtually dedicated a Life-Saving Advanced Ambulance to the Community Health Centre (CHC) at Bokajan, Assam. The ambulance, donated under a CSR initiative by Richardson & Cruddas Ltd. in coordination with CCI Bokajan, is expected to significantly strengthen emergency medical services in Bokajan and adjoining areas, enabling critical patients to be transported to advanced hospitals in Diphu, Jorhat, and Dimapur.

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Union Minister highlighted how the Hon’ble PM’s visionary initiative since January 2015, ensuring that a Union Minister visits the Northeast every 15 days has transformed the region’s development landscape. “This reflects our government’s strong commitment to fast-paced development, connectivity and prosperity for the wonderful people of the Northeast, who truly deserve the best,” ShriKumaraswamy said.

Bokajan Cement Plant on a revival path

Shri Kumaraswamy also reviewed operations and progress at the CCI Bokajan Cement Plant, a unit of Cement Corporation of India (CCI) under the Ministry of Heavy Industries. Commissioned in 1976, the plant has an annual capacity of 1.98 lakh metric tonnes and produces 43-grade Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC). After facing losses for several years, the Bokajan unit has returned to profitability in the last three years.

“Thanks to the indomitable spirit of the people of the Northeast, Bokajan has seen a remarkable turnaround. With expansion plans under active consideration, we aim to increase employment fivefold and further strengthen industrial activity in Assam,” the Minister stated. Currently, CCI Bokajan provides employment to approximately 450 direct employees and 1,000 indirect workers.

Focus on sustainability and industrial growth

During his previous visit to CCI Bokajan on September 21, Shri Kumaraswamy inaugurated the Commissioning of a Hot Air Duct to Raw Mills Project and laid the foundation stone of a 1 MW Solar Power Project. The Hot Air Duct is already saving around 11 tonnes of coal per day, while the Solar Project, expected to be commissioned shortly, will further improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, aligning with India’s renewable energy goals.

He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to boosting the plant’s operations, exploring possibilities for further industrial growth in the region and utilising available resources of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) to set up new industries.

 

Community-first healthcare efforts

 

The Life-Saving Advanced Ambulance, formally requested by local MLA and Deputy Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly Dr. Numal Momin, will fill a critical gap in emergency medical services in Bokajan. The CHC currently faces limitations in handling serious and emergency cases. Patients can now be safely transferred to tertiary care hospitals in nearby towns, ensuring timely treatment and saving lives.

“The ambulance will benefit not only the people of Bokajan but also nearby areas like Chandrapur, Sukhanjan, Sarihajan, Dillai, Hidpi, Madhopur and Khatkhati,” Shri Kumaraswamy said. He thanked Shri Tuliram Ronghang, Chief Executive Member of KAAC, Dr. Momin, and the people of Bokajan for their support and partnership in these initiatives.

Reaffirming the Ministry’s focus on a self-reliant Northeast, Shri Kumaraswamy added, “Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we are determined to empower every community through stronger industries, sustainable growth, and enhanced social infrastructure. Together, we will build a truly Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

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TPJ

(Release ID: 2150911)