Guwahati, 27 July (HS): BJP MLA Manab Deka on Monday said the unprecedented floods that affected parts of Assam this year were primarily caused by exceptionally heavy rainfall, while also backing the Centre's initiatives on examination reforms and stricter action against malpractice in public examinations.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Assam Assembly Budget Session, Deka described the loss of lives and property in the floods as tragic. He noted that many of the affected areas are usually considered flood-safe due to their elevated terrain but witnessed severe inundation this year because of unusually high rainfall.
The affected areas are generally not flood-prone as they are located on higher ground. This time, the region received nearly 400 to 500 per cent more rainfall than normal, resulting in unprecedented flooding. Many people lost their lives, and we are deeply saddened by the tragedy, Deka said.
He also praised the solidarity shown by people across Assam, saying citizens from different parts of the state came together to support flood-affected families during the crisis.
On the Centre's decision to constitute a high-level task force on examination reforms under the leadership of Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, Deka expressed confidence that the panel would recommend meaningful changes. He described Nilekani as a distinguished reformer whose contributions to technology, digital governance, Aadhaar and digital payment systems have been widely recognised.
The BJP legislator also welcomed the proposed amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, stating that stronger punitive provisions would act as an effective deterrent against examination-related malpractices and help enhance the credibility of the country's examination system.
Commenting on the controversy surrounding Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma's remarks over the participation of Assam Minister Keshab Mahanta's daughter in a student protest, Deka said that while democracy guarantees the right to protest, such demonstrations should be conducted with dignity and decorum.
He condemned the alleged use of abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the protest, calling it unacceptable. Deka added that such behaviour reflected poorly on a person's upbringing and suggested that counselling could be appropriate.-----------
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
