India 2018

598 India 2018
` 3,946.11 lakh were distributed among the beneficiaries of various SHGs till
2014. The state government launched Angel Fund in 2010-11 to extend loans
up to ` 5.0 lakh at a nominal rate of interest to the entrepreneurs for setting up
of small scale industries.
Power
The state’s power generation in 2014-15 was 1,894.7 MU as against 935 MU in
2001. Number of consumers accordingly has increased to 33 lakh as compared
to 9 lakh in 2001. Similarly, per capita availability of electricity has also increased
to 232 units as against 83 units in 2001. This has become possible due to timely
execution of renovation and modernization works in all areas of power
generation, distribution and transmission.
Transport & Communication
The state government has been placing great priority on expanding and
improving the rural road network and construction of RCC bridges by replacing
old timber bridges. Since 2001, more than 23,000 km of all-weather roads and
about 3800 RCC bridges have been constructed. Moreover, construction of
about 5,000 km all-weather roads including construction of 1,250 numbers of
RCC bridges is in progress.
Festivals
Assam, being an inseparable part of this great country, shares all the religious
festivals observed elsewhere. The state also has an exclusive range of festivals
which have enriched the cultural mosaic of the land. Bihu is by far the most
important festival of Assam. While Rongali Bihu or Bohag Bihu, coinciding with
the Assamese New Year, is the principal Bihu, the harvest festival, known as
the Bhogali Bihu or Magh Bihu is also equally important. There is a third Bihu
called the Kangali Bihu or Kati Bihu, which is solemnly observed to prey of love
and yearning, sometimes having distinct erotic overtones, with
characteristically catchy and earthy tunes. The Bodos, the largest tribal group,
perform Kherai puja as a festival, which assumes the shape of a fair in most
places. The Kherai puja is accompanied by shamanistic dance performed by
female artists who get into a trance, other with vigorous movements of the
head, tossing and swinging the dishevelled hair. Bathow is another important
puja of the Bodos.
Tourism
Over the years, Assam, the “Gateway of the North-East” has emerged as a
popular tourist destination. The natural beauty and bounty, the environment,
rich topography, the unique flora and fauna, the biodiversity, virgin forest,
proud hills and green valleys all contribute in making Assam a major hub for
wildlife and echo-tourism. Assam is located about 79.5 m above sea level. The
five national parks, nineteen wildlife sanctuaries and three bird sanctuaries
are treasure houses of rare flora and fauna.