In News:

• Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 1st Bodoland Mohotsava two-day event focused on language, literature, and culture.
• Objective: Aims to promote peace, unity, and a vibrant Bodo society through cultural integration. The festival celebrates the rich Bodo culture and heritage.

Historical Context and Peace Initiatives:

• End of Violence: The event marks the end of 50 years of violence, following the Bodo Peace Accord (2020), which ended conflict in Bodoland and led to a path of peace and development.
• Peace Agreements: The Bodo Peace Accord served as a catalyst for other peace settlements, such as the KarbiAnglong Accord, Bru-Reang Accord, and NLFT-Tripura Accord.

Development in Bodoland Post-Peace Accord:

• Impact of the Peace Accord:
  • Over 10,000 youth in Assam have renounced violence and joined the mainstream of development.
  • Increased mutual trust between the people and the government.
• Economic Assistance:
  • Rs 1,500 crore special package by the central government.
  • Rs 700 crore spent on infrastructure development in education, health, and culture in Bodoland.
  • Rs 5 lakh assistance for families affected by the Bodo conflict.

Government Support for Socio-Economic Development:

• Skill Development & SEED Mission:Focus on skilling, entrepreneurship, employment, and development through the SEED Mission for youth empowerment.
• Rehabilitation of Former Cadres:
  • Over 4,000 former cadres of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) have been rehabilitated.
  • Many youths have been recruited into Assam Police.
• Tourism & Employment:Growing tourism in Bodoland, with parks like Manas National Park and Raimona National Park, creating employment opportunities for youth.

Cultural Promotion:

• Bodo Culture and GI Tags:Promoting Bodo crafts like Aronnaye, Dokhona, Gamsa, etc., that have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags to preserve cultural identity.
• Bodoland Handloom Mission & Sericulture:Government efforts to promote sericulture and the Bodoland Handloom Mission to sustain Bodo weaving traditions.
• Literary Celebrations:
  • Continuous Bodoland Literary Festival in Kokrajhar, enhancing the importance of Bodo literature and language.
  • Celebration of Bodo Sahitya Sabha’s 73rd foundation day.

Key Government Initiatives for Development:

• Infrastructure Development:
  • Rs 800 crore annually being spent by the Assam government for the development of Bodoland.
  • Focus on healthcare, education, and employment.
• Medical Education:Expansion of medical colleges in Assam from 6 to 12, with plans for 12 more new colleges.