Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, today virtually dedicated a Life-Saving Advanced Ambulance to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Bokajan, Assam. The ambulance, donated under a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by Richardson & Cruddas Ltd. in coordination with Cement Corporation of India (CCI) Bokajan, is expected to significantly enhance emergency healthcare access across Bokajan and adjoining regions.
This strategic healthcare boost will enable the safe and timely transfer of critical patients to tertiary hospitals in Diphu, Jorhat, and Dimapur, bridging an essential gap in emergency response infrastructure in the region.
Northeast on Development Fast Track
Speaking at the occasion, Union Minister Kumaraswamy lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directive since January 2015 to ensure a Union Minister visits the Northeast every fortnight.
“This visionary approach has transformed the development landscape of the Northeast. It reflects our government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive growth, connectivity, and prosperity for the wonderful people of this region,” the Minister said.
Revival and Growth at CCI Bokajan Cement Plant
Kumaraswamy also reviewed the operations of the CCI Bokajan Cement Plant, a key unit under the Ministry of Heavy Industries. Established in 1976, the plant has a current annual capacity of 1.98 lakh metric tonnes, manufacturing both 43-grade Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC).
After enduring years of operational losses, the Bokajan unit has made a strong comeback, returning to profitability over the last three years.
“Bokajan’s turnaround is a testament to the resilience of the people of the Northeast. We are actively considering expansion plans that could increase employment fivefold and significantly boost industrial growth in Assam,” Kumaraswamy added.
Presently, CCI Bokajan employs around 450 direct and 1,000 indirect workers.
Sustainability and Industrial Modernisation in Focus
During his prior visit to the Bokajan plant on September 21, the Minister inaugurated the Hot Air Duct to Raw Mills Project and laid the foundation stone for a 1 MW Solar Power Project. The hot air duct is already saving 11 tonnes of coal per day, while the solar plant—soon to be commissioned—will enhance operational efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in line with India’s green energy goals.
Kumaraswamy reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to sustainable industrial growth, including leveraging resources of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) to explore new industrial ventures in the region.
Community-First Healthcare Efforts
The new ambulance was formally requested by Dr. Numal Momin, MLA and Deputy Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly, to address the region’s limitations in emergency medical infrastructure.
“The ambulance will greatly benefit not only Bokajan but also nearby localities like Chandrapur, Sukhanjan, Sarihajan, Dillai, Hidpi, Madhopur, and Khatkhati,” said the Union Minister, extending gratitude to Shri Tuliram Ronghang, Chief Executive Member of KAAC, and the people of Bokajan for their support.
Towards a Self-Reliant Northeast
Reaffirming the Centre’s focus on regional empowerment, Kumaraswamy concluded: “Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we are determined to build a self-reliant Northeast through stronger industries, sustainable growth models, and inclusive social infrastructure. Together, we are shaping the future of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
