Sonowal in Delhi, to apprise Centre about dismal State finces

‘Government keen on putting in place a fool-proof mechanism to check leakage of revenue’ Minister Chandra Mohan Patwary

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, June 10: Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal today left for New Delhi where he would meet Fince minister Arun Jaitley and apprise him of the State's dismal fincial condition.

State Fince minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had recently published a White Paper which stated that the new BJP-led government in the State has inherited "committed liabilities" of over Rs 10,000 crore from its predecessor.

During his stay in the tiol capital, Sonowal is also likely to meet some other Central ministers and discuss various issues concerning the State.

Before leaving, Sonowal chaired a meeting of his council of ministers here which took up some vital issues, including the State's fincial situation.

After the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs minister Chandra Mohan Patwary said the new government has inherited a "big burden" from its predecessor.

"Now our thrust is on increasing the revenue receipts. All the revenue earning departments have been given instructions to mop up the revenue collection, without giving additiol tax burden on the people," Patwary said.

He said the government is also keen on putting in place a fool-proof mechanism to check leakage of revenue.

The White Paper on the State finces had said that the interl revenue growth in the State was at all-time low in the last three fiscals, at an average 1.3 percent.

Patwary also said all departments have been asked to speed-up implementation of the announcements made by the new government so far.