BTCLA approves Rs. 1741-crore normal budget in session

The Chief Executive Member of BTC, Pramod Boro on Friday placed a Rs. 1741.69 crore normal budget for the year
BTCLA approves Rs. 1741-crore normal budget in session

OUR CORRESPONDENT

KOKRAJHAR: The Chief Executive Member of BTC, Pramod Boro on Friday placed a Rs. 1741.69 crore normal budget for the year 2020-21.It was subsequently approved by the house as not a single member from the opposition took part in the budget session. The total expenditure is estimated at Rs. 1746.46 crore which includes expenditure of Rs. 1079.42 crore in State Own Priority Department (SOPD) and Rs. 667.03 crore in establishment expenditure. The budget shows Rs. 4.77 crore possible deficit.

In his budget speech, Boro said that they had inherited a system of governance where there was hardly any planning and policies for any sector of development. He said it was saddening to see that there existed no framework of good governance in the last 17 years and so much so, their government now was now facing a tough challenge of meeting around Rs 2,300 crore liabilities created by the previous government.

Boro said that by realizing that perspective planning and innovation were prerequisites for transformation, the new government had decided to set up the Bodoland Innovation and Transformation Agency (BITA) for which funds had been provisioned and the agency would be utilized for proper planning, execution and monitoring of developmental process for 3.5 million population of BTR. He also said that the BITA would be instituted by drawing experts from diverse fields for assisting their government in properly utilizing resources received from the Central and State governments and revenue generated from the local sources.

The BTC chief said, "Responsive governance will be the hallmark of our government. Provision under a new scheme called 'Onsungthai-the Chief's Care Fund' to reach out to people in distress and in need of assistance for medical emergencies, education etc. has been made." He said that budget allocation had been made to tackle any emergency situation which required immediate intervention and to ensure administration for smooth running. Adequate budgetary provisions for all administrative expenses, including salaries and wages to all employees, had been made, he added.

Boro expressed gratitude to the government that the clauses of the BTR accord were being implemented sincerely one after another in a speedy manner, including setting up of four special courts to resolve the pending cases against the former NDFB cadres.

In the budget session, an MCLA raised voice for enhancing the annual fund allocation to MCLAs for local area development from existing limit. The chief assured that he would take up the matter for consideration in the next course of action.

Meanwhile, the opposition party Bodoland People's Front (BPF) led by Hagrama Mohilary abstained from taking part in the budget session. A senior BPF leader and former EM, Doneswar Goyary told a section of media persons that they did not take part as the UPPL, BJP and GSP coalition government had violated democratic norms during composite floor test held on December 24 and as a mark of protest, they stayed away from participation in the budget session.

Top Headlines

No stories found.
Sentinel Assam
www.sentinelassam.com