Rs 50 crore allocated for the integrated development of Majuli in this year’s budget

Guwahati/Majuli: State Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday announced Package for Integrated Development of Majuli Island (PIDMI) to curb the gradual eroding issue over the river island due to perennial floods by the mighty Brahmaputra River impacting the overall well-being and morale of the people residing in Majuli.

To address this challenge, Finance Minister in the Budget session today stated that the Government will take various initiatives in the sectors of health, education, livelihoods and infrastructure for the integrated development of Majuli and its people.

“We will take special care to ensure that the cultural identity of Majuli is protected and preserved while taking all these initiatives. Detailed modalities of this scheme will be chalked out subsequently and I would like to request respected members of this August House to provide their valuable suggestions for the same,” adding, “To this effect, we will provide funding of Rs 150 crore over the medium term. I am earmarking a sum of Rs 50 crore for the integrated development of Majuli in this year’s budget,” said Finance Minister.

Further, for a permanent solution of flood and erosion problem of Majuli, the report of the expert committee constituted has already been submitted to Government of India and the same reiterated in the visit of the 15th finance Commission.

It is proposed to keep a budget provision of Rs. 14.4742 crores in the budget of 2019-20 for construction of sluice gates and other structures of Majuli including construction of divisional office complex and guest house. Money has already been allocated under the budget of 2019-20 for Providing Motor Launch at Majuli, informed the Finance Minister further.