Assam budget session from today

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, July 17: The first budget session of the BJP-led government will kick off tomorrow. The 15-day session will conclude on August 12.

On the first day of the session on Monday, the government will table the Assam Amusements and Betting Tax (Amendment), Bill, 2016.

Fince minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will table the budget on July 26. He is also expected to place in the House a revised White Paper on the State's current fincial status.

All the major political parties, including the BJP, AGP and Congress held their legislature party meetings today on the eve of the session. The BJP and AGP also had a separate meeting.

Opposition leader Debabrata Saikia said the Congress would raise three major issues - privatization of oilfields, controversy over AIIMS site and price rise - in the House.

The role of the AGP will be keenly watched as some of its leaders, including former CM PK Mahanta have been vocal in criticizing the alliance government over the oilfield and AIIMS issues.

Meanwhile, Fince minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that with the Central government agreeing to give Assam and other similarly-placed oil producing states royalty at pre-discounted price with effect from February 1, 2014, the State would be getting Rs 1,480 crore soon.

"Besides, we hope to generate an additiol Rs 1,000 crore, after which the liabilities will come down to around Rs 7,000 crore," Sarma said.

On the turmoil in Raha over the AIIMS site issue, Sarma, also the Health minister, said the State government has communicated the "sentiments of the Raha people to the Central government."

"AIIMS is a central institution. The Central government will take the fil call on this matter," he added.