Development councils, civic bodies going without funds

Tarun Gogoi's promises remain hollow with current fiscal nearing end

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, Jan 24: The civic bodies in the State are grappling with severe fund shortage, with Dispur failing to release even a single penny to civic bodies this fincial year.

Contrary to claims by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi that government employees are getting their salaries regularly, the employees of civic bodies have not received even a month's salary this fincial year.

There are over 70 civic bodies in the State, employing around 4,300 people.

As a result, the civic bodies are uble to carry out any development works in their areas of jurisdiction.

Adding to the list of cash-strapped bodies are the Development Councils created for development of various ethnic communities.

The existing 19 Development Councils also have not received any money this fincial year which ends in one and half month's time.

The annual allocation to each Development Council is around Rs 7 crore.

While the existing councils are already penurious and struggling for survival, Gogoi has recently announced creation of nine more Development Councils.

The salaries of TET teachers have also not been regularly paid, sources said.