Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma briefs PM Narendra Modi about floods, development

  Sarma lauds Sitharaman for her support

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met Prime Minister Narendra Modi today and apprised him of the development journey and the flood situation in the state. He said, "I had the privilege of seeking the blessings of the Prime Minister. Assam's wellbeing remained the top priority for the Prime Minister. I have received his kind guidance on the way forward."

The Chief Minister briefed the Prime Minister about the latest flood situation in the State and the slew of measures taken by the State Government to provide relief and rehabilitation to the flood-affected people. Sarma said, "The Prime Minister assured us of providing all help and assistance to the State Government to deal with the flood situation."

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister appreciated Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the initiatives she had taken to accelerate the welfare programmes and capital expenditure of Assam.

The Chief Minister met the Union Finance Minister at her official residence in New Delhi and discussed a gamut of financial matters pertaining to Assam. During the meeting, the Chief Minister presented the overall financial scenario, highlighting the progress made by the state in various key indicators, including mobilization of revenue.

Expressing heartfelt appreciation to the Ministry of Finance for extending generous support to Assam in terms of capital assistance and the advance release of the devolution funds, Sarma said, "These initiatives have helped Assam accelerate welfare-oriented programmes as well as capital expenditure. These initiatives have played a crucial role in accelerating the overall development of the state."

The devolution fund is the distribution of tax revenue between the Centre and the state governments. It is a constitutional mechanism to distribute the proceeds of certain taxes among the Union and the states in a fair and equitable manner.

It is pertinent to say that in this financial year, the Assam Government estimated Rs 31,950 crore in the form of share central tax, Rs 31,130 crore from centrally sponsored schemes, and Rs 10,186 crore as Finance Commission grants. The State Government estimated Rs. 30,000 crore from its own sources.

Also Read:  Floods deal a blow to agriculture sector in Assam

Also Watch: