Assam: Rs 143 crore of 43 projects still unspent

Government of India’s Special Packages for autonomous areas

 STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Assam is yet to spend around Rs 143 crore of Government India’s special packages, under which 43 projects are still going on. And some of these projects have been going on since 2016–17.

As an insurgent-infested state (till the past few years), the Government of India had to sign MoS (Memoranda of Settlement) with various rebel groups like BLT, UDPS, DHD, etc., in the BTAD (now BTR), Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao. In the MoS with these rebel groups, the Central Government made some commitments to provide some special packages for the overall development of the BTAD, KAAC (Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council) and the NCHAC (North Cachar Autonomous Council) areas.

The Central Government approved as many as 103 projects under these special packages for the development of BTAD, KAAC and NCHAC areas. According to a recent report of the Ministry of DoNER (Development of North Eastern Region), as of October 31, 2023, the Centre approved Rs 1175.93 crore against the 103 projects under the special packages. The report of DoNER reveals that 43 of the 103 projects with a cost of Rs 143 crore in the three autonomous areas in the state are still going on.

Some of the projects that have been going on for a long time are:

 A community hall at Diyungbra (Digendu) under PWD (building) Haflong Division with an approved cost of Rs 2.94 crore. Rs 1.47 crore of this amount has been spent.

A community hall at Mahur under PWD (building) Haflong Division with an approved cost of Rs 2.94 crore. Rs 1.47 crore of this amount has been spent.

The construction of infrastructure (vertical extension) of a district-centre-building at Musalpur in the Baksa district with an approved cost of Rs 3.85 crore. Rs 1.93 crore of this amount has been spent.

The construction of an RCC bridge over Numbor River from BBDC to Rongkimi Road with an approved cost of Rs 3.84 crore. Rs 1.92 crore of this amount has been spent.

The construction of an RCC bridge over the Puthimari River with an approved cost of Rs 8 crore, of which Rs 4 crore has been spent, etc.

The speedy utilization of these central funds under the special packages can only serve the purpose of the projects.

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