No dearth of funds in pursuing development projects in Assam: Gogoi

In a statement on Monday, Gogoi who also holds Finance portfolio said that the State Government is not confined to the announcement of schemes alone; it (Government) is taking adequate steps to implement them from its own revenue. The Government has even enhanced development funds to different Autonomous Councils to expedite the process of development.

 

Gogoi, however, admitted that funds flow to the State has dried up in view of the BJP-led NDA Government’s withdrawal of Special Category Status and suspension of North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy.

 

“Considering the good financial health of the State, we are progressing well with recruitment of 52748 TET qualified teachers on contractual basis and 8866 teachers in regular posts. Moreover, 5093 teachers have also been inducted into Upper Primary level,” Gogoi said.

 

Gogoi also maintained that the Government is committed to the development of the State and hence completed several projects financed by World Bank, NABARD, Asian Development Bank. To expedite development of the rural areas of the State, the Government has launched Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Poki Path Nirman Achoni and Swahid Kushal Konwar Poki Path Nirman Achoni involving worth Rs. 600 crore. It may be mentioned here that during the tenure of the present dispensation  25,000 kilometre of ‘pucca’ roads and 4122 nos of bridges have been constructed.

 

The Assam CM said that NABARD has approved schemes worth Rs. 750 crore besides getting externally aided schemes worth Rs. 300 crore.

 

“Because of the robust financial health, the State will receive loans from BRIC Development Bank and Asian Infrastructural Development Bank very soon. The State Government has also taken up a scheme involving Rs 900 crore for the development of Infrastructure Development of Inland Water Transport is an indicative of the State’s good financial health,” Gogoi said.

           

The Assam CM said that the Finance Department would soon release Rs 300 crore for Panchayati Raj Institutions and Municipal bodies.

 

“Though the Centre has stopped funds for Zila Parishad, Anchalik Parishad, Autonomous Councils and Sixth Schedule Areas, State Government has been providing funds to these institutions,” Gogoi said.

 

The Assam CM said that the Government has already prepared a guidelines for Rs. 1000 crore scheme announced in the budget and selection of beneficiary is also underway.

 

Gogoi also reiterated that the State Government would continue its endeavour of expediting the pace of development of the State by ensuring development of all ethnic communities by taking adequate follow up steps. 

 

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)