Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today attributed the continuous announcement of schemes by the state and their successful implementation from its own sources of revenue to the state’s sound financial health.
In a statement here Gogoi, who also holds the Finance portfolio, said the state government was not confined to the announcement of schemes alone; it (government) was 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 the Special Category Status to Assam and suspension of the North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy.
“Considering the good financial health of the state, we are progressing well with recruitment of 52,748 TET (Teachers Eligibility Test) qualified teachers on contractual basis and 8,866 teachers in regular posts.
“Moreover, 5,093 teachers have also been inducted into the Upper Primary level,” the Chief Minister said.
Gogoi maintained that the government has completed several projects financed by World Bank, NABARD and Asian Development Bank.
To expedite development of the state’s rural areas, the government has launched Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Poki Path Nirman Achoni and Swahid Kushal Konwar Poki Path Nirman Achoni involving worth Rs 600 crore, Gogoi said.
During the tenure of the present dispensation, 25,000 km of ‘pucca’ roads and 4,122 bridges have been constructed, the Chief Minister said adding, 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 government has also taken up a scheme involving Rs 900 crore for the development of Infrastructure Development of Inland Water Transport, which is an indicative of the state’s good financial health,” he said.
“The Finance department will 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, the state government has been providing funds to these institutions,” he said.
The government has prepared a guidelines for Rs 1,000 crore scheme announced in the budget and selection of beneficiary was also underway, he said.
The state government would continue its endeavor of expediting the pace of development of the state by ensuring development of all ethnic communities by taking adequate follow-up steps, Gogoi added.