Centre not releasing Rs 17,000 crore: Tarun Gogoi

Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi alleged here on Saturday that the Centre was holding back the release of nearly Rs 17,000 crore dues, including the oil royalty to the state, which he said was affecting the development of the state.

In a written statement, Mr Gogoi claimed that his government has not been able to pursue its development-related schemes and programmes due to inordinate delay in releasing the funds to Assam. Contrary to what his opponents accused, Mr Gogoi alleged that the Central government’s move to cut funds in rural development schemes like IAY and MGNREGA reflect the anti-poor and pro-capitalist behaviour of the government.

Mr Gogoi, however, claimed that change in funding pattern and reduction in the fund flow to the state will have impact on development of the state but his government was devising mechanism to generate its independent source of revenue.

“Irrespective of the Centre’s indifferent attitude towards Assam and its people and reduction of developmental funds, the state government will continue to pursue welfare schemes along with its development agenda rigorously,” he said.

Mr Gogoi also referred the data of composite development ranking while pointing out that despite indifferent attitude of the central government Assam has made giant leaps and moved to 7th rank from 19th.

Gogoi said in spite of the Centre’s “indifferent” attitude, the state government has made giant leaps and moved to 7th position from 19th in composite development ranking.