OUR CORRESPONDENT
KOKRAJHAR: The Bodoland Territorial Council Legislative Assembly (BTCLA) on Monday passed the general budget of the Council to the tune of Rs 3310.67 crore for the session 2021-22. The Chief Executive Member (CEM) of BTC, Pramod Boro tabled the Budget during the Council's budget session held on February 26 but due to some unavoidable circumstances of the Governor and thereafter imposition of Model Code of Conduct, the Budget could not be discussed for passing.
In his maiden speech, CEM Pramod Boro said that certain minor modifications were made in the Budget and little changes had been made in departmental allocations on a priority basis. He said that the coronavirus pandemic had hampered the smooth sailing of departmental proceedings and developmental activities. He also called upon all elected representatives, including the opposition bench, to participate in a healthy debate for a good democracy.
Later, talking to media persons, Boro said that the House discussed the necessity of fund allocation for the Speaker of the Council and decided to allocate an amount of Rs 1 crore to the Speaker's Discretionary Fund to work for the public welfare. He also said that a separate fund for Deputy Speaker would also be discussed in the days to come.
Boro said that at least five House committees had been formed with representatives inclusive of opposition for the smooth running of developmental activities and to oversee the proper implementation of projects. He asserted that the consumption of drugs and alcoholic substances by youths was increasing and it had become a matter of concern for which the Council would set up drugs de-addiction centres in the BTR.
On the new State Government led by Himanta Biswa Sarma, Boro said that they were part of the coalition government and since the State had got a dynamic leader, they had high expectations for fast development in the BTR. He hoped the new government would be able to address the people's expectations, besides solving crucial issues of the State.