Make CM's Relief Fund more broad-based: Debabrata Saikia

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly Debabrata Saikia on Monday wrote to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and requested him to release aid from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for inhabitants of all parts of Assam, especially aid for health-related problems.

Saikia mentioned that Opposition MLAs have met the Chief Minister several times to request resumption of the Suhrid scheme.

"However, you told us that you would fulfil the needs of the common people through the Chief Minister's Relief Fund instead of through the Suhrid scheme," Saikia stated.

The Congress leader pointed out that the Chief Minister's Relief Fund is a totally discretionary fund which is released only as per the discretion of the Chief Minister.

Saikia alleged that a discriminatory attitude has been noticed when it comes to disbursal of aid under the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Financial assistance is provided only to beneficiaries recommended by MPs, MLAs and leaders of the ruling party. On the other hand, eligible beneficiaries recommended by Opposition MLAs are denied aid on the ground of lack of funds, Saikia said, adding that this state of affairs "is unfortunate."

It may be mentioned that during the tenure of Sarbananda Sonowal as Chief Minister the State Government had introduced the Suhrid scheme under the MLA-LAD programme with a grant of Rs 50 lakh per constituency to enable assistance by the MLAs to the poor and needy citizens of their constituencies to meet their expenses incurred in the areas of health and higher education.

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