KOKRAJHAR, Dec 13 ? The problem of equal status to Bodos residing under the jurisdiction of the three autonomous councils in Assam will be resolved by March, 2005, said Minister of State for Finance, Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Addressing a gathering at the Kokrajhar Government HS and MP School field on the occasion of the celebration of the first anniversary of Bodoland Territorial Area Development (BTAD), on Tuesday, Sarma said the BTAD meet be integral to the vision of the ?State Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to make Assam a resourceful state. The State government is committed to implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for allround development of the region, Sarma added.
Because of the positive attitude of the State government, four separate districts were created, 39 subjects transferred to the BTAD, and 49 crore released to the Council apart from completing the process to hold elections in the Council area, Sarma said. The minister said funds from the State government were apart from the grant of Rs 100 crore annually from the Centre, adding, the process of allocation of funds from the Centre is transparent.
He also said the funds from the Centre would be received by the principal secretary of the BTAD to ensure transparency. Sarma refuted allegations of diversion of funds meant for the BTAD and said financial dealings particularly utilization of funds undergo thorough scrutiny.
Regarding withdrawal of cases against Bodoland movement activities, Sarma said the government has involved some legal experts to expedite the process which is subject to judicial intervention. He expressed his satisfaction over the functioning of the BTAD and assured to provide more officials or requisition by the BTAD chief.
Addressing the gathering, Rabiram Narzary, president, ABSU said the BTAD was a new-born baby and the Central and State govts as parent agencies must execute their responsibilities for a healthy upbringing.
Narzary said the BTAD was functioning under several restraints and constraints like poverty of funds and resources. The grievances of the people, could not be addressed properly due to inadequate assistance and support from the Central & State govts.
Hagrama Mahilary, chief of BTAD in his presidential speech congratulated the people of this area for their co-operation with his administration. He also thanked the Chief Minister of Assam for taking up steps, for giving more autonomy to the other three Autonomous Councils per MoU.
On the occasion 75 cheques of Rs 1 lakh each were distributed among the next of kin of the martyrs of the Bodoland movement by the chief guest and chief of BTAD. BK Brahma, president, Bodo Sahitya Sabha, Pramita Rani Brahma, BDLP leader, Kanan Basumatary, president, ABWWF, Herendra Nath Brahma, MLA, among others, attended the function.