CEM Pramod Boro tables Rs. 2200 crores budget in BTC for FY 2024-25

KOKRAJHAR,JUNE 18: The Chief Executive Member (CEM) of Bodoland Territorial Region(BTR ), who is also Finance in-charge, Pramod Boro presented the normal budget outlay of Rs. 2200 crores for the financial year 2024-25 for the Bodoland Territorial Council in the budget session of the Bodoland Territorial Council Legislative Assembly (BTCLA) being held at the BTCLA House, Bodofa Nwgwr in Kokrajhar on Tuesday.

The two-day budget session of the BTC Legislative Assembly was started on Tuesday, which was chaired by Katiram Boro, speaker of the BTC Legislative Assembly.
The budget session was started with question hour,and the house saw a good discussion focusing the welfare, development, peace, tranquility, and ushering of the sustainable development.

While delivering the budget speech, Boro said, “The budget themed under ‘Vibrant BTR Mission 2024-25’ encapsulates the BTR government’s efforts for ensuring accountability, transparency, effectiveness, efficiency and timely delivery of services for the people of BTR.” He also maintained that the budget ensured a continuity in implementation of the existing flagship programmes of the council government while envisaging landmark social justice efforts for the future. Interestingly, this is the first ever instance in the history of the Bodoland Territorial Council that its budget has been prepared by following the List of Major & Minor Head of Account (LMMH) as prescribed by the CAG of India [Rule 19(7)(a) of BTC Fund Rules, 2012].

“This has been possible due to a series of diligent activities aimed at achieving transparency and accountability in the financial management system of the council,” said Boro.
It may be inferred from the budget speech that Boro-led BTR Government’s unique focus has been the empowerment of grassroot institutions, processes and voices of BTR which was not the case earlier. The core principle of the budget is evidently a people-centric approach that envisages “a governance from the roots to the top” as stated by Boro.

Some of the major initiatives have been planned for the FY 2024-25 as stated by Boro which are included Vibrant BTR- 100 Days of action is a programme designed to augment and expedite the reach of services for the citizens of BTR. The flagship schemes from across all sectors and departments that are fundamental to realizing the vision of BTR government— Peaceful, Smart and Green Bodoland are being put on a fast-track through this. The respective Directorates of the Council are responsible for executing the 100 Days Action Plan.
Boro mentioned that massive tree plantation along with fencing, manuring and irrigation facilities across BTR;
Miyawaki Forest at BTC Secretariat campus; action-based research on ground water management for both availability and quality, and pilot project on wetland conservation; rigorous campaign on Green Mission and limiting the use of disposable plastic items;
Developing clean villages in BTR and incentivizing best performers;
Workshop on carbon sequestration/carbon offsetting/ground water and plastic pollution reduction ” We have created avenues for engaging innovative pursuits of 5000 youth through participation in Bodoland Green Brigades for carrying out incentivized plantation drives”,he said.

Update on Implementation of Bodo Peace Accord 2020 as reflected in Boro’s Budget Speech, which have highlighted, the Foundation Stones of six projects included in the historic Bodo Peace Accord 2020, were laid during the “Celebration of 3 Glorious Years of BTR Government” at Bijni on the 20th of December 2023 by HCM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. They are:

1. Institute of Paramedical and Nursing Sciences at Tamulpur with an estimated cost of Rs. 19.45 Crores
2. Institute of Paramedical and Nursing Sciences at Udalguri with an estimated cost of Rs. 28.88 Crores
3. Polytechnic and Vocational Training Institute at Gobardhana Baksa district with an estimated cost of Rs. 24.07 Crores
4. Polytechnic and Vocational Training Institute at Parbatjhora Kokrajhar district with an estimated cost of Rs. 24.07 Crores
5. Birsa Munda Cultural Complex at Amguri Kokrajhar with an estimated cost of Rs. 9.62 Crores.
6. Gorkha Bhawan and Cultural Centre at Chirang with an estimated cost of Rs. 9.63 Crores.

Implementation of important clauses of the Bodo Peace Accord 2020. The following were mentioned:

1. Payment of Rehabilitation Package of 4203 Cadres at the rate of Rs. 4 Lakh each, and Ex-gratia payment to the next-of-kin for 632 martyrs at the rate of Rs. 5 Lakh each have been completed in the last three years. In the previous 17-year rule by the opposition, only around 300 next-of-kin of martyrs had received ex-gratia payment.
2. Inclusion of 41 villages from Sonitpur district to BTR has been completed. 19 other villages are in the pipeline.
   Provincialization of 259 Services of Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff of 10 Venture Colleges of BTR has been completed. Budget provision has also been earmarked for the FY 2024-25 as Grant-in-Aid. The process is ongoing for the remaining colleges, and elementary and high schools.
3. Submissions of the requisite detailed project reports (DPRs) for approvals of 19 projects under the Special Development Package (SDP) to be funded by the Government of India to the tune of Rs. 717.23 Crores (approximately) in the first phase has been completed.

Administrative Approvals for another five projects, while paper work for 12 projects are in various stages of progress. Thus, projects worth Rs. 724 Crores (approximately) to be funded by the Government of Assam are in the pipeline already.

A few updates on sectoral achievements

1. 13 traditional and cultural articles that embody Bodo identity have been certified under Section 16(2) of the Geographical Indication (GI) Registry, Government of India. The awarding of the prestigious GI Tags on Jotha, Gongona, Gamsa, Sifung, Serja, Khardwi, Kham, Gongar Dunjia, Thorka, Keradapini, Jwmgra, Dokhona and Eri Silk has validated preservation efforts of the rich heritage of the Bodos.
2. There has been democratic empowerment of all institutions, namely, the VCDC, TCLCC, MCLAs, EMs and the general public. The 100 Days of Action, and the Multi-tier Monthly Meetings and Reporting System will further strengthen this resolve through Vibrant BTR Mission.
3. Provided Rs. 2 lakh each for empowerment of 695 places of worship belonging to all religious communities in BTR through ‘Alari Swrang Bithanki’.
4. Over 1,06,000 landless families have been provided with land pattas and more are in the pipeline.
5. BTR became the first Sixth Schedule Council to digitize land records and facilitate online settlement of land-related problems of people through Mission Bwiswmuthi. Over 43000 cases have been received while 28000 cases have already been disposed.
6. BTR is the first Sixth Schedule Council to introduce e-Office in our administration.
7. Again, the first council to start issuing e-Challans for retrieval of Forest Royalty, Fines, etc.
8. Completed 2,19,701 PMAY-G houses in the last 3 years, in contrast to the dismal track record of the previous government.
9. 27,600 very poor families have been supported with a financial assistance of Rs. 5000/- each through the Onsai Bithangki.
10. A total of 4616 personnels have been recruited/regularized/appointed into various teaching and non-teaching positions under the Education Department within the last three years. Further, near about 100 CSB Selected Fixed-Pay Employees have been regularized by our government, which were unnecessarily kept pending for over 10 years by the previous government.
11. 21,761 needy students were supported with a total of Rs. 12.97 crores through Giyan Swrang Onsungthai Bithangki.
12. A total of 382 youth from poor families have benefitted from the Bodofa UN “Super 50” Mission by receiving cutting edge coaching from excellent and the best of the best coaching institutions in the country- Vajirao & Reddy IAS Coaching Institute (UPSC), Allen Coaching Institute (Medical Entrance), SPM Academy (APSC), and BTR Government JEE Coaching Institute (Engineering Entrance). Previously, only 3 or 4 youth from BTR were able to crack the APSC Exams annually. However, the aura created by the Bodofa Super 50 Mission has led to much success in state-level civil service examinations by our youth: 25 youth from BTR were successful in 2023 and 49 came out with flying colours in 2024. This is an unprecedented change in BTR.
13. Dr. Bashi Ram Bodo Doctoral Scholarship for supporting needy students from BTR who are pursuing PhD study programmes from this FY 2024-25.
14. Bodoland Science Mission has been established to promote Science Education and Research in/from BTR. A total of 31,000 students from 245 Govt schools of BTR are being taught Maths and Science through experiential learning provided by Agastya International Foundation under this flagship. Our teachers are also benefiting by receiving training under this programme.
15. In the health sector, Kokrajhar Medical College and Hospital and the Kokrajhar Nursing College have been made operational. The construction of Tamulpur Medical College and Hospital is also under healthy progress. HCEM said that there would be no compromise with various vested interests to harm and destroy the Kokrajhar Medical College and Hospital.
16. 9,685 SHGs i.e. 96,850 women have been supported with a total of Rs. 24.2 crores through Mainao Swrang Bithangki. Further, 9000 Women are covered through Individual Assets like poultry shed, goatery sheds, and farm machinery banks, etc.
17. 12 out of 19 All Women FPCs have already received financial grant of Rs. 1.5 Lakhs each, while 7 All Women FPCs have further received Rs. 3.95 Lakhs each as 1st Trance Funding under FPC Management Cost. Additionally, we have sanctioned fund for construction of 40 Cluster Level Federation Centre, as a first phase. In the FY 2024-25 another 40 will be started under the Finance Commission Grants.
18. All District Sports Associations have been supported with Rs. 4.5 Lakh each in the last 3 years for carrying out sports eco-system strengthening in BTR. Kanakeswar Narzary Sports Excellence Award of Rs. 1.00 lakh each to 100 prominent sportspersons of BTR distributed. We have also distributed Awards of Rs. 5.00 lakh to 10 Champion teams of Top Tier League/Supper League Football Competition under District Sports Associations of BTR.
19. BTR Government has increased the number of ITIs from 4 ITIs in 2020 to 11 ITIs in 2023-24. Simultaneously, we have also increased the number of seats in the ITIs from 544 seats in 2020 to 1268 seats in 2023-24, thereby increasing it by 233 %.
20. From this year we will link up a minimum of two ITIs with the Programme for Empowerment of Differently Abled Persons to offer special vocational training for the persons with disabilities. In this way, we hope to assure access, social mobility, financial empowerment and dignified existence for our differently abled brothers and sisters.
21. 13,50,000 Agaru Saplings have been distributed to 18,000 families. Even if 30% of the trees are sold at Rs. 25000/- per tree after ten years, it translates to around Rs. 1000 Crores worth of assets for our farmers.
22. A new Central Selection Board has been formed with legal mandate and compliances to carry out job recruitment in various categories across the transferred subjects of BTR in a non-discriminatory and fair manner. They have already started the recruitment process in right earnest.
23. Completed construction of 629 good quality roads with cross drainage culverts and bridges measuring over a total of 1225 km under various schemes and funding, namely, SOPD, RIFD, NERSDS, Assam State Goodwill Project, ASOM MALA, etc. during our tenure.
24. Completed solar power installations in a total of 441 health centers for ensuring 24 x 7 supply of electricity.
    Initiated construction of Martyr Sujit Narzary Memorial Auditorium at 40 locations, one in each MCLA Constituency, with an estimated cost of Rs. 1 Cr each.
25. Completed the construction of 213 VCDC Office Buildings at the rate of Rs. 25 Lakh for each VCDC that did not have office space previously.
26. Construction of 40 Women Markets is ongoing in each of the 40 MCLA constituencies.
27. The construction of a 1000 seat Capacity Multi-facility Town Hall with Auditorium cum Convention Center will be started at Kokrajhar in 2024. Further, we have proposed to set up Town-halls in all the ULBs of BTR.
    Initiated the establishment of Subungthini Thandwi Bineswar Brahma Bodoland Knowledge Centres in 204 locations across BTR.
28. 6 Bir Chilagang Stadiums are being constructed in key locations of BTR at the rate of Rs. 5 Cr. each to augment sports infrastructure in BTR, while another 5 will be started this year.
29. A policy has been adopted also for construction of 2 Binod Brahma Residential Sports Academies.
30. The Infrastructure of Kokrajhar SAI Stadium has been upgraded to a “Sand-Based Advanced FIFA Approved Football Ground with Hi Tech Smart Sprinkler and smart internal drainage system.” This is the first such facility in the entire Northeast Region. While we hosted the ISPL Matches, Durand Cup, Santosh Trophy and Women’s I League matches earlier, this year, we look forward to host the 133rd Durand Cup at Kokrajhar SAI Stadium including knock-out stage matches.
31. The Bodoland Trade and Industries Development Corporation Limited (BTIDCL) has been registered and become operational. Kajalgaon, Chirang has been designated as the Industrial Hub of BTR to attract investors/industries/corporate houses to BTR. Further, two Industrial Estates are finalized for being set up at Ramphalbil and Kokilabari to boost industrial sector in BTR with an estimated cost of Rs. 14.83 Crores.
32. The “Kokrajhar Wetland Experience Project” with an estimated cost of Rs. 70 Cr. under Mission Swadesh Darshan of the Department of Tourism (GoI) has been already launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 7th March 2024.
33. Recognizing the inherent rights of STs and Traditional Forest Dwellers of BTR, 32,319 Individual Land Title Distribution and 1,161 Community Land Title Distribution have been completed till date under FRA 2006.
34. Successfully supported the hosting of number of events for Sustaining Peace and Harmony & Creating Healthy Environment for Promotion of Knowledge, Art, Language, Literature, Culture and Sports in BTR.
35. Successful in crystallizing collaborations and partnerships to foster development unabatedly in the areas of health, education, women, child development, rural development, agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, science & technology, space education, renewable energy, and good governance.
36. Thanks to re-establishment of peace and security in our region, HPCL has come forward to establish a mega investment project in Chirang district. The BTR Government- HPCL MoU will ensure the recruitment of local youth in that sector, as well as regular flow of revenue for the council. In addition, the HPCL will engage in CSR activities in consultation with the BTR Government.
37. Boro also mentioned that within a brief three-and-a-half-year period, the BTR Government left no stone left unturned to increase the “social trust” among all groups and communities in BTR, contrary to the kind of disparaging, divisive and provocative misinformation and disinformation that were being continually used by the members of the Opposition. That there was insecurity, uncertainty and violence during the tenure of previous government, and that the incumbent government was working towards the 100% implementation of the Bodo Peace Accord 2020, by creating an inclusive platform through the flagship programmes and missions that would benefit people of all walks of life in BTR- leaving no one behind.