Guwahati, July 04: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi
on Saturday claimed that the state's own financial resources and
central transfers had increased almost three times during his
tenure.
Replying to a debate on the budget in the assembly today,
the chief minister said from 2000-01 to 2007-08, the state's
own resources had increased almost three times from Rs 1937
crore to Rs 5494 crore.
"Similarly, central transfers have also increased
from Rs 3701 crore to Rs 9831 crore and this has been
possible because I have been able to bring more central funds
for the benefit of the state", he said.
Gogoi said that many members had expressed concern about
the state's debt burden but their apprehension was misplaced
as the per capita burden of Assam was the second lowest in the
country and "our debt stocks are well within the limit
prescribed by the 12th Finance Commission".
Refuting the opposition's charge regarding the
non-release of state share for police modernisation scheme,
the Chief Minister said the state government has released the
entire past liability amount of Rs 47.17 crore and this has
been complimented by the CAG in its annual report.
Bureau Report
First Published: Saturday, July 04, 2009, 19:49