Assam: Cong demands restoration of special category state status

Guwahati: The ruling Congress today took out a rally here demanding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi restore Assam's special category state status (SCSS) and the 90:10 funding pattern enjoyed by it.

Led by Assam PCC president Anjan Dutta, the protesters submitted to the Kamrup (Metro) district deputy commissioner a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister.

Drawing Modi's attention to "vital issues" for the all- round development of Assam, the memorandum demanded the Centre restore the SCSS which it has been enjoying since 1969 and that the move be reflected in the 2016-17 budget.

Congress further demanded that the 90:10 (central grant: state contribution) funding pattern for Assam and other northeastern states be restored along with the suspended North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP).

It also called for the special funding system enjoyed by a few cities of Assam under the backward area region fund of the Centre to be restored immediately.

The party also sought Scheduled Tribe status for six ethnic communities -- Koch Rajbongshi, Moran, Muttak, Sutiya, Tai Ahom and Tea Tribes.

Congress demanded that the prime minister implement his government's decision to form a North East Brahmaputra River Valley Authority for controlling flood and erosion in Assam.

The memorandum claimed the "whimsical" policy decisions of the BJP government at the Centre to discontinue SCSS, 90:10 funding pattern and NEIIPP had adversely affected the development of the state.