In a populist move ahead of Lok Sabha elections, the Congress-led government in Assam today announced that it will distribute cash of at least Rs 200 cash as "Bihu gift" among BPL families in April.
Presenting the state's interim budget for 2014-15, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said, "After two months, the people of Assam will be celebrating Rongali Bihu. I propose to give a modest amount as Bihu gift to the poor and needy as a token of my love and concern for them."
In his budget speech, he neither mentioned the amount nor said how much would be the total outgo from the state exchequer for this plan.
However, while talking to reporters later, Gogoi said, "We are going to give at least Rs 200 cash to each below poverty line families. This is a special gift and will not be given in every year."
"We have not decided if the amount will be per head or per family. If the family is big, we can give more amount. We will give the amount to the adults of a family."
Gogoi, who holds the Finance portfolio, said this is his gift to people who have chosen him thrice as chief minister.
"The people have chosen me as the longest serving chief minister of the state. They have elected me thrice. So, I want to give them a gift during the Bihu," he said.
Asked how can the government distribute cash just before the elections, he said, "Then I will give it before (the election)."
Gogoi further said Assam will not be the first state to distribute cash as "Tamil Nadu has given it earlier".
