Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today urged the Centre to continue with the special state status funding for development at an accelerated rate keeping in mind that Assam is not a resource-rich state.
Replying to a debate on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor's address in the Assembly, Gogoi asserted his government would ensure development of Assam even if the Centre cuts on special status funding.
"There has been improvement in the state in the last 13 years. If the Centre continues granting more funds, the state will grow at an accelerated rate," he said.
Pointing out that "few states have multiple and complicated problems like Assam and it has much catching up to do to reach all-India level on all fronts," Gogoi urged the Centre to "help the state keeping in mind that it is not a resource-rich one. For its sustained accelerated growth the Centre's help is vital."
"I personally share good rapport with union ministers. The state does not want any confrontation with the Centre. But, it will not stop me from pressing for more funds," he said.
The chief minister was insistent that "even if special funding is cut, Assam will still grow, though at a slower rate."
With the Centre changing the funding pattern in some schemes from 90:10 (Centre:state share) to more state share, there was apprehension that the special state status of Assam with 90:10 Centre:state funding would be changed.
Referring to Assam's perennial flood and erosion problem, Gogoi said the Centre was yet to release funds for infrastructure re-building for the last year's flood damages.
He was unhappy that no special fund was announced for development of the Brahmaputra river when funds were allotted for the Ganges.
Gogoi also termed the Centre's new compulsory digitisation of records for Food Security Act implementation as a delaying tactic to harm the state government.
