The 15th Finance Commission of the Government of India during its visit to Guwahati assessed the state of the finances of Assam, its socio-economic challenges and understands the efforts of the state government to tackle these.
Drawing attention to the Chairman and other members of the visiting 15th Finance Commission to Guwahati at a meeting held as Assam Administrative Staff College on Thursday, Sarbananda Sonowal said that Assam has long international borders with Bhutan and Bangladesh. In view of this, Sonowal said, "It is necessary to improve border infrastructure including roads along international borders in the interest of internal security."
He therefore requested the commission to initiate steps for international border development and inter-state border development programmes to intensify vigil and other developmental activities along the borders.
Sonowal also stated that although the law and order situation in Assam has improved considerably over the last two years, the State still faces challenges from insurgency groups and radical religious elements. He also sought the intervention of the Finance Commission in terms of resource allocation for strengthening and modernization of police infrastructure. He also reiterated that the area has suffered due to absence of any grant in the last Finance Commission recommendations for the state.
Sonowal also requested the Finance Commission’s recommendations to strengthen the prosecution machinery and related infrastructure like forensic laboratories etc. to ensure speedy justice from the Fast Track Courts in cases related to crime against women. He informed the visiting Commission that of late the country has witnessed spurt in crime against women. In view of this, the State government has taken up the matter with the High Court to set up Fast Track Courts. The Hon’ble High Court has agreed to set up one Fast Track Court in each District and the chief Minister has called for Finance Commission’s recommendations for the capacity building of the courts and expedite their justice delivery system.
The Chief Minister also submitted before the Commission that Assam faces huge flood and erosion problem every year.
However, the funds under SDRF are not sufficient to tackle the situation. He also maintained that Majuli Island has seen severe erosion in last so many decades and now been reduced to one fourth of its original size of around 1500 square kilometer. This pride of Assam both culturally and ecologically will vanish if steps are not taken to preserve it. He therefore, proposed embankment cum circular road to protect Majuli and requested the Commission to consider this proposal as top most priority for the State of Assam and give specific recommendations in this regard.
He also sought the help of the 15th Finance Commission for adequate resource devolution for the Sixth Schedule areas of Assam and empower them socially and financially.
