No Central funds for sixth schedule areas: Himanta Biswa Sarma clarifies misconceptions

In a live address from the Assam Legislative Assembly in Kokrajhar, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified a longstanding misconception regarding the funding for 6th Schedule areas in Assam. 

Speaking directly to the public during the Assembly session, he emphasized that no funds are allocated by the Central government for these areas, contrary to what some have suggested.

"The 6th Schedule areas do not receive any funding from the Central government. It has been wrongly assumed that the state government holds back funds allocated by the Centre for these regions. I want to make it clear, and I will put this on record, that no funds have been allocated by the Central government for the 6th Schedule areas. It is the responsibility of the state government to provide funds for these areas," said Sarma.

The Chief Minister further explained that, under the current governance model, the state was actively engaging with local communities and seeking feedback regarding the allocation of funds for key areas such as Kokrajhar, Dima Hasao, and Karbi Anglong.

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"Through the State Owned Priority Development (SOPD), if the state decides to allocate Rs 40 crore for Bijni and Rs 20 crore for other regions, the very people who would receive these funds will be the first to object to it," Sarma stated, addressing concerns over regional disparities and the allocation process.

His comments come amid ongoing debates over the equitable distribution of state resources, particularly in the 6th Schedule areas, where local tribes and communities have long sought better infrastructure and support from the state government.

Sarma's address also reflects the government's commitment to transparency and accountability, as he sought to reassure the public that no funds were being withheld or misappropriated in the 6th Schedule areas.