1. Hon ble Speaker Sir, I now rise to present the State budget for the financial year Economic Environment

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1 1. Hon ble Speaker Sir, I now rise to present the State budget for the financial year Economic Environment Before I proceed to present my budget proposals, I would like to apprise the Hon ble Members of this August House about the overall economic environment and financial position of the State. The global economic growth came down from 3.2% in 2012 to 2.9% in Growth rate of India, however, has shown some improvement to 4.7%, in from 4.5% in I am happy to inform this August House that the projected growth rate of Assam for is 6.88% which was 5.87% for as per the latest Central Statistical Organization estimates. This is considerably higher than the national average and many other States. Contrary to the trend elsewhere of expenditure compression, our State is in a comfortable position to add further momentum to development activities. This has been possible because of our prudent financial management. According to advance estimate for , the per capita income has registered a growth rate of 4.63 percent at constant prices and percent at current prices in over the previous year. Our per capita Net State Domestic Product stood at Rs.46,354 in compared to National per capita income of Rs. 74,920 during the same period. Therefore, all out effort is required to be taken to bring our per capita income to the National level. 2.2 State Finances Our State finances have been stable for about last ten years. The basic financial parameters of revenue and fiscal deficits have improved significantly. We are able to disburse salary and pension in time and flow of fund for investment has remained smooth. We have been able to attain a revenue surplus of Rs.1554 Crore in According to CAG Report for the Financial Year our fiscal deficit was 1.06% of GSDP as against FRBM target of 3%. It may be mentioned that Government of India s fiscal deficit for the same year 1

2 was 4.8% of GDP. Similarly our debt GSDP ratio as on was 22.91%, which is well below the FRBM target of 28.4%. The tax revenue of the State increased two-fold in four years from Rs.4,150 crore in to Rs.8,250 crore in , indicating an average annual growth rate of 19.76%. While commending the fiscal management of the State Government CAG has mentioned in its report that.the State witnessed a marked improvement in key fiscal indicators. The improvement in the fiscal situations during the current year was achieved by the State by pursuing the fiscal correction and consolidation process under a rule based fiscal framework coupled with larger devolution and transfer by the F.C-XIII. As per 6 th Economic Census ending March,2013 Assam has achieved the following distinctions (1) Among the major States, Assam has obtained first position in creating employment and employment generating establishment and fastest growth in non agricultural and non governmental employment sector (excluding Crop production, Public Administration, Defence, Paramilitary or Security Services). (2) In the growth of employment Assam has ranked No.1 among the major states achieving 85.55% employment in rural areas and 65.11% in urban areas. (3) Assam s total export of commodities from various LCS/ICD etc. rose from Rs crore in to Rs crore in (4) Assam has ranked first position in providing small loan/micro credit through Government programmes such as PMEGP/KVIC in the whole country during by achieving a growth of %. However, the overall growth prospects at national level remains an area of concern. The Central Government has constituted the Seventh Pay Commission. We shall also have to revise our pay structure in consonance with the Central Pay scales in due course of time. Due to these developments and other unavoidable circumstances we will have to be extremely careful to maintain a healthy and stable financial regime. 2.3 Annual Plan Hon ble Members are aware that Assam s Annual plan discussion have not yet taken place and hence the plan size is yet to be finalized. However, for implementation of plan schemes, a detailed tentative plan outlay of Rs Crore for has been worked out. I would like to inform the August House that the Centrally Sponsored Schemes have been restructured by Government of India. From current year, the Central share under the Centrally Sponsored 2

3 Schemes will be routed through the consolidated fund of the State. Accordingly the central share for Centrally Sponsored Schemes have been provided in the Budget. Under the plan programmes, priority will be given for employment generation, skill development and increase in income of the people, so that the purchasing power goes up. We shall strive for creation of an inclusive society by giving special focus on marginal and deprived section of the society. 2.4 Externally Aided Projects Assam as a special category State gets external assistance through Government of India as 90% grant and 10% loan. This also helps us to get acquainted with the global best practices and helps in transfer of technology. In plan budget an amount of Rs crore has been earmarked for implementation of 13 Externally Aided Projects in the State; which include- Assam Agricultural Competitiveness Project, Assam State Road Project, Assam Integrated Flood & River Bank Erosion Risk Management Project, Assam Power Sector Enhancement Investment Programme, Guwahati Water Supply Project, Assam Urban Infrastructure Investment Programme, Assam Project on Forest and Biodiversity Conservation, and Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project. 2.5 Rural Infrastructure Development Fund Projects and Assam Infrastructure Financing Authority Scheme. Last year NABARD sanctioned Rs crore for different projects of PWD(R), Water Resources, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Fishery, Irrigation, Soil Conservation & Sericulture Department. My Government is giving lot of thrust in rural development, specially development of rural infrastructure. For this objective we are also taking loan from NABARD. Till date AIFA has agreed in principle to sanction about Rs.1164 crore for Lakwa Replacement Power Project, Lower Kapili Hydro Power Project, Augmentation of 132 KV substations and improvement of police infrastructure. An amount of Rs.5.20 crore has also been approved for appointment of consultancy services for feasibility study against construction of a 6-lane bridge over the Brahmaputra connecting Narengi with Kuruwa. Rs crore has already been released by AIFA 3

4 for land acquisition of the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Guwahati. 2.6 Institutional Finance. (i) Government of Assam has been implementing the Interest Subvention Scheme on crop loan to the farmers since in order to make the crop loan available to the farmers at lower interest. The rate of interest relief to the farmers was enhanced from 2% to 3% from the year and the maximum amount of crop loan up to which the interest relief will be extended was enhanced from Rs.20,000 to Rs.35,000 from the year During , an amount of Rs.3.17 crore was released to NABARD for disbursement of claims by banks under the scheme and since till , a total of Rs crore has been released. Government proposes to continue the interest relief scheme during (ii) Hon ble Prime Minister of India is formally announcing the Sampoorn Vittiya Samaveshan Mission in this Independence Day in order to give a new thrust to the Financial Inclusion Plan. Under this new plan, both rural and urban areas will be targeted and the project will be implemented in a Mission Mode throughout the Country. The programme will be launched at National, State and District levels shortly. Under this programme, each household will be having at least one bank account. These accounts will offer overdraft facility after satisfactory operations. Further, these bank accounts would become the single point for receipt of all Government benefits. The State Government will also implement the project for which Implementation Committees at the State and District level will be constituted. 3.1 Assam State Finance Commissions Transfer of fund to PRIs and ULBs recommended by the Fourth State Finance Commission(SFC) for the current financial year is Rs.1090 crore consisting Rs.550 crore as tax devolution and Rs.540 crore as grant. The Fourth SFC also recommended a revised staffing pattern for the panchayats and municipalities at all levels including the GMC. Government has accepted these recommendations. In order to ensure that the terms of the Central and State Finance Commissions are in synchronization, Government of Assam constituted the Fifth SFC well ahead of time on The Commission is expected to submit its report by 31 st August,

5 3.2 Central Finance Commission The Thirteenth Finance Commission had recommended a total transfer of Rs.57, Crore to the State during the five year period from 2010 to This includes Rs.52, Crore as State s share of Central Taxes and Rs Crore as grants-in-aid. The State has so far received Rs.39, Crore as share of Central Taxes and Rs Crore as grants, which includes Rs Crore rewarded as special incentive in recognition of our prudent and efficient financial management. In addition the 13 th Finance Commission has also waived debt of Rs Crore. The 14 th Finance Commission visited the State from 27 th to 29 th November During this visit we had highlighted some special problems of the State and had submitted a detailed memorandum. The recommendations of the Commission are awaited. 4. INTERNAL SECURITY. Time and again, I have been saying that peace and development must go together. The law and order situation has improved due to our persistent efforts. This has also helped in the process of development. Our government will give high priority to improve the capability and effectiveness of the police force. For this purpose all vacant posts will be filled up. New posts will be created where necessary. A new Police Academy will be set up for training facilities. Emphasis will be given on modernization and development of infrastructure. An amount of Rs.50 crore has been provided for immediate repair and renovation of Police infrastructure in the field, especially in the two hill districts and BTAD areas. Suspension of operation agreement has been signed with 13 extremist outfits including the Ranjan Daimary led NDFB. The Government is trying to bring the ULFA (I) and NDFB(S) to the negotiation table. For better crime detection and management, the Government has decided to modernize the Crime Records Bureaus. Special emphasis 5

6 will be given to control Women and child trafficking and to bring the culprits to book in time. Women cells will be set up in all Police Stations. The Government has decided to increase the ex-gratia grant for the security personnel killed in action to Rs.20 lakh. About 200 appointments have already been made on compassionate grounds in the last two years. Service condition of the Home Guards personnel will be improved during the year. It may be mentioned that Assam is one of the very few States where the NRC,1951 was kept preserved. The works relating to updating of National Register of Citizens, 1951 has already been started. The Government is determined to complete the updating work within the stipulated periods of 3 years and has made all arrangements for the purpose. The number of Foreigners Tribunals has been increased from 36 to 100. Immigration Visa and Foreigners Registration and Tracking under National e-governance Plan of the Government of India is under implementation. This will help to track the movements of foreigners in the country and will facilitate visa applications, extension & conversion. Frequent and sporadic bandhs called by different organizations not only causes great harassment to the peace loving citizens, including students, patients, poor people dependent on the daily wages and such others, but also disrupt normal economic activities of the State resulting in loss of man days and income. According to one estimate, production loss in the State due to Bandhs amounted to approximately Rs. 10,000 crore in In the larger overall interest of the State, I appeal to all concerned not to call and not to respond to such Bandhs. Our Government will also deal sternly with all Bandhs. 5. IMPLEMENTATION OF ASSAM ACCORD In the Assam Bangladesh Border out of the 224 kms targeted fencing works a distance of kms have already been fenced. Out of 200 kms. of roads, almost all length have already been completed. To enable proper vigilance of the international border during the night, action has been taken to provide floodlighting all along the Assam- Bangladesh Border. 18 River police stations have been set up in Indo- Bangladesh border for special patrolling in riverine areas. 6

7 6. BORDER AREA DEVELOPMENT I believe in fostering good relations with all our neighbouring States, as it will help us to move ahead in the path of progress in a faster manner. All border disputes may be settled amicably within the framework of our constitution. The bordering areas of our State are lacking in adequate socioeconomic infrastructure. Therefore, my Government has given added emphasis for infrastructural development of these areas. An amount of Rs. 5 crore is proposed under Plan for the current year for improvement of BOP infrastructure. There is a need for fostering goodwill among the communities living across the inter State border and for this a token amount of Rs. 1 crore is being provided for organizing outreach programmes by the Deputy Commissioners. 7. LEGISLATIVE AND JUDICIAL I am happy to inform the August House that the Assam State Legal Services Authority conducted many programmes on NREGA, Mental Health Act, Anti Ragging Laws, Domestic Violence Act, Child Labour Act and other welfare oriented legislations to make people aware of their rights and duties. Quicker disposal of disputes leads to improvement in social harmony. Lok Adalats play a significant role in this regards. Since January, 2013, fifty one Lok Adalats were held in different districts of Assam for quick resolution of disputes. Five new courts at Amingaon have been established for setting up a separate judiciary for Kamrup (R) District. The State Government is considering a proposal to sanction 62 new Courts as proposed by the Gauhati High Court. 8. HILL AREAS DEVELOPMENT Government of Assam is firmly committed to the welfare and allround development of the hill areas and has already transferred more autonomy to both the Autonomous Councils. Our Government has laid more emphasis on developing the scenario of Agriculture, power supply, potable water, health care, education, tourism, transport and communication etc. for overall prosperity of these areas. The recent major activities and achievements under Hill Areas of 7

8 Assam include construction works of Assam Hills Medical College and Research Institute at Diphu, construction of Joising Doloi Auditorium Hall at Diphu, completion of Borjan Composite Irrigation Scheme and Phumenn Phangso Irrigation Schemes in Karbi Anglong district. For Financial Year , an amount of Rs crore has been proposed for implementation of various schemes under Normal State Plan, HADP and other plans in the Hill Areas of Assam. 9. WELFARE OF PLAIN TRIBES AND BACKWARD CLASSES Our Government is engaged in various activities for promoting allround development of SC, ST, OBC of the State. Several schemes will be taken up for employment generation, education, health care, infrastructure development and socio economic empowerment for them. Hostel facilities and scholarships will be provided to boys and girls of these communities. For educational development of ST, SC and OBC students, schemes like award of Pre-matric Scholarship, Post-matric Scholarship, book-bank etc. have been implemented by our Government. Various skill development training programmes for self employment are being imparted to the unemployed youths. Government has been providing financial support to BPL families of ST, SC and OBC for self employment through income generating schemes. For specific development of various ethnic communities under the aegis of 6 Autonomous Councils Rs crore has been proposed for An amount of Rs. 60 crore has been allocated to 19 Development Councils. Our experience has shown that these councils are able to create a positive impact in the socio-economic development of the people through several interventions. Considering the same, my Government will increase the financial support to these councils substantially in the coming days, based on their relative performance. The Government of Assam is actively considering creation of Garo Autonomous Council for the Socio-economic Development of Garo people living in Assam. The matter of creation of four more Development Councils for Kumar, Madahi, Sut, and Hajong communities and a separate development council for the SCs are also under the consideration of Government 8

9 Our Government has been giving high priority to development of BTAD since its creation. An amount of Rs crore has been allocated for for BTAD. Our Government has been paying special attention for development of ST and SC people dominated areas by implementing developmental schemes under TSP and SCSP. Rs.29 crore and Rs. 46 crore under TSP and SCSP have been provided for WELFARE OF THE TEA & EX-TEA GARDEN TRIBES Our Government has given priority to the welfare of the Tea Tribes of Assam. Around 1, 12,000 Tea Tribes students have been awarded Pre-Matric & Post-Matric Scholarships. During , it is targeted to cover around 50,000 beneficiaries under Family Oriented Income Generating Schemes. Eligible beneficiaries will be provided with grants of power tiller, Pump Set, Sewing Machine etc under this Scheme. Around 4 Lakhs electric meters have been provided to Tea Workers quarters. Financial subsidies to 700 youths for purchase of Taxicab for self-employment have been granted. More than 28,000 low cost sanitary latrines and 376 Water supply sources have been created in tea gardens. A modern Auditorium has also been built at Lahowal in Dibrugarh District. For women empowerment, it is proposed to cover at least 1000 Tea Tribes women beneficiaries under the scheme of Training for ANM/GNM, Bsc. Nursing and Para- medical staff. It is targeted to sponsor 100 girls to provide training in Beautician courses for their selfemployment. It is proposed to cover about 2,500 educated unemployed youths under the scheme of Training and Distribution of Training materials for self-employment. Special attention will be given for implementation of the welfare measures under Assam Plantation Labour Act including compliance to Minimum Wages Act and various labour welfare measures. Government will consider a proposal for creation of a Tea Tribes Development Council. 11. WELFARE OF MINORITIES Our Government is committed to taking up a multi pronged strategy for removing the educational and socio-economic disadvantages of the minority communities. Welfare of Minorities Department is implementing Centrally Sponsored Schemes of Pre-Matric Scholarship to 9

10 the minority students in Assam. It is also implementing employment generating schemes. Our Government has provided a sum of Rs 1 crore to the Joint State Haj Committee, Assam. for construction of the proposed Haj Bhawan at Jalukbari. Construction of seven storied building with modern technology for the Haj Bhawan is underway. Schemes like financial assistance to physically handicapped for self employment, financial assistance for development of Graveyards, book grant to selected Madrassas etc are being implemented through Assam Board of Wakfs. Various schemes like Distribution of 3 wheeler pick-up van, Mobile repairing training, 2 years Pharmacist Course, Computer Education Diploma Course, Family Restaurant and Small Business for the linguistic minorities in Assam are being implemented by Assam Linguistic Minorities Development Board. My Government will consider a proposal for creation of separate Development Councils for the Bengali and Hindi speaking people in the State. 12. LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT I am deeply concerned about the unemployment situation in the State. Therefore, a major thrust is being given for creation of Self employment opportunities and skill upgradation of the unemployed youth. For boosting up employable skills, Modular Employable Skill courses have been implemented. Intake capacity of 28 ITIs has been raised from 5860 to Employment Generation Mission has created employment opportunities for 22,936 youths through Skill Development, entrepreneurship development and livelihood activities. The Assam Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board has taken up Maternity Assistance, Medical Assistance, Death benefit, Funeral Assistance and Marriage Assistance schemes for the benefit of construction workers. My Government will redefine the role of the employment exchanges to provide guidance and counseling services to employment seekers. We shall also review the labour laws to make labour safer and more productive. I propose to set up one Skill Development Corporation to make more and more youths employable in vocational streams. 10

11 13. FOOD,CIVIL SUPPLIES AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS The State Government is ready to implement the National Food Security Act (NFSA) with effect from 1 st September, 2014 subject to clearance of Government of India. It will benefit about 2.52 crore population. 5 kg rice will be provided to each member of selected priority households and 35 kg rice to each eligible AAY household per month at Rs. 3 per kg as per NFSA. Initiative has been taken by the Government to increase the storage capacity of godowns by 6.82 lakh MT to accommodate the changing need. Our Government intends to strengthen the activities and resources of the PDS outlets. As an effective check against price rise, 2814 AAMAR DUKAN shops have been functioning throughout the State. To streamline the Public Distribution System, the Government has decided to operationalise the Assam Food and Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd from this year. 14. EDUCATION : 14.1: EDUCATION (ELEMENTARY) Improvement of enrolment position and quality of education are the twin goals in elementary education. We have appointed about 9000 TET qualified teachers in elementary school in the year Untrained teachers will be trained through Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University. Free uniform will be provided to about 46 lakh learners of Government and Provincialised Elementary Schools.6488 separate Girls toilets are proposed to be constructed during the year About 9880 Children with Special Needs are targeted to be provided Aids and Appliances. The services of about 21 thousand teaching and nonteaching staff have been provincialised by my Government during the 11

12 financial year Eight Block-level Institutes of Teacher Education will be established during : SECONDARY EDUCATION Our Government accords high priority for revamping the education system in the State. Last year, the Secondary Education department appointed 2763 TET qualified Graduate teachers. Our Government has provincialised 1093 Secondary Schools including Junior Colleges, during the financial year The Scheme of Anundoram Barooah Award for providing Computer/Laptops to the students and the visit to NASA by toppers of HSLC/Madrassa Examination and NET Book for the students securing 50% and above marks in the HSLC Examination will be continued in the current financial year. Our Government distributed bicycles to BPL girl students last year. For this scheme, an amount of Rs. 50 Crore is proposed for this year. Grant will be provided to Secondary schools which have completed 50 years or more for construction of school buildings. An amount of around Rs 5 crore is proposed under Plan for boosting Madrassa Education in the State. Under the umbrella of Saakshar Bharat Mission (SBM), Maulana Azad Taleem-e-Balighan, a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme is proposed for this year for adults education of Muslim community. 14.3: HIGHER EDUCATION I am happy to inform this august House that the services of the eligible employees of 134 venture colleges have been provincialised from till now. An amount of Rs.45 crore has been proposed to be provided to 45 provincialised colleges for development of infrastructure during Necessary fund will be provided to the State Universities for development of their infrastructure, including their IT infrastructure. 12

13 12 Model Degree Colleges are being established in the State. To produce technically skilled persons, six Community Colleges have been established in existing polytechnics. Apart from Golaghat, Karimganj and Dhemaji, three more new engineering colleges are proposed to be established at Nalbari, Nagaon and Udalguri. An Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) has been established at Guwahati under PPP mode. The Assam State Higher Education Council has been constituted. Academic activities of the Jorhat Women University is proposed to be started from this academic year. We feel pride in the fact that the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati has been ranked among the top 100 emerging institutes of higher learning in the world. We propose to tie up with IIT, Guwahati to conduct research in areas of Assam s economic development. I propose to assist Gauhati University to set up one centre for International studies. 15. SPORTS & YOUTH WELFARE Various schemes for promotion of Sports, Games and Youth Welfare have been envisaged by our Government. It is proposed to improve various facilities of sports infrastructure in the State. 16 Rajiv Gandhi Sports Complex will be constructed at different development blocks of the State during For establishment of the Centre of Excellence for Mountaineering and Adventure Sports about Rs. 46 lakh has been earmarked. Fund will be provided for taking-up Asom Mt. Everest Expedition An amount of Rs.1 crore has been proposed for holding State level Coaching Camp, National School Games and State level (Inter District) School Tournaments etc. Rs.1 crore will be provided for preparation and participation of the State Contingent by Assam Olympic Association in 35 th National Games. A Football Academy and a Boxing Academy will also be established in the State. An amount of Rs.76 lakh has been proposed for awarding Sports Scholarship. 666 Playfields at Gaon Panchayat level and 44 Playfields at Block level will be developed. Necessary fund will be provided for executing different schemes through State Level Advisory Committee for Student & Youth, which is 13

14 being renamed as Student & Youth Development Council. The schemes will be implemented in a mission mode. 16. CULTURAL AFFAIRS Our Government is committed to preserve, promote and propagate the State s varied Art & Culture and its rich traditions and cultural heritage. Some important projects undertaken by our Government are Renovation of Rabindra Bhawans, Mahabahu Utsav 2015, Chandra Nath Sarma Memorial Auditorium Hall, Purba Bharati Auditorium, Tinsukia Sanskritik Samanya Kshetra, Sui Ka-Pha Samannay Khetra and Pratima Pandey Baruah Cultural Centre. An amount of Rs.2 crore has been provided in the budget against the estimated cost of Rs.10 crore for construction of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Memorial at Jalukbari. It will be ensured that the project work does not suffer from want of fund and is completed in time. Works pertaining to 15 Jyoti Bishnu Sanskritik Prakalpas, Sri Sri Anirudha Dev Cultural Complex and Sarat Chandra Singha Memorial Cultural Complex have been undertaken. For Madhav Dev Kalakhetra at Narayanpur an amount of Rs. 2 crore has been provided in the budget against an estimated cost of Rs. 5 crore of the project. Ras and Bhaona utsavs are not only part of the rich heritage of Majuli but they also serve as a platform for peace and harmony among different ethnic groups in the State. Special grants will be provided to encourage such cultural activities this year. Provision has been made in the budget for giving incentive for setting up of Mini Cinema Halls in Block Head Quarters. 17. HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE Health & Family Welfare Department has made major strides in the healthcare sector to make healthcare facilities easily accessible and affordable. My Government has introduced Assam Arogya Nidhi (AAN) scheme for providing financial assistance to BPL patients. Through Rastriya Bal Swasthya 14

15 Karyakram, children will be screened for defects at birth, disabilities etc. The Rastriya Swasthya Bima Yojana has been initiated to provide protection to BPL families. Efforts are on to bring down Maternal Mortality Rate and Infant Mortality Rate in the coming years through improvement of institutional delivery system and other measures. Efforts have also been made for full immunization of children in the State. Sneha Sparsha is a recent health care initiative for financial assistance for specialized treatment like bone marrow transplant, Kidney transplant, Liver transplant etc of the children below 12 years of age. Model Hospitals have been made functional in several districts. The Directorate of AYUSH has been made functional. The Hospital service of Tezpur Medical College has started functioning. Establishment of new Medical Colleges at Kokrajhar, Lakhimpur and Dhubri is under process. We have decided to enhance the stipends of Post Doctorate and Post Graduate students, Senior and Junior Resident doctors and internees of medical colleges and dental colleges. Added emphasis will be given for training of working doctors and nurses and para medical staff. We propose to work out a scheme to provide health insurance benefits to a wider section of people. 18. DRINKING WATER Our Government has given highest priority to provide safe drinking water to all. During the year it is proposed to provide safe drinking water facilities to about 10,000 uncovered and quality affected habitations, 487 schools and 5010 Anganwadi centres. Several mega piped water supply schemes namely Greater Rongbong, Greater Seleng, Greater Amlokhi Bharaguri, Greater Dergaon Rural, Greater Integrated Osek Pathar, Combined Dighaljaruni and Tapatjuri pwss have been technically cleared for implementation. 7 Large Multi Village Schemes have been undertaken. 15

16 This year added emphasis will be given to improve operation and maintenance of the existing water supply schemes by ensuring better participation, effective management, accountability and collection of user charges from the community. 19. SOCIAL WELFARE The main objective of the social welfare department is to improve the quality of life of women, children, person with disabilities, old and infirm. The department is implementing the flagship programme like Integrated Child Development services scheme to extend the benefits to 0-6 yrs of children including pregnant women and lactating mothers. The department has been implementing the Integrated Child Protection Scheme for care and protection of children. Focused attention will be given for improvement in capacity and quality of amenities and services available in the Orphanages. More old age homes will be set up in the districts in association with NGOs. To address the specific problems of the forlorn and destitute old people, I propose to set up a Commission, who will facilitate a life of safety, security and dignity for such old people. Our Government is also implementing several schemes for welfare and empowerment of women like Mukhya Mantrir Mahila Samridhi Achoni, Baideo, Nabou, Nabuwari etc. A new scheme called One Stop Crisis Centre has been launched for rescue and rehabilitation of Women in distress. The centre will be a temporary shelter for the women in distress and free medical service, Legal aids and other assistances will be provided to them. This department is also undertaking a scheme namely Mukhya Mantrir Jiban Jyoti Bima Achoni for giving financial coverage to BPL families in case of certain Diseases and accidental death. Swabalamban scheme gives Pensionary benefits to any citizen of India who are not covered by any existing Pension or Provident Fund Scheme. Workers from the un-organized sector like Rickshawalas, Thelawalas, farmers, and domestic help etc. are also eligible to join the Scheme. Under the Scheme, Govt. of India gives Rs. 1000/- as incentive. Assam Government is one of the very few States which also contribute Rs. 1000/- per beneficiary per year, Besides covering Anganwadi workers, Aasha workers etc, I want to extend the Scheme to the State 16

17 Home Guards, Casual/ fixed pay employees and economically weaker sections of the Society in general. 20. AGRICULTURE Due to the success in the agricultural sector, the Agriculture Department has been able to secure three National Awards. Assam is now surplus in rice production. This has been possible due to utilization of modern technology, improved practices and hybrid seeds. This year, Agriculture and Horticulture Department in convergence with Irrigation Department, Soil Conservation Department and Rural Development Department propose to introduce a new scheme, namely, Chief Ministers Rural Economy Development Scheme. 60% of the works under MGNREGA will be taken for creation of productive assets under Agriculture sector. About one lakh water harvesting structures, 25,000 vermicompost units, 27,000 dairy related structure, 5000 nurseries and a large number of schemes for micro and minor irrigation, fishery plantation etc. are proposed to be taken in current year. In the field of Farm Mechanization, providing Tractors and Power tillers at subsidized rates will remain a core theme for this department. It is proposed to issue up to 2 lakh Soil Health Cards to farmers this year. The Union Government has laid great stress on organic cultivation in the North East Region. I am happy to inform the House that in our State under Chief Ministers organic farming Scheme, 4500 hectares of land have already been brought under organic cultivation. This year, we propose to double the area under organic farming. Horticulture Department will impart training to unemployed youths and provide them Green House and such other facilities to make them self-employed. 21. IRRIGATION Irrigation Department has created 8.52 lakh Hect of Irrigation potential in the State. It is proposed to create Hect of Irrigation 17

18 potential by completing Dhansiri Irrigation project and two other ongoing irrigation projects in major and medium irrigation sector. 174 minor irrigation schemes will be completed for creating irrigation potential of Hect. Under Command Area Development and Water Management Programme it is proposed to cover an area of 7700 Hect under irrigation. All of us know that increase in agriculture production is closely linked with availability of irrigation facilities and its proper use. Irrigation Department will maintain close coordination with the Agriculture Department in this regard. 22. FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT Fish production in the State has reached a level of 2.67 lakh MT during New ponds will be constructed and potentially rich swamps and marshy areas will be developed for aquaculture through Community and SHGs. It is proposed to provide bicycle, hundi, drag net etc. to the SC fishermen. Modern hygienic fish markets have been set up at Sulung (Nagaon) and Adabari (Nalbari). Construction of 7 more hygienic fish markets will be taken up. To make table fish available during fishing ban period, it is proposed to develop fishery ponds covering 103 ha of water area for fish harvest in lean period. It is proposed to cover 1 lakh fishermen under the scheme Insurance of Fishermen against death and permanent disabilities in the current year. 23. ANIMAL HUSBANDARY & VETERINARY AND DAIRY DEVELOPMENT Our Government has taken up several programmes for enhancement of production of milk, meat and eggs while creating self employment opportunities at the same time. A new Government Goat Breeding Farm is being established at Borhola. It is proposed to upgrade upto 20 % of the total indigenous breedable cattle through artificial insemination. Our Government proposes to induct high yielding dairy cattle from outside the State. It is proposed to organize 600 more Dairy Cooperative Societies in the State. For economic empowerment of women, cross bred heifers will 18

19 be distributed to women beneficiary. Under the Chief Minister s Special Package in Dhemaji district, 13 Commercial Dairy farms have been undertaken. Input supports like Cattle feed, Green fodder, Milk testing equipments etc will be provided to dairy farmers during PANCHAYAT & RURAL DEVELOPMENT In the rural development sector, several flagship programmes for employment, housing and infrastructure development for the rural areas are being implemented. During the year , lakh households were provided jobs under MGNREGA and IAY houses have been constructed persons were benefitted under the programme Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, beneficiaries were provided pension under Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme, and beneficiaries were covered in Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme last year. Assam has become the pioneer in implementation of e-pri module in the country by rolling-out almost all the programme modules under e-pri. All Gaon Panchayat, Anchalik Panchayat and Zilla Parishad have registered their separate websites and these have been integrated with National portal. Under NRLM, Self Help Groups have been promoted and 3453 Village Organisation have been formed. During the current financial year, the State Institute of Rural Development is planning to provide employment to persons. 25. COOPERATION A large number of Co-operative societies are involved in Agricultural credit, Housing, Fishery, Dairy processing, Cottage and Small Industries, etc. In order to boost up their efforts, our Govt has identified several important schemes for implemention in the financial year Creation of storage capacity for agricultural produces are an essential need in the rural areas. Towards that goal, the Cooperation department has taken up construction of godowns under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund and Chief Minister s Special Scheme. Under the World Bank funded Externally Aided Project, Assam Dairy Development 19

20 Plan has been taken up. Government will also provide the necessary support for infrastructure development of Assam Rajiv Gandhi University of Cooperative Management. For empowering Women Cooperatives, our Government has proposed to provide monetary grant to 2486 Women Cooperatives. 26. CONTROL OF FLOOD AND EROSION Water Resources department has got recommendation of Government of India for 41 flood management schemes costing about Rs.1387 crore. Approval for 8 schemes costing Rs.42 crore has been received by the Water Resources Department under Chief Minister s special package in Barak valley. Another 7 schemes costing about Rs. 70 crore in Tinsukia district is under consideration. In view of the critical erosion problem, channelization of river Brahmaputra, Barak and its tributaries and reclamation of lost land has become highly necessary. I propose to set up a Dredging Corporation for this purpose. The department has initiated action to constitute a group of experts comprising national and international experts for advising the Government in this regard. 27. SOIL CONSERVATION Our Government is implementing various schemes for protection of surface soil as well as in-situ moisture Conservation in Agricultural Land and Cash Crop cultivation etc. During the year , it is proposed to develop about 3 lakh 73 thousand hectares rain fed and waste land and 5400 Hectares of unproductive cultivable land. The department have reclaimed 4445 Hectare of waste lands during RCC check dams to increase agricultural productivity of about 1786 hectares gullied lands and development of about 3333 hectares of riverine land have been proposed this year. 28. PUBLIC WORKS Our Government has given priority for construction of all weather roads as well as conversion of timber bridges to RCC Bridges. Since 2001 PWRD has completed Km of all weather roads and 3549 RCC Bridges. About

21 Km of all weather roads and 1300 RCC Bridge works are under various stages of construction. Special schemes have been taken up for conversion of the remaining timber bridges to RCC Bridges. Priority has also been given for construction of roads along the inter State border. Special fund will be provided for re-construction of flood damaged roads and drains. Assam Roads Research and Training Institute has been set up at Guwahati to impart capacity building training to the engineers. Our Government is committed to integrated development of the highway sector of the State. With the declaration of 12 new National Highways in the State, the total length of NH now is 3717 km. Tender has been floated by Central Government for 4-laning of NH -37 from Numaligarh to Dibrugarh. Important by passes/ realignment works of Tinsukia, Mohanbari-Chabua, Makum, Silchar, Katlichera and North-Lakhimpur are in progress. Our Government has emphasized environment friendly construction. For this, one MoU has been signed with The Energy and Resources Institute. New Assembly Building at Dispur, Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Memorial at Jalukbari, Improvement of 1060 High School Buildings are some of the major projects undertaken by the department. New major schemes like New Engineering College at Dhemaji and 10 Model Degree Colleges under Minority Sector will also be taken up. 29. ENERGY With the acceleration of the pace of development and economic activities during the last 12 years, the demand for power in the State has increased phenomenally. Present peak demand of the State is around 1400 MW and average power availability in peak and off peak is 1100 MW and 900 MW respectively. Due to shortage of power, APDCL has to purchase power from outside NE region. But due to constraint of transmission corridor from Eastern Region to NER, APDCL has to impose forced load shedding. However, my Government has taken up the matter with Ministry of Power of Government of India to improve the power shortage problem. 21

22 The electrification work in 8146 un-electrified and partially electrified villages has been completed. Free electricity connections to more than lakhs BPL households have been given. Projects amounting to Rs.1000 crore has been sanctioned for strengthening Transmission and Distribution network in the State under Trade Development Fund. ADB funded Assam Power Sector Enhancement Investment Programme is under implementation for development of Transmission and Distribution system. Improvement of electricity infrastructure in 67 towns has been taken up at a cost of Rs.850 crore. Construction of Data Centre has been completed. I take the pleasure to inform this August House that for immediate replacement of damaged DTR to be distributed under the discretion of local MLA and to maintain a buffer stock of DTR to be replaced in important places like hospital, water supply schemes, educational institution etc., and an amount of Rs 50 crore has been provided. The commercial production of the 3 MW stage-ii of Myntriang SHEP has started in March 14. Commissioning of the 6 MW stage-i is expected to be done by July 15. Detail Project Report of 120 MW Lower Kopili Hydro Electric project for an estimated cost of Rs.1490 crore has been submitted to the Central Electricity Authority for Techno Economic Clearance. Emphasis has been given by my Government for generation of Solar Power to supplement the sources of conventional energy. 30. PRINTING AND STATIONERY The Government printing Press at Guwahati is going to be modernised with enhancement of capacity to cope up with the growing demand of Government printing works. Fund have been allocated for strengthening the building of Assam Government press and for providing modern and hygienic facilities for workers. 31. MINES AND MINERALS Petroleum exploration licence has been granted by our Government for two Exploration Blocks. Our Government has also granted for the first time in the State one Block for exploration of Coal Bed Methane, jointly to a public sector & a private sector company. Assam Mineral Development Corporation Ltd., has entered into an MOU 22

23 with M/s Birla Corporation Ltd. in 2014 for setting up of a cement plant in Assam. To supplement the shortfall of conventional power supply, the Assam Hydrocarbon & Energy Company Ltd., has initiated an ambitious project of installing solar powered cells atop the houses in the urban areas. Our Government has proposed to take up the geological investigation programmes of detailed exploration of limestone in Dima Hasao District, and Coal in Karbi Anglong District and Hydrogeological investigation of groundwater during the year I have taken up the matter of payment of Oil royalty on pre-discounted price by OIL and ONGC with Government of India. 32. INDUSTRIES & COMMERCE Our Government is committed to enhance the industrial productivity and production in the State. In order to achieve the desired industrial growth of 9%, I propose to allocate required fund for implementation of different schemes of micro, small and medium enterprises, with special emphasis on women, weaker section and traditional artisans and first generation entrepreneurs. A Flagship programme named Multi-disciplinary skill development has been launched to impart training on employable trades. I propose to provide a soft loan at a nominal interest rate and hand-holding facilities for the first generation micro entrepreneurs in the form of Angel Fund during Rs. 10 crore is proposed for implementation of the Scheme during the current year. I also propose to provide special incentive for employment to local youth by the way of supply of machinery and raw materials under Mukhya Mantrir Karmajyoti Achoni. I propose to provide special State capital investment subsidy for women SC/ST entrepreneurs. Provision has also been made for supply of raw material grant for Bell Metal Artisan and for promotional scheme of handicraft. As large tracts of land is not available for creating Industrial infrastructure like National Manufacturing & Investment Zone (NMIZ), my Government has laid emphasis on creation of smaller industrial pockets across the State like Mega Food Park at Tihu and Bamboo Park at Choygaon etc. A scheme for industrial land bank for development of industrial clusters will be worked out this year. 23

24 33. HANDLOOM, TEXTILE AND SERICULTURE The Handloom sector is providing direct and indirect employment to about 25 lakh people. For mitigating the problems faced by the weavers in marketing hand woven cloth, it is proposed to establish handloom trade centres at Dibrugarh, Guwahati and Handloom showrooms in different district head quarters. It is proposed to assist 1800 weavers of SHG during the current year Under Integrated Handloom Development Schemes weavers have been assisted with training and grant-in aids. About 1500 handloom trainees pass out every year from the 105 handloom training centers/institutions of the department. The department will work out a package of aid and incentives to ensure that the passed out trainees can start producing on their own and become economically independent. Health insurance coverage was extended to 11, 30,448 weavers during last three years. It has been decided to implement 92 projects Cluster Development schemes. For enhancement of production and productivity of handloom fabrics, our Government has been distributing yarn to poor weavers as working capital. It is proposed to cover about 1, 00,000 weavers during the financial year with an estimated cost of Rs.15 crore for this scheme. 16 yarn banks are proposed to be sanctioned during INFORMATION & TECHNOLOGY The e-governance initiatives in the State will make delivery of services speedy and help in checking corruption. Steps have been taken for implementing the State wide Rollout of e-district programme to connect the DC Office, the Sub-Division Office and the Block Offices with citizens. Assam State Wide Area Network (ASWAN) is already operational with connectivity to 287 Points of Presence. To enable complete connectivity of all offices, my Government is implementing a project to connect 400 government offices at the initial stage. State Data Centre which is expected to be commissioned by 31 st March, 2015 will act as a centralized repository of all departmental data and hosting platform of all Government services. The Assam Online Portal & Secretariat Less Paper Office project in the Assam Secretariat is in advanced stages of 24

25 implementation. A Cyber Tower will be constructed at Guwahati, to provide ready to operate space to the industries under one roof. 35. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY The Science and Technology department has undertaken several projects for popularization of Science & Technology and for creating scientific temperament among the people. Keeping in line with this philosophy, my Government has initiated the construction of a Science City, Guwahati Biotech Park Incubation Centre and three new planetariums at North Lakhimpur, Nalbari and Kokrajhar. 250 bighas of land has been earmarked for the proposed science city near Sonapur. Once completed, the science city will not only enhance the urge for scientific enquiry among the school children but it will also act as a major destination of tourists. Protection of bio-diversity and suitable response to climatic change are areas of concern for us. For this purpose we are collaborating with The Energy Research Institute (TERI) for setting up a University in the State. Block Resource Mapping of Dimoria and Mairabari blocks have been carried out using high resolution satellite data. Mapping under Agricultural resource information system of Kamrup (rural and metro) using remote sensing and GIS has also been completed. 36. URBAN DEVELOPMENT Our Government is committed for strengthening of urban infrastructure and services. Our Government has taken up 106 infrastructure projects for small & medium towns involving about Rs.876 crore. It is proposed to prepare 45 Master Plans by adopting advanced technologies. National Urban Livelihood Mission to reduce the poverty of Urban Poor households would be implemented in 26 district headquarter Towns. Under Assam Bikash Yojana, Rs.3.80 crore has been allocated for providing mechanical devices like garbage cleaning, road 25