HT Bureau
DIPHU, Feb 26: Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Tuliram Ronghang, presented the budget for the financial year 2025-26 on Wednesday.
The session, chaired by KAAC Chairman Raju Tisso, began with an obituary reference to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26 last year.
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In his budget speech, the CEM announced several key allocations, including an increase in the monthly honorarium for Members of the Autonomous Council (MACs) to Rs 1 lakh. He also announced a budget allocation of Rs 420 lakh to the Land & Revenue Department from KAAC sources for enhancing the monthly honorarium for Sarkari Gaon Buras (SGBs) from the existing Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000.
Additionally, a provision of Rs 75 lakh was made for the promotion of the culture and languages of various indigenous communities.
A budget allocation of Rs 1 crore per year has been earmarked for the development of the MACs’ constituencies. Moreover, Rs. 56 crore has been set aside for the pension of former MACs. The Education Department also received a budget allocation of Rs. 9,304 lakh for the payment of salaries to teachers at UPSC and APSC coaching centers for ST candidates, along with Rs. 2,468.71 lakh for the payment of Karbi Language Teachers.
A tentative budget amount of Rs. 600 crore has been allocated for transferred/entrusted subjects of the state government, including SOPD funds, CSS, etc.
The CEM expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for allowing the KAAC to prepare its own budget.
“I thank the Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma for allowing the KAAC to prepare our own budget. Previously, the budget for the inherent subjects of the KAAC was prepared under the directive of the state government, but now, with the blessings of our CM, we have the autonomy to prepare our own budget. Our Chief Minister has clearly stated that, except for the Home department and law and order, he is willing to provide full support for the development of all other departments in the autonomous districts of Assam. This is the first time in the history of the KAAC that we are able to prepare our own budget,” the CEM said.
The CEM also emphasised the need for strict regulation of brick kiln industries and the closure of those operating illegally.
“There are many brick kilns operating illegally in Bokajan. I have directed the Taxation Department to shut them down by March. These brick kilns lack a trading license from the KAAC and other necessary documents,” he said.
Speaking to media persons after the session, the CEM informed them that the budget had reflected all the queries and development schemes raised by the people during the CEM Interaction Program. Although the state government has not yet convened its budget session, it has proposed a tentative allocation of Rs 2,500 lakh for entrusted subjects, which includes both salary and non-salary expenses.
