Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a significant rise in the MLA Area Development Fund during a Cabinet meeting. The fund will increase from Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.5 crore for the current financial year and will further rise to Rs 2 crore annually from the next financial year. Sarma emphasized the need for this revision to meet the growing developmental requirements in Assembly constituencies.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the MLA Area Development Fund had remained stagnant at Rs 1 crore since 2016. He explained that the decision to raise it to Rs 1.5 crore for the ongoing year was due to almost half of the financial year already passing. Additionally, Sarma mentioned that 90% of the fund would still be allocated for infrastructure development projects, while up to 10% could now be utilized for purchasing essential items and equipment for public welfare.
Sarma also shared that the Cabinet had decided to convene the Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly from July 6. This session aims to facilitate the passage of a comprehensive budget and reinstate regular financial allocations for various schemes starting August 1. The Chief Minister reassured that all welfare and development programs would continue without disruption once the budget was approved.
