The Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) in Assam has decided to reduce the salaries and allowances of Executive Members (EMs) and Members of Council Legislative Assembly (MCLAs) by 30% due to economic challenges. This decision, made during a council meeting led by BTC Chief Executive Member Pramod Boro, aims to promote financial prudence within the autonomous council administration. The move is intended to rationalize spending and prioritize developmental and welfare-oriented expenses under the council’s jurisdiction.
The salary reduction will impact both Executive Members, who serve as ministers within the BTC setup, and elected MCLAs representing various constituencies. The Bodoland Territorial Council operates as an autonomous administrative body under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, governing the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) in Assam. It oversees key departments such as education, agriculture, rural development, forest, culture, and public health engineering across five districts.
Established in 2003 following the Bodo Accord, the BTC was formed after agreements among the Centre, the Assam government, and the Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT). Renamed the Bodoland Territorial Region in 2020 post a new Bodo Peace Accord, the council comprises 40 elected members and several nominated members. The Executive Members lead various departments under the BTC administration.
The recent decision by the council leadership reflects efforts to demonstrate austerity measures and address public concerns regarding government spending. Additionally, the BTC administration aims to optimize resources for infrastructure development, welfare schemes, and administrative reforms in the region.
