Memorandum to Pm 20th April 2012

7/30/2019 Memorandum to Pm 20th April 2012

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Honble Prime Minister

I, on behalf of the State Government and the people of Assam extend

my heartiest welcome and greetings to you for Rongali Bihu, the festival of joy of

the State.

I recall with gratefulness the initiative taken by you on the

memorandum submitted earlier. While acknowledging your generosity and

goodwill for the people of Assam, I would like to take this opportunity to draw

your kind attention to the following issues which need to be attended to as critical

imperatives for Assams development.

2. Problem of Erosion:

River bank erosion during the high flood period in the Brahmaputra

valley is a recurrent feature in Assam. Approximately 8000 Hectares of land is

eroded every year and since 1954 Assam has lost more than 4.30 lakh hectares

affecting about 9 lakh people and resulting in displacement of more than 1.25 lakhfamilies.

I request your kind intervention to include erosion in the list of

calamities admissible for assistance and sanction of works under SDRF so that

erosion affected villages and families may also get financial assistance just as

the victims of other natural calamities.

3. Flood

Compounding the problem of erosion are the recurrent floods which

needs to be addressed on priority. The Government of Assam has taken up

proposals to deal with the problem in consultation with the Ministry of Water


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Resources, Government of India for which financial assistance as well as capacity

building is necessitated. These are

(i) Large scale dredging and desiltation works of Brahmaputra riverand reclamation of lost land

(ii) River Training works projected in all the problematic tributaries ofBrahmaputra River

(iii) Setting up of the River Research Institute(iv) Special attention to protect Majuli Island from severe erosion of river

Brahmaputra.

Further, to control the severe erosion problems in the Rohmoria area

(threatening Dibrugah town) an integrated scheme for Rs 344.174 crore has

been proposed. I request you to advise the concerned Ministry to take up this

matter as a critical necessity.

4. Empowerment of Brahmaputra Board

As the North East Water Resources Authority (NEWRA) has not fructified,

there is an immediate need to empower the Brahmaputra Board with

delegation of more powers and jurisdiction. The Brahmaputra Board needs to be

an organization which ensures equitable, efficient and sustainable development of

water resources of North Eastern Region through effective planning, regulation,

coordination and implementation.


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5. SECURITY RELATED MATTER

(a)Of late, there has been a growing trend of Maoist activities in Assamparticularly in Upper Assam districts because of its strategic locations.

Government of Assam urges upon the Honble Prime Minister of India

to include the 7 districts of Assam under Integrated Action Plan so that

the trend of LWE growth may be contained before it becomes a menace.

(b) Assam is infested with a plethora of insurgent organizations. Theircontinued presence in the State serves as a common convergence point

with ULFA, NSCN (IM) and the PLA of Manipur. Presently there are

only 97 Coys of CAPFs deployed in Assam to counter the activities of the

insurgent groups and the rising trend of Maoist elements. Govt. of Assam,

therefore, requests Honble Prime Minister to kindly consider the

deployment of at least 125 Coys of CPMF in the State.

(c)Government of Assam has undertaken many initiatives in last few years formodernization of police. A few major projects of Modernization of PoliceForce (1) Computer Aided Despatch System (GIS/GPS) based Dial 100

Project for Guwahti City Police Control (2) Cyber Crime Cell & Forensic

Lab (3) IP based Surveillance System for Guwahati City have been taken up

by Assam Police. The infrastructure of newly sanctioned police stations

needs to be created besides strengthening of infrastructure of existing police

stations and out posts. Further the modernization of the Fire Fighting Force

is an immediate imperative requiring specialized machinery and modern fire

tenders. Also a mission to provide housing for all police personnel over a

period of 5 years which would necessitate an amount of Rs 3000 crores.


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Govt. of Assam requests Honble Prime Minister for considering grant

of special allocation under the 12th

Plan period for funding the mission.

(d) PIF Scheme - 3153 personnel including 1280 ex-serviceman have beenappointed under Prevention of Infiltration of Foreigners (PIF) scheme

funded by Central Government which was in operation since early 1960s.

The scheme had expired on Feb 28, 2011 and on persuasion of the State

Government it was further extended for 1 year and has lapsed again on Feb

28, 2012. Keeping the importance of the scheme in detection and deportation

of foreigners and providing second line of defense the scheme should be

extended for five years at a time.

(e)Problem of D voters The problem of D voters has been agitating theminds of the people for more than a decade. The Election Commission of

India had, in 1998, identified 3,13,000 persons as D voters in the electoral

rolls and were debarred from casting their votes. Out of 86,595 cases

disposed of in the last 14 years less than 6000 persons have been declared as

foreigners, which points to the fact that large D voters are in fact Indian

citizens. 145062 persons still remain as D voters. At the present rate of

disposal by existing 36 Foreigners Tribunals, it will take 10 to 12 years to

dispose of these cases. Therefore, the Government of India may devise

suitable mechanism before the next elections to resolve this issue so that

genuine Indian citizens are not deprived of their right to franchise for years

together.

(f) Humanitarian consideration Those persons who were Indian citizens atthe time of partition and were subsequently compelled to leave their homes

and hearths in the new country due to persecution, atrocities and insecurity


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of life and property, deserve humanitarian consideration. Under the existing

system and laws, such persons are liable to face prosecution, expulsion and

deportation.

6. UNDERASSESSMENT OF NON-PLAN REVENUE EXPENDITURE BY

THE THIRTEENTH FINANCE COMMISSION

Thirteenth Finance Commission assumed Budget Estimates of 2009-2010 as

the base year for all States except Assam for projection of expenditure for

devolution to local bodies. In case of Assam, the Thirteenth Finance Commission

took the States actual expenditure figure of 2007-08 as the base year figure for

projection for the period 2010-2015, applying annual growth of 8 % over the base

year (2007-08). As a result the State has been deprived of post devolution Non-

plan Revenue Deficit grant of Rs 749.00 Crores for 2010-11 and Rs 171.00 Crores

for 2012-13. The aggregate loss of Non-Plan revenue grant incurred by Assam on

this count is of the order of Rs 926.00 Crores.

In light of the above I request the Honble Prime Minister to kindlyconsider due provision in the remaining years of the Thirteenth Finance

Commission award period to compensate Assam.

7. Oil Development Cess

Substantial amount of Oil Development Cess (roughly Rs.1100 crore

approximately) has been collected by the Central Government over the years.

However these funds from the Oil Cess have not been invested for exploration and

higher level of production by developing the indigenous oilfields. In view of this,

an appropriate portion of the oil cess should be provisioned as committed resources

for investment in the State of Assam itself. We also recommend that the rate of


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cess should be reduced by half and an amount equivalent to the balance half

should be given to the oil producing states as additional royalty. I request you

to advice the concerned Ministry to take up this matter urgently.

8. THREAT TO SURVIVAL OF NUMALIGARH REFINERY DUE TO

GOVERNMENT OF INDIAS POLICY SHIFT

There has been a serious adverse impact on the viability of four oil refineries

in Assam particularly the Numaligarh Refinery Ltd which was established as part

of the Assam Accord due to reduction of customs duty on crude oil by Government

of India from 5 % to 0 % and reduction of excise duty on diesel by Rs 2.60 per litre

with effect from 25/06/2011.

In view of the above, the Honble Prime Minister is requested to kindly

restore granting of 100% excise duty exemption to NRL as was the case from its

commissioning on 01-10-2000 to 01-03-2002.

9. LOSS OF ROYALTY, VAT AND ENTRY TAX ON CRUDE OIL DUE

TO POLICY SHIFT BY GOVERNMENT OF INDIA.

Another important issue affecting our State relates to loss of revenue due to under

payment of oil royalty by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC & OIL

India Ltd) to the State of Assam. The issue has also figured in the Comptroller and

Accountant Generals (CAG) report for Assam which estimates the loss at Rs

526.00 Crores over a period of 11 months during 2008-2009. The Comptroller and

Accountant General has calculated the oil royalty revenue loss to the State

Government at approximately Rs 850 Crores in 2009-2010.Underpayment of

royalty to the State is still continuing and increasing. ONGCL and OIL are paying

royalty on crude oil produced in the State on a discounted price in pursuance of a


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formula for sharing a part of the under recoveries of the Central Oil marketing

PSUs by the crude oil producers. This has caused substantial loss of oil royalty

revenue to the State because of payment of royalty on heavily discounted price.

The incongruity and anomaly of the situation are brought out sharply by the fact

that on crude oil sol to Numaligarh Refinery Ltd which is not a Central Oil

Marketing company, ONGCL and OIL are paying royalty on undiscounted price.

On the other hand on crude oil sold to the three Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL)

refineries at Guwahati, Bongaigaon and Digboi they are paying royalty at

discounted price. Further due to supply of crude oil on the discounted price by OIL

and ONGCL to the three IOCL refineries at Guwahati, Bongaigaon and Digboi,

Assam has suffered a huge loss of sales tax and entry tax revenue. During the first

quarter of 2011-2012 it was observed that procurement price of crude oil of

Guwahati Refinery after discount is only 9 % of the actual value of international

price of crude oil. The loss to the State Government due to less payment of VAT

and Entry Tax was also to the tune of Rs 150 Crores in 2009-2010. Thus, it appears

that a part of the under recoveries of the Central Oil Marketing PSUs is indirectly

being recovered from the tax revenue of the State. With the State of Assam

emerging from a long spell of insurgency it is imperative that the democratically

elected Government intensifies its efforts for all round development of the State.

The loss of royalty and tax revenue of the State on account of the above is very

substantial. A special category State like Assam cannot afford such a huge loss of

revenue. Assam being a producer State should not be denied the benefits of its

natural resources and made to compensate for the under recoveries of the Central

Oil Marketing PSUs. I would therefore request the Honble Prime Minister to pass

necessary order to withdraw the circular No:P-2020012/28/97-PP (Part II A)dated

23/05/2008 retrospectively from the date of its issue and restore the status quo

ante. Further in order to protect the interest of the State it will be necessary to pass


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appropriate orders so that oil producing companies pay royalty to Government of

Assam on the well head price determined by the actual prices of equivalent crude

oil prevailing in the international market and not on the sale price as defined in the

notification GSR.559 (E Dated 20/08/2007 of the MOP & NG. Similarly VAT and

Entry Tax need to be paid on the market price of the crude oil and not

administratively directly lower price.

As Government of India is well aware, rights over the natural resources of

the State, Oil and Natural Gas has always been a sensitive issue in Assam. There

has been a long simmering resentment in the State that Assam has not been getting

its due share of benefits from its natural resources. Resentment has further been

aggravated after Comptroller and Accountant General of India has to point out the

injustice being meted out to the State. Government of India is requested to take

urgent necessary action so that the State gets it due share of benefits from its

natural resources in the form of royalty and tax revenue, thereby removing the

persisting sense of deprivation and alienation to the State.

10. Waiver of Central Loans recommended by Thirteenth Finance

Commission: 13th

Finance Commission recommended waiver of central loans

outstanding as at the end of 2009-10, extended for centrally sponsored and central

sector schemes to the States through the Central Ministries other than Ministry of

Finance. The 13th

Finance Commission recommended waiver of loan amount of

Rs.502 crore for Assam, but the Government of India has actually waived loan

amount of Rs.306.02 crore only, for Assam in respect of centrally sponsored and

central sector schemes only.


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We urge the Honble Prime Minister to extend debt waiver scheme to those

loans which were provided to Assam for non-plan schemes and NEC schemes and

outstanding as at the end of 2009-10.

11. Development of Marginal Oil Fields

I would like to draw your kind attention that the reserve to production ratio

in Assam is around 1:30 against the national/ international ratio of 1:10, as a

consequence of which the nation is losing at least 7 to 10 million metric tons which

can be produced from Assam. In view of this, we request you to accord special

dispensation for allocation of few marginal /small producing fields (owned by

ONGC and OIL) to Assam Hydrocarbon and Energy Company Ltd.(AHECL)

under a suitable arrangement to reverse the declining production from these

oil &gas fields. Separately a provision under the Marginal Field Policy (MFP) to

give the marginal fields of Assam to AHECL for development may be considered

on a preferential basis without weakening the process of award under MFP through

a transparent competitive bidding.

12. Rationalising Coal Linkage for Thermal Power

A 500 MW pithead coal based power plant is envisaged at Margherita

which would draw coal from North Eastern Coalfields. The 750 MW Bongaigaon

Thermal Power Station by NTPC is based on a blend of coal from NE Coalfields

and Eastern Coalfields. It would be economically more efficient to supply a larger

proportion of coal to BTPS plant at Bongaigaon from Eastern India than

transportation of coal from Upper Assam to Bongaigaon. Similarly revival of

Chandrapur Brownfield Power Projects with installed capacity of 60 MW is in the

process with IAPL on Joint Venture mode. The Central Government has already

been persuaded to arrange coal linkages for the above projects. Since coal


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linkage is critical to implement the project, your kind intervention in this

regard is needed for early allocation of coal linkage for these projects.

13. Oil and Gas Linkage

The oil and natural gas resources in Upper Assam can support several small

sized power generating stations. The State Government has applied for gas linkage

for the proposed 100 MW Amguri Thermal Power Project which is yet to be made

available by MoP&NG. The gas linkage may kindly be allotted. It is urged that

the National Gas Grid be extended to provide at least one node in Assam.

14. Downstream impact of Hydel Project

Serious misgivings have been voiced over the upcoming Lower Subansiri

Dam on the Assam-Arunachal boundary. Local people are apprehensive and have a

negative impression about the safety aspects of the Dams well as downstream

impact that will affect the day to day life of the people of Assam. Planning

Commission could appropriately suggest to the Dr.C.D.Thatte Committee to

interact with the local people and expert before giving their report on Dam

Safety and Lower Subansiri Hydel Project to allay the fears from minds of the

local people.

Separately, the Central Water Commission should immediately start a

comprehensive and cumulative river basin study of Subansiri, Lohit and

Siang river basins based on the terms of reference given by the Ministry of

Environment and Forest to determine the cumulative effects of the proposed

hydro electric projects to be set up in the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra.


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15. Share of power from Hydro Electric Projects

The formula for sharing of power from hydro-electric projects need to be

reviewed.. Proper weightage must be given to lower riparian states whose ecology

and agrarian life is disrupted due to such projects. Government of Assam has

already urged the Ministry of Power to allot a higher share of free as well as

allocated power from the Lower Subansiri Project being implemented by

NHPC. We would welcome an early favourable decision in this matter.

16. Development of Sixth Schedule and Tribal Council areas:

Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao and Bodo Territorial Autonomous Districts

(BTAD) of Assam are covered under Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

The population of the two hill districts of the State is relatively comparable to the

States of Meghalaya, Nagaland and Mizoram, which were carved out of Assam

earlier. The Plan allocation available to these two districts and BTAD as per norms

is substantially lesser than the Plan Assistance received by Meghalaya, Nagaland

and Mizoram. Central assistance needs to be augmented for the Sixth ScheduleAreas of the state to ensure their socio economic development adequately.

Six backward communities i.e. Koch Rajbangsi, Ahom, Moran,

Mattak, Chutia and Tea Tribes are demanding Scheduled Tribes status. The

proposal has been recommended by the Government of Assam for appropriate

approval by the Government of India expeditiously.

Apart from the Autonomous Councils under the Sixth Schedule in the State,

other six councils for Deori, Mising, Rabha, Hasong, Sonowal Kachari, Tiwa and

Thengal Kachari for the tribal people in general areas and eighteen development

councils for Other Backward Communities have been constituted under State


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Legislation. To expeditiously develop these areas, a special economic package

may kindly be considered for all round development of Councils.

17. Revival of Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Ltd. (BVFCL)

The Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Ltd. situated at Namrup is

the only urea producing fertilizer Company in the entire North East. Urea produced

in this Plant contributes to agriculture production of the State and the country as a

whole. The existing Plant and Machinery of BVFCL is aging and the technology is

obsolete. In order to be competitive, the BVFCL has planned to erect a new Urea

producing Plant and the existing site i.e. Namrup and requested the Government of

Assam, and the oil companies in the region to pick up equity in the proposed new

project. The Government of Assam is actively considering the possibility of taking

the 11% equity offered in the new project.

I request you to advise the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers,

Government of India to approve the expansion plan, finalize the equity

pattern and provide necessary clearances to the project in the interest of thestate and the region.

17. Food Corporation of India

With the sustained efforts made by our Government, we were able to register

record rice production of 50.86 lakh MT in 2010-11(25% higher than the record of

2009-10). It is anticipated that, with the ongoing trend of rising production there

will be distress sale in future if the FCI does not gear up procurement in the state.

During the last three years, the FCI procured about 4000 MT, 12000 MT and

23000 MT respectively of paddy which is grossly inadequate.


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I, therefore request you that a special package may be considered for Assam

for setting up agriculture infrastructure including go-downs, Further, the FCI

may be given suitable directions to gear up paddy procurement operations in

Assam till such time the state sets up an agency which can handle

procurement operations independently.

18. Forest& Environment

In the field of conservation of wild life, our State has been witnessing a very

encouraging scenario. Assams rhino number has increased from 2021 in 2009 to

2505 in 2012. Similarly in the case of tiger population, commendable progress has

been made with increase of tiger population being from 70 in 2006 to 143 Nos in

2011. I would like to request you to continue the support for preservation and

conservation of forest resources of the State.

19. Industries and Commerce

A. North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP, 2007)

The North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP,

2007) should be suitably reworked to include Service Sector such as

information Technology (IT) and Higher Education. Within the IT sector,

Infrastructure (IT Parks and other IT related service like Call Centres, Medical

Transcription, BPOs, Software Development etc, and within Higher Education for

institutions providing instructions and courses at Graduation level and above may

be included.


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B. Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises(MSME)

A majority of Industries in Assam are Micro in nature run by first generation

entrepreneurs albeit contributing substantial employment. From the experience

gained from implementation of the North East Industrial Investment Promotion

Policy (NEIIPP, 2007) it appears Micro units including Handloom & Handicraft

units have failed to reap the benefits of the Policy. A separate special policy

package for Micro Sector Enterprises and specifically, agro based small and

cottage industries with simplified procedures / documentation is required so that

these units could avail the benefits and contribute towards employment generation

as well as economic development of the region.

C. Transport Subsidy

In order to impart competitive advantage to the micro sector, the industrial

units falling in the category of micro sector may be made eligible for the transport

subsidy for internal movement of raw materials and finished goods within the State

by amending the relevant sections of the notification issued under the NEIIPP,2007.

D. Traditional Crafts

The local crafts like firecracker industry, Assamese jewellery, terracotta,

water hyacinth, jute, bamboo etc need up-gradation of skills, designs and

technology for accessing wider markets. We request the Govt. of India for

providing liberal financial support for product specific common facility service

centres.


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E. National Institute of Design

The setting up of National Institute of Design (NID) by the Union Ministry

of Commerce and Industry at Jorhat in Assam has been delayed. Your kind

intervention is requested for earmarking necessary funds for NID, Jorhat project

for time bound implementation of this priority project of Assam.

G. Tea as National Drink

Assam has a long tradition of tea culture and is the largest tea growing State.Tea is a widely consumed beverage throughout the country and the world over.

Therefore, to encourage the Industry, Tea should be declared as the National

Drink.

20. Employment Generation

We request the Government of India to provide a special incentives package

for entrepreneur development in the State.

21. Public Works Department (Road and National Highways)

Your kind intervention is earnestly requested for the following projects

A. East West Corridor:-

State Govt. has already handed over 96%of required land to NHAI for East

West Corridor project. But the progress is very slow. As on date NHAI has

completed only 371 km (60%) of 4 laning works out of 621 km. NHAI may be

directed for proper maintenance of the existing NH stretches to facilitate smooth

and safe movement of traffic as well as early completion of the work.


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B. DhubriPhulbari and Tinsukia Naharkatiya National Highways.

Government of India has declared two National Highways in the State, viz.

National Highway 127 B, from Sriramour to Dhubri connecting Phulbari , Tura,

Ronjeng, terminating at Nongston in Meghalaya and National Highways 315A,

starting from Tinsukia connecting Naharkatiya in Assam connecting Hukanjuri,

terminating at Khonsa in Arunachal Pradesh.

I request you to advise concerned Ministry of Government of India to

implement these two National Highways under SARDP-NE to ensure expedite

completion.

C. Dhodar Ali

Improvement of the historically famous 212 km long DHODAR ALI to

NH standard has been envisaged and Ministry has been requested for inclusion of

the road under SARDP-NE PhaseA.

D. Construction of Bridge over river Brahmaputra connecting river IslandMajuli.

A proposal to construct a road and bridge to provide proper connectivity to

Majuli has been submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highway for an

amount of Rs 2439.00 crore for inclusion under SARDP-NE. The proposed road

will provide much needed road communication to Majuli and connect Lakhimpur,

Dhakuakhana and Disangmukharea near Sivsagar.

E. Lanning of NH-37 from Nagaon to Dibrugarh

The proposal of 4-laning of NH-37 from Nagaon to Dibrugarh was approved

in the year 2005 and it was included under Phase-A of SARDP-NE. The entire


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stretch of NH -37 from Nagaon to Dibrugarh is to be taken up for 4-laning and

NHAI asked to take up physical works expeditiously.

F. Conversion to RCC bridges

Although 3000 Nos. Timber bridges have been sanctioned for conversion

into RCC bridges yet, as on date, there are still 2000 nos. of timber bridges which

need replacement. Government of India has been requested to grant special fund

of Rs. 3000 crore for five years for construction of RCC bridges.

G. PMGSY Programme

Under the PMGSY programme, construction of RCC bridges is funded up to

a length of 50 mts. Most of the timber bridges requiring replacement are above

50.00 mts length. It is requested that funding of construction of RCC bridges up to

100 m should be made permissible under PMGSY for Assam.

H. Lakhimpur to Kamalabari Road

Lakhimpur to Kamalabari Road which is the only road connectivity to the

world famous river island Majuli is presently a single lane road and there are 3

rivers where there is no bridge connectivity presently. A special grant amounting to

Rs. 350 crores for improvement/ widening of road from single lane to double lane

including construction of RCC bridge may be provided.

I. State Highways &Major District Roads

The SH and MDR are poor in condition due to inadequate funding. A special

fund for improvement of the State Highways and Major District Roads at least Rs.

3000 crore may be provided.


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J. Special Package for Barak Valley

A Special package of Rs 1000 crore is required to develop state highways,

important district and other major roads in the Barak Valley.

22. Irrigation

The State is still much behind in development of assured irrigation as

compared to most other parts of the country. Liberal assistance to the State will go

a long way to raise cropping intensity in the State through assured irrigation.

Therefore it is requested that funding patter of CADWM Programme be revised to

90:10 (Centre: State) instead of 50:50 in respect of Assam which is a Special

Category State.

Due to longer rainy season, the working season for any civil construction

project in the State is very short. Therefore completion of M.I. Schemes under

AIBP takes longer time. Hence it is requested to enhance the completion period to

4 years in respect of Assam instead of two years.

A full-fledged CWC office having authority of sanction of proposals

including sanction of Central Assistance pertaining to N.E. Region needs to be

established at Guwahati for accelerating process of implementation of irrigation

schemes of the region.

A Research cum Training Institute regarding all Water Related Projects in

collaboration with Central Water Commission (CWC), National Water Academy

(NWA) and other agencies needs to be established at Guwahati.


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23. National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI):

I thank you for your kind intervention in setting up a node of the National

Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) at Guwahati. This would allow faster and fault

free access to the internet in the North Eastern region.

The other issue plaguing the region is non-availability of internet

bandwidth at Guwahati and other parts of the North east India, which is a major

bottleneck in setting up IT/ ITeS industry and attracting private sector investment

despite the fact that more than 15% of the total IT/ITeS manpower for the country

come from this region.

It is proposed that International Internet Gateway at Coxs Bazar in

Bangladesh under the SEA-ME-WE-4 undersea submarine cable system may be

linked to Guwahati. This link will provide high speed internet connectivity and I

request you to intervene and advise the concerned Ministries GOI to initiate

tangible steps for speedy implementation of the project.

24. RURAL DEVELOPMENT ISSUES

(A) ADDITIONAL ALLOTMENT UNDER THE INDIRA AWAS YOJANA

It is estimated that 1.25 lakh families have been displaced due to erosion in

Assam. It is therefore requested that an additional target of one lakh under IAY as

a special package for these erosion affected families may be made available by the

Ministry of Rural Development.


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(B) ENHANCEMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES AND WAGES

UNDER THE MAHATMA GANDHI NATIONAL RURAL EMPLOYMENT

GUARANTEE SCHEME (MGNREGA)

Under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee

Scheme, the admissible administrative expenditure of 6% by MoRD is not

sufficient to cover the existing expenses, including salaries for the full complement

of the contractual staff engaged under the Scheme, which may have implications

for smooth functioning of the scheme. It is therefore proposed that the limit for

administrative expenditure should be enhanced to 8% for proper implementation of

the scheme.

For Assam the existing wage rate for unskilled labour under MGNREGA is

Rs 136 per day which is low in comparison to other States and also the existing

market rate in rural areas. Therefore it is proposed that the existing wage rate for

Assam should be enhanced to Rs 180 /- per day.

(C) ENHANCEMENT OF TARGET UNDER THE INDIRA GANDHI

NATIONAL WIDOWS PENSION AND INDIRA GANDHI NATIONAL

DISABLED PENSION SCHEMES

Under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) the targets for

pensions to Widows and Disabled given by Government of India is 63,840 and

24,383 respectively. This target has been made on the basis of the earlier poverty

estimates of 19.7% of people living below poverty line in Assam. The Tendulkar

Committee Report had pegged people living below poverty line at 34.4%.


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It is proposed that the target for Widow and Disabled persons for Assam

should be enhanced to 1, 11,477 and 42,577 respectively in keeping with the

Tendulkar Committee estimates.

TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION RELATED ISSUES

(a)UPGRADATION OF THE EXISTING AIRPORTS IN ASSAMThe Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport is proposed to be upgraded

as a regional hub and serve as an International Airport providing connectivity to

South East Asia and neighboring countries. The upgradation requires land

acquisition of about 300 acres estimated to cost around Rs 125 Crores. It is

requested that the cost of land acquisition for the airport be made a part of the

project cost to be borne by the Government of India. The up-gradation of the

Dibrugarh airport, Jorhat airport and Silchar Airport needs to be taken up on

priority basis by the Airport Authority of India. Dibrugarh and Jorhat Airport needs

Night landing facilities etc. Tezpur, Dibrugarh and Jorhat airports need to be

developed. There is also need to establish an aviation manpower training institutethrough NEC/ DONER funding at Lilabari Airport in North Lakhimpur.

(b)RAILWAYSThere is a long pending demand that North East Frontier Railway be declared as

dedicated zone for the North Eastern States.

The construction of the Bogibeel Bridge and broad gauging of Lumding-

Silchar- Kumarghat line needs to be expedited by the North East Frontier Railways

so that this could be completed within the stipulated time period. There is also an

urgent need to provide doubling of railway line from Alipur Duar to Guwahati and

Tinsukia to Guwahati.


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(c)INLAND WATER TRANSPORTThere is a huge potential for development of Inland Water Transport in Assam.

The Government of India could therefore sanction a special project for

development of the port infrastructure, jetty, storage and handling facilities at

various ports of call between Sadiya and Dhubri including facilities for dredging,

night navigation, and channel marking on this route. A long term protocol with

Bangladesh for National Waterways 2 will be an important step which could be

taken up by the Government of India.

We express our sincere gratitude to you for having spared your valuable

time to visit Assam and we earnestly hope that we will continue to get your

sympathetic support for all our efforts in the future. We repose our confidence in

your visionary and able leadership and feel rest assured that all necessary support

shall be forthcoming for our efforts to ensure Assams development on all fronts.

* * *

Documents

Memorandum to Pm 20th April 2012