Assam CM Tarun Gogoi slams Centre on range of issues in Republic Day speech

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today slammed the central government over various issues, including "curtailing" of Special Category status for the state and non-receipt of any special flood relief funds, during his Republic Day address.

Hoisting the National Flag at the central function of Republic Day celebrations here, Gogoi said the state has not received any positive response to its several memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Unfortunately, the funds released by the central government for the planned development of the state have got significantly reduced since last year. This would adversely impact the growth and development of the state," Gogoi said.

The state government has already submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister regarding this, he added.

"I take this opportunity to appeal to the Central government once again for the continuance of the Special Category status for Assam and also for continuance of the funding pattern of all Centrally sponsored schemes as 100 per cent central share or on the principle of 90 per cent Central share and 10 per cent State share," he said.

The Chief Minister also criticised the Centre in his official address to the people of state over suspension of North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP) and said for 'Make in India' initiative to become successful, ' Make in Assam' must be ensured.

"The state attracted a large number of investments because of the NEIIPP, which helped us considerably in creating more jobs and wealth," Gogoi said.

Unfortunately industrial growth and job creation have been adversely affected because of suspension of the operation of the policy by the Central government last year, he added.

"I therefore take the opportunity to appeal the Central government not only to continue with the incentives provided in the NEIIPP, but also to expand its scope to facilitate industrialisation in the state," he added.