Tarun Gogoi seeks Rs 850 crore from Union Law Ministry for Assam

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today sought financial assistance of nearly Rs 850 crore from the Centre to develop infrastructure for the judiciary and setting up of an academy for legal education in the state.

According to an official release, Gogoi met Union Law and Justice Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in the National Capital and pressed for the demands.

"Gogoi sought Rs 450 crore as financial support from the Ministry of Law and Justice for infrastructure development of the judicial courts, buildings and judges' quarters in the state," the release said.

The Chief Minister also requested for financial support to the tune of Rs 367.70 crore for setting up of the National Law University and Judicial Academy.

For this purpose, Rs 75 crore has been already sanctioned by the Planning Commission.

Besides, the Chief Minister sought assistance for establishment of 27 fast track courts in each district at a cost of Rs 1 crore each.

Approval for yearly recurring expenses of Rs 32 crore for these fast track courts was also sought.

Gogoi also requested Prasad to introduce the Assam Legislative Council Bill, 2013 for creating an Upper House in the Assam Legislative Assembly during the current Budget session of the Parliament, the statement said.

The Union Cabinet had cleared creation of the Upper House in Assam on November 28, 2013 and the Standing Committee gave its nod in February this year.

"Our Government has been all along pressing the Centre for an Upper House in the Assam Legislative Assembly and the introduction of the Bill in the ongoing Budget session of Parliament would pave the way for fulfilment of a long standing demand of the people of the state," Gogoi said.

The Upper House would provide adequate representation to various communities and groups and strengthen the composite character of the state, thus creating a plethora of goodwill for both the Central and the state governments, he added.

Prasad assured Gogoi that he would look into all the proposals and take necessary steps.