Assam govt slams Centre over eco policies towards Assam

Assam government today criticised the Centre over its economic and industrial policies towards the state.
"Unfortunately, of late, the Central fund released for Assam's planned development have been curtailed significantly, thereby raising the possibility of hampering the growth of the state," Assam Governor Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya said during his address to the Assembly.
Interestingly, Acharya has repeatedly been accused of working as an "agent" of BJP by the state government which prepared the speech read by the Governor at the beginning of an Assembly session.
"My government has sought for the continuance of the special category status for Assam at the highest level as unlike many other states, Assam does not have the benefit of attracting significant private investment and Central financial support to maintain the momentum of growth of the last decade or so and to take it to higher levels," he added.

Acharya said the state government has urged the Centre to allow 100 per cent Central funding or to continue Centre- State funding on the pattern of 90:10 to Assam.
He, however, acknowledged the Central government's support in the state's growth story.

On industrial policies, the Governor said the state had attracted a large number of investments because of the North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP), which has helped creating jobs and wealth in Assam.
"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.

"My government would like to appeal to 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.
For 'Make in India' to be successful and meaningful, 'Make in Assam' must be ensured as well and this can be facilitated by the resumption of NEIIPP and other enabling policies of the Centre.
The Governor's speech, which was incomplete due to interruption by a united opposition, was considered read.