PTI, KOKRAJHAR, APRIL 24, 2025 : The Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) began its Budget Session on Wednesday at the Legislative Council building in Kokrajhar with the presentation of the annual budget for the financial year 2025–26.
BTC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pramod Boro presented a Rs 843 crore budget proposal for the upcoming year, which will cover all 40 departments under the Council’s administration.
The session, chaired by BTC Speaker Katiram Boro, saw both appreciation and criticism of the proposed budget. A more detailed discussion and possible passing of the budget are expected to take place on Thursday, the second day of the session.
Out of the total proposed allocation, the Transformation Department received the highest amount, with Rs 126.26 crore set aside to fund development and infrastructure projects aimed at improving governance and service delivery in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). The Education Department was the second-highest recipient, with an allocation of Rs 105.05 crore. This was followed by the Department of Welfare for Plain Tribes and Backward Classes, which was allotted Rs 98.63 crore for various welfare schemes and targeted initiatives for underprivileged communities.
Presenting the budget, CEM Pramod Boro said that it reflects the government’s vision of balanced development across all sectors, with a focus on education, transformation, and social welfare. He said the budget was designed to address both immediate needs and long-term development goals of the BTR.
Speaking to the media after the presentation, BTC Government Spokesperson Gautam Das described the budget as “beautiful and progressive.” He said the proposal clearly shows the Council’s commitment to transforming Bodoland through planned development and people-focused policies.
However, the budget did not receive praise from all quarters. Leader of the Opposition in the BTC, MCLA Derhasat Basumatary, strongly criticized the proposal, saying that it lacks real focus on people’s welfare. He said that the budget was heavy on numbers but light on practical plans for addressing core issues faced by the common people of the BTR, especially in areas like health, rural development, and employment.
“The budget looks impressive on paper, but it does not show how the funds will actually improve people’s lives,” said Basumatary. “We expected more clear steps towards solving unemployment, improving healthcare, and ensuring benefits for backward communities. Instead, we see generic allocations without much clarity.”
Basumatary further added that the opposition would raise several questions during Thursday’s discussion to demand transparency and better explanation of how the funds will be utilized at the grassroots level.
