Guwahati, 1st August: In a major administrative decision, the Assam cabinet has approved the creation of 476 secretary positions for Village Development Committees (VDC) and Village Council Development Committees (VCDC) in areas governed by the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decision on Wednesday, highlighting its importance in addressing longstanding vacancies in these essential local governance roles.
Chief Minister Sarma emphasized the critical need for this initiative, noting that the absence of designated secretaries had hindered the effectiveness of local governance. The affected areas include the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), which comprises 420 VDCs and VCDCs, as well as the districts of Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, and West Karbi Anglong, which collectively host an additional 54 such councils.
“In the Sixth Schedule areas, the functions typically carried out by Panchayats elsewhere are managed by VCDCs and VDCs. However, these councils have been operating without designated secretaries for a prolonged period,” Sarma explained. He underscored that the newly approved positions would fill this critical gap, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of local administration.
Additionally, Chief Minister Sarma provided an update on the Guwahati-North Guwahati bridge project, revealing that the construction costs have risen significantly. The revised budget now stands at Rs 3,030 crore, up from the initial estimate of Rs 2,600 crore. Sarma clarified that the majority of this cost would be financed by the New Development Bank, with the Assam government contributing Rs 164 crore.
Expressing optimism about the project’s progress, Sarma stated, “We anticipate that the construction of the Guwahati-North Guwahati bridge will be completed by June 2025.” The bridge is expected to greatly enhance connectivity and stimulate economic activity in the region once it is completed.