In a notable administrative development, the Assam cabinet has approved the creation of 476 secretary positions for Village Development Committees (VDCs) and Village Council Development Committees (VCDCs) in Sixth Schedule areas of the Indian Constitution. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced this decision on Wednesday, addressing long-standing vacancies in these crucial roles.
CM Himanta stressed the importance of this initiative, noting that the role of secretary had been notably vacant in these local governance bodies. The move will impact the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), which includes 420 VDCs and VCDCs, as well as the districts of Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, and West Karbi Anglong, which together house 54 additional councils.
“In areas governed by the Sixth Schedule, VCDCs and VDCs undertake the roles typically managed by Panchayats in other regions. Unfortunately, these councils have been functioning without secretaries for an extended period,” the CM explained. He mentioned that the new positions would address this critical gap, thereby improving the effectiveness of local governance.
Additionally, CM Himanta updated on the Guwahati-North Guwahati bridge project, revealing that the construction costs have surpassed initial projections. The revised budget is now Rs 3,030 crore, up from the original estimate of Rs 2,600 crore. He clarified that most of the funding will come from the New Development Bank, with the Assam Government contributing Rs 164 crore.
Himanta Sarma expressed confidence in the project’s progress, stating, “We expect the Guwahati-North Guwahati bridge to be completed by June 2025.” Once finished, the bridge is anticipated to significantly enhance connectivity and stimulate economic activity in the region.
