BTC Presents Rs 1,588-Cr Budget, Rejects Assam's School Merger Policy

New Delhi, India Jul 29, 2026 ALN: Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Chief Hagrama Mohilary, who also oversees the Finance Department, presented a budget of Rs. 1,58,831.32 lakh for the Financial Year 2026–27 on Wednesday, marking the first day of the two-day Budget Session of the BTC Legislative Council. This budget presentation is significant as it outlines the financial priorities and strategic direction of the BTC for the upcoming fiscal year, particularly in a region that has historically faced challenges related to governance, infrastructure, and socio-economic development.

The BTC, established in 2003, was created to provide a degree of autonomy to the Bodo people in Assam, a state in northeastern India. The council has been instrumental in implementing various developmental projects aimed at improving the living conditions of its residents. The budget presented by Mohilary reflects a commitment to continue this trajectory of development, particularly in areas such as education, infrastructure, and welfare.

Major allocations under the budget include Rs. 90,000.00 lakh under the Consolidated SOPD Grant to BTC, which is a significant portion of the budget aimed at supporting various developmental programs. Additionally, Rs. 20,000.00 lakh has been earmarked for Infrastructure Development, aimed at creating capital assets and implementing the Bodoland Accord (IBA), a crucial agreement aimed at ensuring peace and development in the region.

The Bodoland Accord, signed in January 2020, has been a landmark agreement that seeks to address the long-standing demands of the Bodo people, including issues of autonomy, economic development, and cultural preservation. The allocation for infrastructure development is particularly important as it aims to bolster the physical and economic landscape of the BTC region, which has been historically underserved in terms of infrastructure.

Furthermore, the budget allocates Rs. 20,000.00 lakh as special assistance for Centrally Sponsored Schemes, which are government initiatives designed to provide financial support to states for various development projects. This allocation is vital as it allows the BTC to leverage additional funds from the central government, thereby enhancing its capacity to implement various welfare schemes.

Other significant allocations include Rs. 9,757.25 lakh towards Infrastructure Grant, Rs. 2,530.22 lakh for Administrative Grant, and Rs. 2,794.44 lakh as Special Grant to BTC. These funds are intended to support the day-to-day functioning of the council and its various departments, ensuring that they can operate effectively and deliver services to the community. The budget also includes Rs. 1,000.00 lakh for ex-gratia to martyrs, reflecting the council's commitment to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of the Bodo people, and Rs. 1,000.00 lakh for constructing the BTC Guest House in Chennai, which will facilitate the council's interactions with stakeholders and partners.

The earmarked SOPD-G funds have been allocated to the respective BTC departments as outlined in the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) for 2026–27. This detailed planning demonstrates the BTC's commitment to transparency and accountability in its financial management, ensuring that funds are utilized effectively to achieve developmental goals.

Hagrama also presented the estimated receipt and expenditure of the Normal Budget (Council's Own Revenue Sources) for 2026–27, projecting an estimated receipt of Rs. 9,131.42 lakh against an estimated expenditure of Rs. 16,285.94 lakh, resulting in a deficit of Rs. 7,154.47 lakh. This deficit highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the BTC in generating sufficient revenue to meet its expenditure needs. The council's reliance on grants and external funding underscores the importance of sustainable revenue generation strategies moving forward.

Addressing the press on behalf of the BTC Chief, Executive Member Derhasat Basumatary described the budget as people-centric, development-oriented, and welfare-focused, emphasizing its commitment to strengthening the education sector while ensuring balanced development across all sectors of the BTC. The focus on education is particularly pertinent, as it is a key driver of social and economic development, and the BTC has recognized the need to invest in this area to empower its youth and create opportunities for future generations.

Bodofa Super-50 Mission to be Renamed, Expanded

During the Question Hour, in response to a query raised by MCLA Daobaisa Boro regarding the continuation of the Bodofa Super-50 Mission, Executive Member for Education Rabiram Narzary informed the House that the program would be renamed the UN Brahma Free UPSC, APSC, NEET & JEE Coaching Programme, significantly increasing the number of beneficiaries beyond 50. This shift indicates a strategic move to broaden access to competitive examination coaching for students in the BTC region, addressing a critical gap in educational support.

Narzary stated that the earlier BPF-led BTC Government had introduced financial assistance for UPSC and APSC aspirants, as well as for students securing admission to IITs, IIMs, and engineering and medical colleges, alleging that the previous government had merely changed the program's name. This statement underscores the importance of continuity and consistency in educational policies, as well as the need for programs that genuinely benefit students rather than merely serve as political tools.

He informed the House that discussions have already been held with reputable coaching institutes in New Delhi and Guwahati to provide free UPSC and APSC coaching, while arrangements are also being made to offer free NEET and JEE coaching in Kokrajhar. This initiative is expected to enhance the educational prospects of students in the BTC region, providing them with the resources and support needed to succeed in competitive examinations that are crucial for higher education and employment opportunities.

No School Amalgamation in BTC Area: Narzary

On the topic of school amalgamation and merger, Executive Member Narzary clarified that the BTC has the constitutional authority to frame its own education policies and is not obligated to implement the State Government's policy on school amalgamation and merger. This assertion is significant as it highlights the autonomy of the BTC in managing its educational framework, allowing it to tailor policies that best serve the needs of its population.

Narzary categorically stated that no amalgamation or merger of schools will take place in the BTC area under the State Government's policy. This decision reflects the BTC's commitment to maintaining educational institutions that are accessible and relevant to the local community, ensuring that students have the opportunity to receive quality education in their own regions without the disruption that can come from forced mergers or consolidations.

The rejection of the school merger policy also underscores ongoing tensions between the BTC and the Assam state government, which may have implications for future collaboration and funding. As the BTC continues to navigate its relationship with the state government, it will be essential for the council to advocate for the interests of its constituents while also seeking to foster constructive dialogue on issues of mutual concern.

In summary, the budget presented by BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary is a reflection of the council's priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, emphasizing development, education, and welfare. The proposed initiatives, particularly in education, are poised to significantly impact the youth of the region, while the council's stance on school amalgamation illustrates its commitment to local governance and autonomy. As the BTC moves forward, it will be crucial to monitor the implementation of these budgetary allocations and initiatives to ensure they translate into tangible benefits for the community.