Mara CEM fumes over 'bias' budget

Aizawl, Feb 25 (UNI) Mara Autonomous District Council (southern Mizoram) Chief Executive Member(CEM) S Khipo today requested Chief Minister Zoramthanga to reconsider the budget allocated to the district council.

In his letter to the chief minister, Khipo stated that the state government allocated a sum of Rs 790 lakhs only for the year 2008-2009 to the MADC, including salaries for Hindi teachers, amounting to Rs 11.60 lakhs. The rate of increase from last year is a mere Rs 24 lakhs which is 3.03 per cent only. He expressed anguish over this and said it is not possible to carry out development works with such meagre amount.

The CEM lamented that while the other two district councils (Lai and Mara) have seen about seven per cent increase in their budget, a simple three per cent increase in the MADC budget indicated a "discriminatory treatment".

The CEM also threatened that the district council authorities and the public may organise a mass agitation if the matter is not looked into.

As per the government's budget allocation for the next fiscal, Lai Autonomous District Council will be receiving as much as Rs 960 lakhs, an increase by Rs 65 lakhs (6.80 per cent). Chakma Autonomous District Council also is receiving Rs 610 lakhs, an increase by Rs 45 lakhs (7.40 per cent).

This shows nothing but discrimination, Khipo said.

The Mara Autonomous District Council is currently run by a coalition of Congress and Maraland Democratic Front whereas the MNF party rules in the Lai and Chakma district councils.

UNI ZS LL RN1821