Modi hasn't fulfilled promises, says Assam CM

Guwahati, Dec 1: Though the Narendra Modi government has completed six months in office, yet none of his pre-poll promises have been fulfilled so far, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said on Monday.

"The prime minister had assured the people of Assam of 'achche din' (good days). But good days are yet to come in Assam. Good days might have come for the BJP but for the people of Assam, it has remained the same," Gogoi told the media.

The chief minister hit out at the central government for not paying heed to Assam's demands for financial assistance for damage caused by the floods that killed 90 people and affected lakhs this year.

"We have submitted a detailed memorandum, saying an amount of Rs.1,915.15 crore would be necessary for repair and restoration of damaged houses, infrastructure, etc. An additional amount of Rs.619 crore is required on account of rescue and relief operations," he said.

Gogoi alleged that the state was yet to receive anything, except for an amount of Rs.288 crore from the central government as its share of the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) allotted for the year 2014-15.

"In addition, Rs.6,700 crore is required for strengthening of embankments and other protection measures which will help us cope better with the recurring floods in the long term.

"All embankments constructed immediately after the great earthquake of 1950 have outlived their design life and need immediate strengthening," Gogoi said, adding that he took up these matters with Modi during his visit.

"We have also requested the prime minister to ensure an increase in royalty of crude oil. While Gujarat has been receiving increased rate of royalty, particularly after a recent judgment by the Supreme Court, the same had not been implemented in Assam," he said.

PTI