The Budget Session of the Bodoland Territorial Council Legislative Assembly (BTCLA) concluded on Thursday, with the House passing a budget of Rs 843 crore for the financial year 2025–26. BTC Chief Executive Member Pramod Boro tabled the proposal as part of the council’s ambitious ‘Vibrant BTR Mission’, which aims to accelerate development across the Bodoland Territorial Region.
The two-day session, held in Kokrajhar, saw spirited discussions among members. The budget covered 40 departments and focused on key areas such as infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, skill development, and women’s empowerment. Legislators debated allocation strategies and implementation models throughout the proceedings. Pramod Boro, while defending the provisions, stated that the BTC aims to usher in inclusive growth and a transformative agenda for the region. He said the budget reflects the aspirations of the people and positions BTR as a model for decentralized development in Assam.
Members welcomed the government’s focus on improving road connectivity, upgrading health services, and creating employment opportunities for the youth. However, some opposition voices criticized the absence of concrete monitoring mechanisms to ensure timely delivery of projects. A few legislators raised concerns about repeated allocations for schemes that showed little progress in previous years. They demanded greater transparency in fund utilization and asked the executive members to involve grassroots institutions in planning and review processes.
Pramod Boro responded by assuring the House that the BTC administration would enforce strict audit measures and outcome-based evaluations. He said every rupee would be spent with accountability and the administration would maintain regular dialogue with the people to assess development outcomes. He also reiterated that the council was working in close coordination with both the Assam and Central governments to maximize support for the region.
A key highlight of the session included discussions around tribal welfare and the implementation of flagship initiatives like Bodofa UN Brahma Skill Development Mission and BTR Green Mission. The members also discussed ways to strengthen school infrastructure and improve teacher recruitment, especially in remote villages. The budget also allocated a significant portion for self-help groups, women-led enterprises, and start-up support under the youth development framework.
BTC Deputy Chief Executive Member Gabinda Basumatary said the budget reflects the values of social justice and regional equity. He emphasized that the administration will give priority to backward areas and ensure that no village remains excluded from development. He added that the council has charted out a roadmap to create employment in eco-tourism and agri-based industries, aiming to boost self-reliance among the younger population.
The session also witnessed tributes to the victims of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Members observed a moment of silence in memory of those killed. The BTC Speaker acknowledged the gravity of the incident and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families. In his closing remarks, the Speaker praised the healthy deliberation of the members and expressed confidence in the executive body’s ability to implement the budget promises effectively.
As the budget session came to a close, members exited the House with a sense of urgency and responsibility. The next few months will test the administrative machinery’s ability to translate promises into measurable progress. With the ‘Vibrant BTR Mission’ gaining momentum, the people of Bodoland will closely watch how the Rs 843 crore translates into real change on the ground.
BTC authorities confirmed that detailed department-wise action plans will be released soon. Public feedback will be sought through gram sabhas and citizen outreach programs. The BTC leadership maintained that this budget is more than numbers—it is a blueprint for hope, growth, and unity in the Bodoland Territorial Region.
In the aftermath of the budget’s passage, reactions poured in from civil society organizations, student unions, and policy observers across the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). Many stakeholders appreciated the BTC administration’s approach in prioritizing rural connectivity and infrastructure improvement, especially in areas that had long remained neglected. Leaders from community-based groups welcomed the renewed emphasis on tribal education and heritage preservation, while also calling for increased allocation for language preservation programs for indigenous communities.
Economists based in Assam noted that this year’s budget signifies a clear shift toward long-term planning rather than short-term populism. According to them, the focus on climate resilience, agri-tech adoption, and tourism potential shows that the BTC is aligning its goals with larger national development objectives. They also observed that the financial discipline proposed by the BTC executive reflects a maturing governance model for autonomous councils.
Meanwhile, public sentiment on the ground appeared cautiously optimistic. Residents of Chirang and Udalguri districts expressed hope that the road improvement and water supply projects announced in the budget would finally reach their areas. Some citizens, however, remained skeptical, pointing to delays in previous schemes and a lack of local consultation in budget preparation.
BTC officials responded to such concerns by stating that monthly review meetings would be held at the district level. They also promised that a digital dashboard tracking all major projects under the Vibrant BTR Mission would go live by June. This platform will allow residents to monitor progress in real time and lodge complaints or suggestions directly with the departments involved.
In another development, the BTC administration confirmed plans to launch a region-wide awareness campaign about the budget’s key components. The campaign will include door-to-door outreach, radio broadcasts, and community meetings, particularly in remote areas with limited internet access. Officials believe this strategy will help citizens understand how to access the schemes meant for their benefit.
BTC Executive Member for Health and Family Welfare, Arup Kumar Dey, said that the health component of the budget would focus on maternal care, child nutrition, and upgrading primary health centers. He revealed that the administration will soon roll out mobile medical units in hard-to-reach villages to ensure that no community is left out of essential services.