Guwahati, 09 December (HS): Former Rajya Sabha MP and senior Congress leader Ripun Bora on Tuesday accused Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma of misleading the people and the Central government by consistently resorting to “falsehoods and financial manipulation”. Citing the latest CAG report, Bora said the findings clearly expose “large-scale irregularities, violations and fiscal mismanagement” under the BJP-led Assam government.
Addressing a press conference at Rajiv Bhavan, Bora said the CAG’s audit of the state’s 2023–24 financial accounts shows that the government repeatedly violated the “loan for investment, not for consumption” principle. According to him, loans meant for productive expenditure were diverted to beneficiary-oriented schemes, directly contradicting the norms laid down for public borrowing.
Bora noted that although the state had a budget estimate of ₹1,69,966 crore for 2023–24, the actual expenditure stood at only ₹1,39,449 crore. Despite this, the government claimed a savings of ₹30,516 crore, while total revenue collected was just ₹1,38,830 crore — a mismatch that the CAG flagged as a serious inconsistency. He also pointed out that 50 departments, including Finance, Education and Social Welfare, failed to submit utilisation certificates amounting to nearly ₹18,669 crore, raising doubts over the use of public money.
The Congress leader further highlighted the alarming growth of Assam’s debt burden. The CAG report suggests that by March 31, 2026, the state’s total debt may touch approximately ₹1,74,000 crore, nearly all of which will require repayment with interest within the next decade. Between 2019–20 and 2023–24, the state’s debt increased by 103% to ₹1,46,927 crore. Interest payments too have surged from ₹2,963 crore in 2016–17 to ₹9,467 crore in 2023–24.
Bora also criticised the government for seeking a supplementary budget of ₹30,210 crore in 2023–24 when only 74% of it was actually necessary. He said that 65% of the loans taken between 2021 and 2024 were used for beneficiary schemes and grants, violating established fiscal norms. He added that audit backlogs continue in 75 autonomous councils, 39 state undertakings and numerous development bodies.
Contrasting sectoral priorities, Bora said the government cut spending in education by 17.70% and in health by 5.21%, while simultaneously incurring ₹2,172 crore in extra-budgetary expenditure under loan repayment.
Calling the situation a “wake-up call for Assam’s future”, the senior Congress leader urged the state government to ensure transparency and accountability. He also appealed to the public to stay vigilant about the state’s financial management. The press conference was attended by APCC Media Department Chairman Bedabrata Bora, senior spokesperson Rituparna Konwar, spokespersons Arupjyoti Bhuyan and Reetam Singh.----------
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
