The Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) kicked off its annual Budget Session on Wednesday with the presentation of a ₹843 crore budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, setting the stage for an intense political debate within the legislative house. The budget was tabled by BTC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pramod Boro at the BTC Legislative Assembly complex in Kokrajhar. The session, presided over by BTC Speaker Katiram Boro, drew immediate reactions from both ruling and opposition members as the financial blueprint proposed allocations across 40 departments aimed at development within the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).
Among the key highlights, the Transformation Department received the highest proposed outlay at ₹126.26 crore, signaling the administration’s intent to prioritize infrastructure and governance reforms. The Education Department followed closely with ₹105.05 crore, underlining the council’s continued focus on learning and literacy. The Department of Welfare for Plain Tribes and Backward Classes was allocated ₹98.63 crore, reflecting attention towards social inclusion and equity. BTC Government Spokesperson Gautam Das hailed the budget as “beautiful and progressive,” stating that it lays down a roadmap for inclusive growth, innovation, and upliftment of all communities within the region.
However, the budget did not go unchallenged. Leader of the Opposition, MCLA Derhasat Basumatary, criticized the proposal, claiming it lacked depth and clarity on core welfare issues. “There is no specific plan for job creation or rural development. The budget appears superficial,” Basumatary remarked, adding that the people of BTR deserve more concrete and people-centric policies. As the session continues into Thursday, the floor is expected to witness vigorous debate. Legislators from both sides are preparing to scrutinize the provisions line by line before the budget is put to a vote.
