Guwahati, August 1, 2024 — The Assam cabinet has approved the creation of 476 secretary positions for Village Development Committees (VDCs) and Village Council Development Committees (VCDCs) in Sixth Schedule areas. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced this decision on Wednesday, addressing long-standing vacancies in local governance.
Chief Minister Sarma highlighted that the absence of secretaries had impeded effective local administration in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), comprising 420 VDCs and VCDCs, and in the districts of Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, and West Karbi Anglong, which collectively have 54 councils.
Sarma explained that VDCs and VCDCs perform functions similar to Panchayats in other regions, and the new positions are crucial for improving local governance.
Additionally, Sarma provided an update on the Guwahati-North Guwahati bridge project, revealing that the cost has increased to Rs 3,030 crore from the initial Rs 2,600 crore. The New Development Bank will finance most of the cost, with the Assam government contributing Rs 164 crore. Sarma expressed optimism about completing the bridge by June 2025, which is expected to enhance connectivity and boost economic activity in the region.