Updated on Saturday, July 04, 2009, 19:49 IST

Guwahati, July 04: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Saturday claimed that the state's own financial resources and central transfers had increased almost three times during his tenure.

Replying to a debate on the budget in the assembly today, the chief minister said from 2000-01 to 2007-08, the state's own resources had increased almost three times from Rs 1937 crore to Rs 5494 crore.

"Similarly, central transfers have also increased from Rs 3701 crore to Rs 9831 crore and this has been possible because I have been able to bring more central funds for the benefit of the state", he said.

Gogoi said that many members had expressed concern about the state's debt burden but their apprehension was misplaced as the per capita burden of Assam was the second lowest in the country and "our debt stocks are well within the limit prescribed by the 12th Finance Commission".

Refuting the opposition's charge regarding the non-release of state share for police modernisation scheme, the Chief Minister said the state government has released the entire past liability amount of Rs 47.17 crore and this has been complimented by the CAG in its annual report.

Bureau Report