Sarma described the proposed revenue-sharing mechanism as a significant step towards strengthening the financial autonomy of the council
KRC TIMES Assam Bureau
GUWAHATI | Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has projected an annual revenue of around Rs 1,014 crore for the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC) from limestone mining, following the auction of 13 limestone blocks to leading cement companies.
In a social media post on Monday, Sarma said the transparent auction process was expected to generate approximately Rs 84,500 crore over the next 50 years. Based on the projected figures, the total annual revenue from the mining arrangements is estimated at Rs 1,690 crore.
Of this amount, 60 per cent, or approximately Rs 1,014 crore annually, would be transferred directly to the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council, according to the Chief Minister.
Sarma described the proposed revenue-sharing mechanism as a significant step towards strengthening the financial autonomy of the council. He said the arrangement would provide the local governing body with substantial financial resources to undertake development activities without having to depend entirely on the state or central governments for funding.
The Chief Minister also referred to Dima Hasao’s history of insurgency, arguing that economic opportunities and business activities could contribute to development in indigenous areas when local institutions receive a direct share of the revenue generated from natural resources.
He further criticised opposition to commercial activities in indigenous areas, maintaining that the limestone auctions could create a long-term revenue stream for the district and open up opportunities for economic development.
However, the projected revenue figures and the proposed distribution of proceeds are based on the Chief Minister’s public statement. The actual annual receipts would depend on mining operations and the terms governing the revenue-sharing arrangement.
The announcement has placed the focus on how the proposed revenue will be utilised by the autonomous council, particularly in infrastructure development, education, healthcare, employment generation and other public services in Dima Hasao.
