Kumar Waii, the Only MLA in Arunachal Pradesh Assembly, Critiques State Budget ofRs 40,000 Crore
Kumar Waii, the sole Congress MLA in the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly and former home minister, has unwaveringly criticized the state budget of Rs 40,000 crore, dubbing it “a mirror – visible from one side and blank from the other.” Waii’s concerns revolve around the transparency and execution of the government’s financial plans, with the MLA claiming that most of the budget remains confined to paperwork, having little impact on public welfare.
Waii contends that successive budgets have declared thousands of crores, with little actual progress on the ground. “These funds get stuck in paperwork, and there’s no real benefit to the people,” he emphasized in an exclusive interview with India Today. The MLA from Bameng constituency in East Kameng district further alleged widespread corruption at the grassroots level, where bureaucrats and departmental officers demand commissions from contractors before implementing government schemes. This, according to Waii, not only compromises the quality of infrastructure projects but also burdens contractors already facing high GST rates and illegal departmental cuts.
The MLA also referenced past irregularities, including the alleged misuse of Compensatory Afforestation Management & Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds. Waii claimed that intended afforestation in project-affected areas failed to materialize, with funds being siphoned off without fulfilling their primary objective.
Waii advocated for better financial management, proposing the reinstatement of the Rs 1 crore work order system, which, he believes, will facilitate small-scale development initiatives. He also expressed concerns over social harmony, urging the government to avoid introducing laws that could divide society along religious lines, such as the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA).
Furthermore, Waii complained about the state government submitting misleading reports to the central government regarding the implementation of schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission and rural electrification. “While official reports claim 100% water supply through pipelines and complete village electrification, many areas still lack basic drinking water facilities, relying on natural sources that dry up in winter,” he pointed out.
Waii also lamented the imbalance in the distribution of government schemes, stating that his own constituency, despite being part of Arunachal Pradesh, is being neglected due to political differences. “I may be from the opposition, but my people belong to this state. Unequal allocation of funds and schemes will only create further trouble for the government,” Waii warned, underscoring the need for a more equitable approach.
In his scathing critique, Waii has raised significant concerns about the state’s financial management, transparency, and governance. His advocacy for reforms, from reformed accounting practices to more inclusive policy-making, has drawn national attention to the plight of Arunachal Pradesh and its inhabitants. As the state budget of Rs 40,000 crore hangs in the balance, Waii’s sharp critique will undoubtedly spark a national debate on the need for financial accountability and effective governance in the state.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/arunachal-pradesh/video/congress-mla-kumar-waii-slams-arunachal-budget-says-visible-on-paper-blank-in-reality-1183142-2025-03-12?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-03-12 20:26:00
