Noida 21 August 2024 – The monsoon session of the Uttarakhand Assembly commenced today in the summer capital of Gairsain, with expectations of significant contention surrounding key issues, particularly the status of the state capital.
Key Agenda: Supplementary Budget and Accountability
The session, lasting three days, is set to address a supplementary budget of ₹5,000 crore aimed at covering both planned and unplanned expenditures by the government. However, it is anticipated to be tumultuous, especially with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanding accountability regarding the use of disaster relief funds allocated after the devastating floods in June 2023.
The BJP has called for a white paper from the Congress-led government to clarify how these funds were utilized in affected areas, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in disaster-related expenditures.
Heightened Security Measures
In light of the opposition’s intentions, security measures have been heightened around the Vidhan Sabha in Gairsain. Barricades have been erected to prevent any attempts to disrupt the proceedings. Assembly Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal has urged all parties to cooperate to ensure a smooth operation of the assembly, stating that the session could achieve its objectives if it proceeds without disturbances.
Ongoing Debate Over Capital Status
In addition to budget discussions, the session is likely to reignite debates over Gairsain’s status as a potential permanent capital for Uttarakhand. Various groups have been advocating for Gairsain to be recognized as the state capital, which has been a contentious issue since the state’s formation. Protests erupted in the lead-up to the session, highlighting the ongoing unrest regarding this matter.
