BJP-led Assam Government’s request of more funds in the name of NRC (National Register of Citizens) has been rejected by the RGU (Registrar General of India).
Turning down the request of BJP-led Assam Government for continuation of financial support to ‘complete’ the pending work of the NRC, the RGI has set March 31 as the deadline to complete the pending work.
The RGI suggested the BJP-led Assam Government to terminate the services of surplus staff and hands over the workload to government employees.
The RGI further directed the Assam Government to take over all infrastructure and data centre created for the NRC update as government property.
The BJP-led Assam Government had sought an additional Rs 3.22 crore per month beyond March 31 for completion of the pending NRC activities in addition to the allocated Rs 1,602.66 crore for the entire project.
RGI Joint Director Jaspal Singh said in a letter dated March 23 to the Assam secretary (Home and Political) SR Bhuyan, “All the activities of NRC updation were to be completed within the approved cost of the scheme by 31.03.2021 and there is no further provision of funds for the expenditure made under the scheme beyond 31.03.2021.”
“The time and cost for completing the pending work and winding up the project have also not been explained in the proposal. The requirement of software developed for various NRC activities may be assessed and the renewal of software which are not required may be discontinued immediately.”
The letter also said that the requirement of Rs 3.22 crore per month by the Assam Government beyond March 31, 2021 “appears to be too high”.
