Madam Chairperson I am grateful to you giving me an opportunity to speak on the Interim Budget for 2009-2010. But I must be frank in expressing my opinion about this Budget. I am not at all happy about this Budget. I may be happy for the broad-base policy and approaches adopted for the whole nation, but at the same time I am extremely sorry to apprise you of the fact that no concrete and effective policy measures have been found or have been mentioned in this particular Budget for the overall development of the backward regions of the country, particularly, with special mention to my Bodoland Territory. I would like to appeal to the Government of India, through you, that no discriminatory policy should be adopted against the tribal people, and against the backward people of the whole country. I would like to appeal to the Government of India to take appropriate steps to provide minimum of Rs. 500 crore per annum to the Bodoland Territorial Council Administration for augmenting overall socio-economic educational development of the people living within my Bodoland Territory. Here, I am extremely sorry to remind the Government of India of the fact that on 16 January 2006 the present hon. Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh had visited a place called Salakati in Kokrajhar district in order to lay the foundation stone of one power plant project of the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). He had assured us of a minimum allocation of Rs. 500 crore for the next five years. But today I have come to know that in this Budget only Rs. 50 crore has been earmarked for the Bodoland Territory. This is a mater of serious concern and great regret. I, therefore, would like to appeal to the Government of India to correct this policy decision. The National shooting selection trials will be held at the Dr. Karni Singh Range here and at the Madhya Pradesh Academy in Bhopal from Angust 17. The fifth and sixth set of pistol trials are scheduled here, while the rifle events will be staged in Bhopal. The National Rifle Association of India will adjust dates for students who have examinations, subject to them presenting documents with their request. Entries close on August 4. Meanwhile the fifth shotgun selection trials are scheduled in Jaipur from August 2 to 7. Shooters have been asked to make their own arrangements for ammunication. The NRAI has also clarified that ammunition would be avialable for purchase at its office in Delhi. National Selection Trials in Delhi and Bhopal.
