Controversy Arises Over Rs 20 Crore Fund Transfer to Bodoland Territorial Council
Dispute Over Fund Allocation
GUWAHATI, March 16: A contentious proposal to transfer Rs 20 crore from the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (BOCWWB) to the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) has sparked outrage among various stakeholders, who are concerned about potential breaches of established Central Government guidelines.
The proposal is currently under review by the Labour Commissioner's office, which is examining it for possible infractions of central directives and board resolutions.
A directive letter dated December 16, 2025, co-signed by the Labour Secretary and the Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), clearly states that such funds should be funneled through the State Skill Mission (ASDM) or the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). However, the current proposal aims to allocate funds directly to BTC, a move that critics label as a “clear violation” of BOCWWB regulations.
Minutes from a board meeting on October 4, 2023, also emphasized that skill training should be processed through ASDM.
Interestingly, in the most recent board meeting, a request from ASDM, signed by the Mission Director on February 6, 2026, for skill training funds was not included in the agenda, while BTC's request was. This selective exclusion has raised significant concerns regarding transparency and intent, according to official sources. The Government of India stipulates that BOCWWB funds for skill development cannot exceed 10 percent of the total collections from the previous year.
Documents related to this issue have been obtained by media sources.
Labour rights advocates argue that the cess collected from construction workers in Assam is intended to support them through organized training programs. One activist stated, “Redirecting funds to a specific council without adhering to proper procedures is both unjust and illegal.”
Insiders warn that such fund diversions could create a troubling precedent. “If every council begins to demand direct transfers, it could undermine the entire framework of state skill missions,” a source informed this reporter.
“The current situation highlights significant governance issues. Why was ASDM’s request omitted from the agenda? Why is the Labour Commissioner’s office contemplating approval despite explicit instructions from the Government of India? These unresolved questions have amplified demands for accountability,” the source added.
“This matter transcends the Rs 20 crore – it concerns the integrity of welfare fund usage. Construction workers across Assam contribute to this cess, and any misallocation threatens to deprive them of essential skill training opportunities that are vital for improving their livelihoods,” another official remarked.
When reached for comment, AL Gyani, the Labour Commissioner, assured that all established protocols would be adhered to and that the funds would be transferred as required, specifically through ASDM.
“However, due to the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, the process will commence only after the elections conclude,” he stated.