Guwahati: Dispur will provide an additional Rs 100 crore to the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council for development of Dima Hasao district, Assam finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said while inaugurating the Dima Hasao Bhawan building here on Monday.

"Our government has decided to provide funds in addition to that allocated in the budget for North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council to meet the challenges of development in the area and fast track the development," Sarma, who is also the PWD minister, said.

The council's chief executive member Debolal Gorlosa, Haflong MLA B.B. Hagjer and Assam hills area development, mines and minerals minister Sum Ranghang were present at the ceremony.

"The additional funds will have to be spent in an innovative way. For this, I will visit the council within June 10 and stay one night there. I will meet all the stakeholders of the council and prepare a master plan for development," Sarma said.

The minister also said the council would, henceforth, get 5 per cent of power or its equivalent money against the power plant set up in the area. The same rule apply to water, coal and other minerals. He said the step aims to make the council self-reliant.

He said the Dima Hasao House in Delhi would soon be open for public. "Land to set up Dimasa House and Karbi House has been bought adjacent to the Assam House premises in Delhi at a cost Rs 5 crore and construction is under way. We aim to complete the work by the next Assembly election. It will be an extraordinary place as the ethnic elements of three cultures will be available on the same platform," Sarma said.

Speaking on the occasion, Gorlosa said, "The council's annual revenue has increased from Rs 20 crore to Rs 35 crore but more funds are required for development. The government allocates funds as per population. But under our council, the population is less than the geographical area. So, the funds allocated by the government so far have not been enough to cover every part of the council area."