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Foreigners Tribunal members to have drawing, disbursing power

By Sanjoy Ray

GUWAHATI, Sept 19 - The State finance department has approved vesting of drawing and disbursing power to all the 100 Members of the Foreigners Tribunals, meaning that they would now be able spend the sanctioned amount independently without the involvement of the district administration.

Meanwhile, the State government has sanctioned a sum of Rs 50 lakh to be shared equally for upgrading the infrastructure of the existing 100 Foreigners Tribunals in Assam. Sources informed that money to be spent for improvement of court infrastructure would soon reach the respective Tribunals.

�Vesting of drawing and disbursing power to the Members would expedite and streamline the infrastructure upgrading process. Earlier, only the retired judicial officers were enjoying the power and rest were dependant on the deputy commissioner concerned,� sources added.

Further, the State home department has written to the Centre for creation of additional posts in the tribunals to deal with the cases in a faster pace. However, the Ministry of Home Affairs is still to sanction the amount estimated for the installation of close circuit cameras in and around the Tribunals.

Sources pointed out that as the Tribunals are running short of manpower, the home department had recommended creation of new posts (contractual) of notice server, copyist and bench assistant, and once the proposal gets the nod from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the performance of the courts is expected to increase.

�The Gauhati High Court is now monitoring the developments and a committee has also been formed to look into it,� sources stated.

In addition to this, sources added that the salary dues of the Tribunal staff will be cleared before the ensuing Durga Puja.

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