The Assam Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, approved the re-appointment of 57 Junior Engineers (Civil) who had previously served the Public Works Department. These engineers, with experience dating back to 2019, are expected to contribute to infrastructure projects effectively. Additionally, the Cabinet allocated land to 326 beneficiaries under Mission Basundhara as part of the state’s land settlement initiative.
The Cabinet also gave the green light for the establishment of a College of Agriculture in Patharkandi, Sribhumi district, with an estimated cost of Rs 122.22 crore. This move aims to enhance agricultural education and provide support to farmers and rural youth in the Barak Valley region. Furthermore, customised incentives were approved under the Industrial and Investment Policy of Assam (IIPA), 2019, to promote industrial growth.
In a bid to boost tourism infrastructure, the Cabinet sanctioned incentives for a new 100-room five-star hotel in Silchar, with an investment of Rs 103.92 crore. Moreover, a loan of Rs 519 crore from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) was approved to support various projects in Sixth Schedule districts and inter-state border areas. The Cabinet also reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on aviation turbine fuel to enhance air connectivity and tourism.
For welfare initiatives, the Cabinet endorsed the disbursement of the second instalment under the MMUA scheme starting from March 11. It also introduced the ASHA Express scheme to provide two-wheelers to over 36,000 ASHA workers and supervisors, aiming to improve healthcare services. Additionally, nearly 39.7 lakh beneficiaries are set to receive Orunodoi assistance amounting to Rs 9,000 under the welfare scheme. Lastly, a Grade III government job was approved for the wife of late Rajib Sadiya as a compassionate appointment.
