Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a two-percentage-point rise in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government workers and introduced a significant framework for developing Dibrugarh as Assam’s second capital. The increase in DA from 58% to 60% for employees was approved by the state government. This adjustment will be implemented immediately.
The Cabinet also sanctioned the establishment of the Dibrugarh Second State Capital Region Development Authority to supervise the planned growth of Dibrugarh as the second capital. The geographical boundaries of the second capital region have been defined by the Cabinet, which will primarily cover Dibrugarh district.
Under the authority’s jurisdiction, the Commissioner of Dibrugarh will lead, with representatives from Zilla Parishad, Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation, and heads of government departments as ex-officio members. A Chief Executive Officer will oversee the day-to-day operations. Additionally, the state government has allocated Rs 500 crore over the next five years to support Dibrugarh’s development as the second state capital.
Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that this funding is separate from regular expenditures on infrastructure projects in the district. Dibrugarh MLA Prasanta Phukan will initially chair the authority, with plans to formalize the position within the authority’s structure. These decisions align with the government’s strategy to enhance administrative decentralization and boost infrastructure development in Upper Assam.
