Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced
a series of groundbreaking decisions taken during the weekly meeting of the
Assam Cabinet. The State Government has embarked on a development journey in
multiple sectors including housing, education, land settlement, healthcare, and
urban planning.
Key Decision 1: New Houses for Poor
People
At least, 1.30 lakh houses will be built
under the Chief Minister Housing Scheme in rural areas to improve the standard
of living of economically weak people. This initiative is in line with the
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, targeting those who have not yet benefited from the
Central Government’s scheme.
The Assam Government has already
approved 19,10,823 houses under the scheme. The plan outlines a unit cost of
₹1,30,000, disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer.
Out of these, 12,43,584 houses have been
built, and an additional 600,000 houses are likely to be completed by February
2024. The beneficiaries for this scheme were selected based on the
socio-economic caste census.
Additionally, the State plans to enhance
digital infrastructure and create libraries for children and adolescents under
the ‘Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24’.
Key Decision 2: Scaling Down Viva-Voce
Marks in CCE
To uphold a balance between written
examinations and interviews, there will be a significant reduction in viva-voce
marks for the Combined Competitive Examination held by the Assam Public Service
Commission. This decision aligns with the MP Bezbaruah Committee
recommendations and a Supreme Court judgment.
Key Decision 3: Land Settlement in 13
Districts under Mission Basundhara 2.0
The settlement of land was approved in
favour of indigenous landless families in 13 districts, benefitting 1,540
families in both urban and rural areas. This move is part of Mission Basundhara
2.0, aimed at providing secure land tenure to indigenous communities.
Key Decision 4: Relief to Landless
Indigenous Families & Stipend Hike for Internee Doctors
Approval was granted for the settlement of
land to 946 landless indigenous families across Assam, along with a 15 per cent
stipend hike for internee doctors from April 1, 2024.
Key Decision 5: Reservation,
De-reservation of VGR/PGR Land
The Cabinet approved 197 proposals for
de-reservation of VGR/PGR land and the reservation of an equivalent quantum of
land for settlement to landless indigenous families in many districts.
Key Decision 6: Sports Complex & Old
Age Home
A nod was given for the construction of
a state-of-the-art Sports Complex in Chandrapur and the setting up of an Old
Age Home and Child Care Institution in Boko, with a combined budget of ₹205
crore.
Key Decision 7: Policy for Planned Urban
Development
The Assam State Township Policy, 2023,
was approved to ensure systematic and planned urban development across the State,
addressing the need for affordable housing and essential services within
townships.
NE Watch Desk
