In a remarkable stride towards sustainable development and enhanced healthcare, the Assam Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, has announced a series of pivotal decisions today.
CM Himanta took to X to outline the key outcomes of the Cabinet meeting, which included four major initiatives. The Cabinet has approved a substantial reduction in the Value Added Tax (VAT) on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), cutting it from 14.5 per cent to 5 per cent until March 31, 2027. This move is designed to mitigate air pollution by promoting the use of clean fuel and making CNG more economically accessible to consumers.
In a boost to healthcare infrastructure, the Cabinet sanctioned Rs 200 crore for the Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF) for the fiscal year 2024-25. This funding is part of the Assam Cancer Care Project and will support the establishment of 17 cancer care hospitals across the state, which are expected to serve around 30,000 cancer patients each year.
Additionally, to enhance governance and development in the Barak Valley, the Cabinet has decreed that ministers will undertake monthly visits to the region. These visits, lasting three days each month, are aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of government initiatives and accelerating regional development.
For the continued provision of free medical treatment to the underprivileged, the Cabinet has approved Rs 375 crore for the Mukhya Mantri Ayushman Asom Yojana (MMAAY). This flagship health assurance scheme provides cashless medical benefits of up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually and covers 36 lakh families in Assam.
Moreover, the government has greenlit the release of Rs 401.50 crore to the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) for various developmental projects. This amount constitutes the first installment for the financial year 2024-25 under the SOPD-G fund, marking a significant step in supporting regional development efforts.
