The Assam Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Tuesday approved a series of policy and legislative measures aimed at promoting investment, tourism, education and administrative efficiency ahead of the upcoming Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly.
One of the key decisions relates to the conversion of agricultural land for specific development activities. The Cabinet approved a provision allowing automatic land reclassification through an online portal for the installation of solar power projects and the establishment of small-scale and Khadi industries. Under the new system, applicants will no longer be required to obtain prior permission from the district commissioner.
The Cabinet also approved amendments to existing regulations governing private educational institutions. The minimum land requirement for establishing private universities has been reduced from 60 bighas to 35 bighas in rural areas and from 30 bighas to 21 bighas in urban areas. Similarly, the land requirement for private schools has been lowered from six bighas to two bighas in rural areas and from three bighas to one bigha in urban areas. However, institutions will be required to comply with all safety, sanitation, accessibility and disaster management norms.
In a major boost to the tourism sector, the Cabinet approved the Assam Tourism Accommodation (Development & Registration) Rules, 2026. The new framework introduces a simplified single-window online registration system for homestays, with registrations to be renewed every three years through an auto-renewal mechanism. The government also indicated that a financial assistance policy for homestay operators will be taken up during the Budget Session.
The Cabinet further approved ₹9.75 crore for the implementation of a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) for executive staff of Assam Tea Corporation Limited. The funds will be released to facilitate the proposed retirement package.
To ensure uninterrupted distribution of subsidised foodgrains under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), the Cabinet extended the validity of licences of Fair Price Shops across the state until December 31, 2026.
Among the legislative proposals approved was the Assam Regulation of Re-classification and Re-classification-cum-Transfer of Lands (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The amendment seeks to simplify land-related procedures and encourage investments in sectors such as MSMEs, hydrocarbons, solar energy and industrial development.
The Cabinet also approved provisions aimed at protecting the cultural and historical significance of Assam's ancient Xatras. Under the proposed amendment, land located within a five-kilometre radius of Xatras that are more than 200 years old cannot be sold to individuals from outside the eligible community. Additionally, only persons whose families have been residing in the area for at least three generations will be permitted to buy or sell land in the designated zones.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the decisions are intended to improve ease of doing business, promote tourism, strengthen educational infrastructure and support balanced development across the state. He also announced that the next Cabinet meeting will be held on July 4.
