Following a significant meeting of the Assam Cabinet held on Wednesday, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed a press conference at Lok Sewa Bhawan, unveiling a series of transformative decisions aimed at propelling Assam’s growth across multiple sectors. These decisions, reflecting the state government’s commitment to fostering innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development, span education, research, agriculture, rural welfare, police administration, and infrastructure. With substantial financial allocations and strategic policy reforms, the cabinet’s approvals are designed to address immediate regional needs while laying the foundation for Assam’s emergence as a hub for modern education, resilient infrastructure, and empowered communities.
Shahid Kanaklata Barua State University, Gohpur
The cabinet granted administrative approval for Rs. 400 crore to establish Shahid Kanaklata Barua State University in Gohpur. The university will offer advanced courses aligned with Industry 4.0 and 5.0, focusing on Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and other cutting-edge fields. The Education Department is developing the curriculum, with experts from IIT Guwahati and Jawaharlal Nehru University tasked with its design. These experts will visit universities in India and abroad to create a curriculum to position Assam as a leader in Industry 5.0. The university will be built at Bholaguri Tea Estate in Gohpur. Land acquired from the tea community will be compensated with permanent land allocation within the campus, with priority given to them for Grade III and IV posts, along with full Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) benefits.
Assam Cabinet Decision on Fostering Research Ecosystem
The cabinet approved the Chief Minister’s Jeevan Anuprerana Scheme to support full-time research scholars, including differently-abled researchers, in Assam’s government institutions. Eligible researchers will receive one-time financial assistance: Rs. 40,000 for differently-abled scholars and Rs. 25,000 for researchers in central/state universities.
Empowering Farmer Producer Organizations
The cabinet approved guidelines for the Chief Minister’s Utkrishta Yojana to strengthen Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). A grant of Rs. 15 lakh will be provided to 300 FPOs in two phases and two installments for developmental activities.
Promoting Welfare Initiatives
The cabinet approved Rs. 1,450 crore for the Mega Mission Society-Chief Minister’s Samagra Gramya Unnayan Yojana to enhance schemes like the Chief Minister’s Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan, Chief Minister’s Women Entrepreneurship Abhiyan, paddy procurement, Amrit Sarovar, and dairy processing projects.
Financial Allocation for BTR Development
The cabinet approved Rs. 843 crore for the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) for the fiscal year 2025-26.
Clarity in Police Administration
The cabinet approved the re-designation of District Superintendents of Police as Senior Superintendents of Police to enhance administrative efficiency and leadership, bringing clarity to police administration amid new district formations.
Improving Road Infrastructure in Dima Hasao
The cabinet approved the Assam Disaster-Resilient Hilly Area Road Development Project to improve connectivity in Dima Hasao. The project includes 348 km of disaster-resilient roads and early warning systems for landslides and floods, with Rs. 3,875 crore allocated to boost tourism and trade.