The Assam State Cabinet recently approved several major policy decisions related to industrial investment, water infrastructure, land rights, community welfare, and cultural recognition, aimed at accelerating socio-economic development in the state.

Major Decisions Taken by the Assam Cabinet

Industrial Investment Boost

• The Cabinet approved six investment proposals worth ₹24,800 crore.
• The move is expected to attract large-scale industries, create employment opportunities and strengthen the state’s industrial base.

Water Infrastructure Development

• A ₹1,367 crore South-East Guwahati Water Supply Project was approved.
• The project aims to address water scarcity in rapidly expanding areas such as Noonmati and surrounding localities.
• It will improve urban water infrastructure and ensure reliable drinking water supply.

OBC Status for Tea Communities

• Thirty-seven tea tribe communities will be granted Other Backward Class status.
• Earlier, many of these communities were considered sub-castes of existing categories.
• The move is expected to improve access to reservation benefits in education and government employment.

Land Rights for Indigenous Families

• The Cabinet approved distribution of land pattas to 816 indigenous families living in the hill areas of Guwahati.
• Eligibility is limited to three generations of indigenous residents.
• The initiative is part of broader land reforms under programmes such as Mission Basundhara, which aims to resolve land ownership issues.

Cultural Recognition and Heritage Preservation

• The Mising festival Ali Aye Ligang has been declared a state holiday, recognising its cultural importance.
• Ten bighas of land of the Zubeen Samadhi Khetra have been allocated to the Department of Cultural Affairs for maintenance and development.

Education and Institutional Development

• The engineering college at Behali will be named after Chabilal Upadhyay, a noted freedom fighter and social reformer.
• Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College will be renamed Barpeta Medical College, while another institution will later be named in honour of the former President of India.

Welfare and Financial Inclusion

• The PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi Scheme will now be extended to street vendors in rural areas under village panchayats, in addition to municipal areas.
• The Cabinet also approved the creation of a Scheduled Caste Development Council to address welfare and development needs of the community.

Exam Hook

Statement Based Question

Consider the following statements regarding recent policy decisions in Assam:

1. The PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi Scheme provides financial assistance to street vendors.
2. Mission Basundhara is an initiative aimed at resolving land-related issues in Assam.
3. Ali Aye Ligang is a traditional festival of the Mising community.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

One-Line Wrap

The recent Assam Cabinet decisions reflect a comprehensive push toward industrial growth, infrastructure development, social welfare, and cultural recognition in the state.

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