The Union Home Minister recently laid the foundation stone for a second Assam Legislative Assembly complex and an MLA hostel in Dibrugarh. 

• This development is envisioned as a strategic move to transform Dibrugarh into a “second capital” of Assam, decentralizing governance from Dispur to Upper Assam.

Key Highlights of the Project:

• Infrastructure: The project, part of a larger Rs 1,715 crore investment package, aims to provide a robust administrative base for lawmakers to operate effectively from eastern Assam.
• Decentralization of Power: By establishing a legislative footprint in Dibrugarh, the government aims to bring the administration closer to the people of the Barak Valley and Upper Assam, reducing the logistical burden of traveling to Guwahati.
• Strategic Growth: The move aligns with the Act East Policy, positioning Dibrugarh as a focal point for industrial, educational, and political growth in the Northeast.
• Broader Administrative and Social Focus: Along with the Assembly complex, foundation stones were laid for several major projects:
  • Institute of Wildlife Health and Research at Mulukgaon near Dinjan, strengthening wildlife conservation science.
  • Phase II expansion of Khanikar Multidisciplinary Sports Complex, increasing seating capacity from 5,000 to 35,000.
  • Restoration and rejuvenation of wetlands, supporting urban ecology and flood mitigation.

Furthermore, the government highlighted the granting of land rights to tea garden workers, a significant shift in land revenue policy aimed at empowering the plantation community under the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation.

Exam Hook: 

Q. With reference to the Legislative Assembly and administrative decentralization in India, consider the following statements:

1. A State Legislative Assembly must always hold all its sessions at the official state capital as defined by the State Constitution.
2. The Governor of a state has the power to summon the Legislative Assembly to meet at such time and place as he/she thinks fit.
3. The establishment of a secondary assembly complex is a purely administrative decision and does not require a Constitutional Amendment.

Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only.

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