Guwahati: The Assam Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has approved a series of transformative decisions aimed at promoting environmental conservation, social inclusion, economic development, and welfare reforms. These decisions were made during a Cabinet meeting held on June 22.
One of the significant decisions was the approval to notify two prominent wetlands, Urpad Beel and Hasila Beel, as Proposed Reserve Forests. This move aims to protect biodiversity-rich ecosystems and preserve the social and natural balance in the region. The Cabinet has provided a one-month window for public suggestions before finalizing the notification.
The Cabinet launched the ‘Shradhanjali’ scheme, which ensures dignified and government-facilitated transportation of mortal remains of youths and students from Assam who pass away while working or studying in other states. The scheme will be effective from October 1, 2025, and will apply to economically weaker individuals and special cases.
In a landmark social inclusion measure, the Cabinet formally recognized transgenders as ‘Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC)’. This recognition enables eligible members of the transgender community in Assam to access reservation benefits in education and employment.
The Cabinet approved the allotment of a site to Hinduja Renewables Energy Pvt. Ltd. for establishing a 900 MW off-stream Pumped Storage Project in West Karbi Anglong. With an investment of ₹5,400 crore, the project is expected to play a vital role in achieving the state’s 2 GW PSP target by 2030.
A proposal for the creation of a Development Council for the Rabha community living outside the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council jurisdiction was approved. The Council will focus on promoting educational, cultural, and socio-economic upliftment for Rabhas residing beyond the RHAC area.
The Cabinet approved several welfare measures, including the reservation of 50% of supervisor posts for eligible Anganwadi Workers with over 10 years of service. Additionally, the state share of additional honorarium for Cook-cum-Helpers under the PM POSHAN scheme was enhanced from ₹500 to ₹1,000 per month.
Newly appointed school teachers under the Special Recruitment Drive will receive their first annual increment in July 2025, a year earlier than scheduled. This move is expected to boost the education sector in the state.
The Cabinet approved the creation of the ‘Assam Industrial and Green Growth Fund’, a ₹3,000 crore SEBI-registered alternate investment fund. This fund aims to channel long-term capital into renewable energy, green infrastructure, agro-tech, MSMEs, tourism, and priority start-ups.
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