Guwahati: In a significant stride towards comprehensive development, the Assam Cabinet, under the stewardship of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has sanctioned a substantial Rs 342 crore for the ‘Mukhyamantri Eti Koli, Duti Paat’ scheme. This move is set to directly benefit nearly 7 lakh tea garden workers and employees across the state, with each eligible individual receiving a one-time financial assistance of Rs 5,000. The decision underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of this crucial segment of the state’s workforce.
Beyond immediate financial relief, the Cabinet meeting saw a flurry of approvals aimed at bolstering Assam’s economic landscape and social infrastructure. A major highlight was the green light for land allotments under the ‘Advantage Assam 2.0’ initiative in Sarusajai, Guwahati. This paves the way for three high-impact projects: a 500-bed Medanta Hospital, a 100-bed Women and Child Hospital, and a 5-star Lemon Tree Hotel. These ventures, collectively attracting an investment of Rs 800 crore, are projected to create approximately 2,700 new jobs, signalling a robust push for employment generation and world-class facilities in the state.
In a landmark decision for inclusive education, the Cabinet approved the allocation of land and waived the premium for the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to establish a National University for Disability Studies in Assam. This pioneering institution will be the first of its kind in the region, promising to significantly advance educational opportunities and research for individuals with disabilities.
Furthermore, the state’s health and education sectors received another shot in the arm with the approval for constructing Teachers’ Quarters and a Students’ Hostel at the venerable Assam Medical College and Hospital. This comprehensive project, valued at Rs 357.28 crore, will include modern staff residences, spacious dining blocks, and a community hall, enhancing the living and learning environment for both faculty and students.
Expanding healthcare access, the Cabinet also extended the ambit of the ‘Mukhya Mantri Lok Sevak Arogya Yojana’ (MMLSAY) to include employees and their dependents from major state power corporations. This integration aims to provide enhanced medical coverage to a larger segment of government-linked families.
In a move to streamline land management and facilitate development projects, the ‘Mission Basundhara 3.0’ saw the approval of land allotment for an impressive 3,656 projects. These encompass initiatives by the State Government, various corporations and boards, Central Government departments, and other non-individual juridical entities, reflecting a concerted effort to optimize land utilization for public good.
Lastly, to foster hydrocarbon exploration and ensure smoother operations in the state, the Cabinet approved exemptions under the Assam Land Act. This critical decision will facilitate direct land acquisition from landowners through negotiated settlements, aiming to expedite vital energy projects in Assam. Collectively, these decisions underscore the Assam government’s multifaceted approach towards fostering economic growth, generating employment, and enhancing social welfare through targeted investments and progressive institutional reforms.