Assam cabinet clears Rs 450 cr for Bodoland development
Guwahati, Aug 11
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday announced a series of decisions taken by the state Cabinet, including the release of Rs 450 crore to the Bodoland Territorial Council for developmental works and major changes relating to government appointments, OBC certificates, Aadhaar enrolment and agricultural income tax.
Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting chaired by him at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Dispur, Sarma said the Cabinet approved the first instalment of Rs 450 crore under the State Own Priority Development Fund‑General (SOPD‑G) to the BTC for the financial year 2026‑27.
In a major decision concerning youth welfare, the Cabinet approved a budget provision of Rs 118.58 crore for the Chief Minister's Jibon Prerana Scheme. Under the scheme, 48,366 selected candidates of 2025 will receive financial assistance of Rs 2,500 per month for the remaining applicable period of 10 months.
The Cabinet also revised the payment structure under the Chief Minister's Foreign Language Initiative for Global Human Talent (CM‑FLIGHT). Training support will now be released in three milestone‑linked instalments of Rs 30,000 each after three and six months of training, followed by Rs 40,000 on completion of training and submission of a foreign language proficiency certificate.
Sarma said the government has also approved police verification of candidates appointed to government service to establish their character, antecedents, nationality and authenticity of documents. Verification will have to be completed within six months of appointment. The existing system of notarised affidavits will continue to prevent delays in appointments.
The Cabinet approved a separate state‑format OBC Non‑Creamy Layer certificate for eligible communities included in Assam's state OBC list but not in the Central OBC list, allowing them to avail benefits in state government jobs and state‑run educational institutions.
The government also relaxed the restriction on fresh Aadhaar enrolment for persons aged 18 years and above belonging to the Moran and Matak communities until March 31, 2027.
In infrastructure‑related decisions, Rs 2,100 crore was approved for land acquisition and development of the Guwahati Aerotropolis Satellite City Project. The Cabinet also approved a 25‑year power purchase agreement for the entire saleable power from the 25 MW Namrup Solar PV Project and cleared the lease deed for construction of a five‑star hotel at Jagiroad.
In another significant decision, agricultural income tax will be exempted on the first Rs 10 lakh of total agricultural income following revision of tax slabs and exemption limits.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good decisions overall, but I have to point out - police verification within 6 months of appointment is fine, but in rural areas this can take ages. The notarised affidavit system should stay until the verification process is fully streamlined, otherwise deserving candidates might lose out on jobs due to administrative delays.
The OBC Non-Creamy Layer certificate for state list communities is a game changer! Many deserving candidates from Assam were missing out on benefits because they weren't in the central list. This will open up so many opportunities for our youth. 👏
Rs 2,100 crore for Guwahati Aerotropolis is ambitious! But let's be honest - infrastructure projects in Assam have a history of delays. I hope the CM's team ensures this doesn't become another white elephant. Also, the 5-star hotel at Jagiroad - will it really boost tourism or just serve business folks?
Agricultural income tax exemption up to Rs 10 lakh is a huge relief for farmers! 🌾 Most small and medium farmers in Assam will now be completely tax-free. This shows the government is serious about supporting our agrarian economy. Good stuff, CM Sarma!
The CM-FLIGHT scheme's milestone-based payment structure makes sense - Rs 30,000 after 3 and 6 months, then Rs 40,000 on completion. This ensures students actually complete their training instead of dropping out midway. Foreign language skills are the future, especially for jobs in the Gulf and East Asia.
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