Assam Cabinet’s Sankalp: CM Himanta’s Govt to safeguard Maa, Maati, Bhoomiputras with heritage and empowerment reforms

Under the dynamic leadership of Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Assam Government has spearheaded transformative reforms to enhance governance, protect cultural heritage, and empower the state’s communities. His proactive approach is evidenced by several landmark decisions and initiatives recently approved by the Cabinet. These developments signify a pivotal shift towards more transparent, inclusive, and efficient systems, resonating with the vision of a progressive Assam. This article delves into the various initiatives under Sarma’s leadership, highlighting their potential impact and significance for Assam’s future.

Nod to Registration of Muslim Marriage and Divorce Bill, 2024

• The Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Bill, 2024, recently approved by the Cabinet for introduction in the next session of the Assam Legislative Assembly, is a significant step towards strengthening the institution of marriage within the Muslim community. This Bill mandates the compulsory registration of all marriages and divorces, empowering government machinery to act as the registering authority. By formalising this process, the Bill aims to enhance legal safeguards, particularly for women, ensuring their rights are protected within the framework of marriage.
• One of the key objectives of the Bill is to prevent the prevalence of child marriages, which remains a critical issue in various communities. By making it obligatory for all Muslim couples to register their marriages and divorces, the Bill seeks to enforce a higher level of legal oversight and accountability. Marriages may still be solemnised according to traditional rituals, customs, and ceremonies, but they must now also be declared by the legal provisions set out by the Bill.
• Furthermore, the Bill is crafted in alignment with the Civil Code of Procedure, particularly concerning the issuance of summons and notices, to ensure transparency and accuracy in addressing all related matters. This structured approach will help ascertain the truth in applications concerning marriage and divorce, thereby safeguarding the rights of the individuals involved.
• The Bill aims to benefit the common people by offering legal recognition to marriages and divorces, shielding them from potential social and legal adversities. By formalising the registration process, the Bill provides a robust legal framework that protects individuals from various challenges and promotes the overall stability and integrity of the institution of marriage within the Muslim community in Assam.

Ensuring Hassle-Free Reclassification of Land

• The Cabinet approval for amending The Assam Agricultural Land (Regulation of Reclassification and Transfer of Non-Agricultural Purpose) Act, 2015, marks a significant step towards streamlining land reclassification processes in the state. This Amendment aims to align land reclassification with local authorities’ allowable land use plans in urban and rural areas. By ensuring that the reclassification of lands conforms to these plans, the Amendment will facilitate smoother transitions and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for citizens seeking to change the use of their land.
• This legislative change is poised to enhance ease of service delivery for the public, allowing for a more efficient and hassle-free reclassification of non-agricultural land. The Amendment empowers citizens to reclassify land from one category to another as per their needs while ensuring that such changes adhere to the broader land use strategy of the area. This proactive approach not only simplifies the process but also ensures that land use is managed sustainably, in line with the development goals of local authorities.
• As part of this initiative, a comprehensive service offering reclassification suite is proposed to be launched under Mission Basundhara 3.0. Leveraging the provisions of the amended Act, this suite will provide a user-friendly platform for citizens to navigate the reclassification process seamlessly. This move underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging technology and policy reforms to enhance governance and service delivery in Assam. Through Mission Basundhara 3.0, the state aims to deliver efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric land management services, further empowering the people of Assam.

Preserving the sanctity of our Iconic Places

• The Assam State Cabinet has taken a significant step to preserve the sanctity of the state’s iconic places by approving the inclusion of Chapter 12 in the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation Act of 1886. This new provision empowers the government to notify Heritage Belt & Blocks surrounding iconic structures, thereby protecting these culturally and historically significant areas.
• Under this regulation, a Heritage Belt & Block will encompass a 5-kilometer radius surrounding any iconic structure over 250 years old. This move aims to safeguard the heritage and cultural identity of Assam, beginning with the initial areas of Barpeta Sattra, Batadrava Than, and the entire district of Majuli, which will be declared as a Heritage Block due to its unparalleled importance in Assam’s history. The government reserves the right to notify additional iconic structures such as Heritage Belt & Blocks.
• In these Heritage Belt & Blocks, stringent regulations will be put in place to maintain the integrity of the land. Only individuals who have resided in the area for the last three generations will be permitted to sell or purchase land within these zones. This measure is crucial in preserving these areas’ demographic and cultural continuity, ensuring that the heritage and traditions associated with these iconic places remain intact for future generations.

Formation of Cabinet Sub-Committee for Land Premium Rationalisation

The Assam Cabinet has approved the formation of a Cabinet Sub-committee dedicated to rationalising land premiums in Guwahati. The committee, comprising Hon’ble Ministers Shri Ashok Singhal and Shri Jogen Mohan, has been tasked with reviewing and adjusting land premium rates with retrospective effect. This initiative aims to ensure fairness and equity in applying land premiums, addressing longstanding issues faced by residents and stakeholders in the region. The decision reflects the government’s commitment to making land-related policies more transparent and beneficial for the people of Guwahati.

Conferring Srimanta Sankardeva Award 2023

The Government of Assam has announced that the prestigious Srimanta Sankardeva Award for 2023 will be conferred upon the eminent classical dancer Dr Sonal Mansingh. This esteemed recognition highlights her outstanding contributions to Indian classical dance. The award includes a cash prize of ₹5 lakh, a Gold Medal, and a Citation, symbolising Assam’s deep respect for cultural excellence and the legacy of Srimanta Sankardeva. Dr Mansingh’s dedication and artistry have left an indelible mark on Indian culture, making her deserving of this honour.

Protecting the Cultural Identity of Indigenous People

• The Assam Cabinet’s recent approval of the Amendment to the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation, 1886, marks a significant step toward safeguarding the cultural identity and land rights of the indigenous people, particularly those from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. This Amendment, introduced as the Draft Assam Land and Revenue Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is set to be placed before the Assam Legislative Assembly for further deliberation. The Bill aims to protect and preserve the heritage and land resources of villages predominantly inhabited by SC/ST populations by notifying them as protected areas. This move is about land management and honouring and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Assam’s Indigenous communities.
• To ensure the effective implementation of this Bill, a Cabinet Sub-committee has been constituted, comprising esteemed ministers Dr Ranoj Pegu, Shri U.G. Brahma, and Shri Pijush Hazarika. This committee has identified villages with a predominant SC/ST population that will be notified as Micro-protected blocks. By doing so, the government seeks to create a robust framework that will protect the land rights of these communities and ensure the sustainable conservation of their heritage.
• This legislative initiative reflects the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and identity of Assam’s indigenous people, who are integral to the state’s social fabric. By prioritising proper land management and conservation, the Amendment aims to prevent unauthorised land transfers and encroachments, thereby securing the future of these communities. Through this Bill, the Assam government is taking proactive steps to preserve its indigenous population’s unique cultural identity and land resources, ensuring that they are not lost amid rapid development and demographic changes.

Ensuring the Mobility of Community Cadres

• The Assam Cabinet has taken a significant step towards empowering women by facilitating the mobility of Community Cadres under the Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ASRLM) through the “Jeevika Sakhi Express” Scheme. This progressive initiative aims to bolster the SHG movement, crucial in uplifting women across the state. As part of this scheme, 5,242 scooters will be procured via the GeM portal to aid the Community Cadres in their essential work. Each Cadre will also receive a monthly allowance of Rs 500 to cover maintenance and fuel costs, ensuring they have the necessary resources to carry out their duties effectively.
• The “Jeevika Sakhi Express” Scheme provides mobility solutions to the Cadres and extends its benefits to those previously provided with scooters. This ensures a continuous and inclusive support system for all cadres involved in the mission. The scheme aims to encompass a wide array of cadres including Bank Sakhi, Krishi Sakhi, Bima Sakhi, Pashu Sakhi, and Master Bookkeepers, among others, who play pivotal roles in the rural livelihood ecosystem. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing these cadres’ operational efficiency and outreach, significantly contributing to women’s empowerment and rural development in Assam.

Empowering Assam’s Nari Shakti through Orunodoi 3.0

• The Assam Cabinet has recently approved the launch of Orunodoi 3.0, a significant expansion of the state’s flagship welfare scheme aimed at empowering women, or Nari Shakti, across the state. With the inclusion of over 12 lakh additional beneficiaries, Orunodoi 3.0 now sets an ambitious target of reaching 37 lakh beneficiaries. This expansion reflects the Assam government’s commitment to ensuring that financial assistance reaches a broader population segment, particularly those most in need.
• Under Orunodoi 3.0, an essential requirement for inclusion is possessing an Aadhar-seeded Ration card. This ensures transparency and efficient delivery of benefits, minimising the scope for duplication and errors. Each beneficiary under this scheme will receive monthly assistance of Rs 1,250, critical financial support to alleviate the economic hardships many households face. In addition, beneficiaries will be covered under two important insurance schemes – the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) – providing them with a safety net against unforeseen circumstances.
• The District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) will meticulously handle the selection of beneficiaries at the district level, ensuring that the most deserving individuals are included in the scheme. This selection process is set to commence on September 15 2024. A helpline number and grievance redressal mechanism will be established under Orunodoi 3.0 to further support the beneficiaries. This initiative will allow beneficiaries to voice their concerns and resolve any issues they may encounter in receiving the benefits, ensuring the scheme runs smoothly and effectively.

Ensuring capacity building of Govt officials

• The Government of Assam is taking significant strides toward enhancing the capabilities of its officials in line with the latest technological advancements. To bolster the state’s digital infrastructure, the Cabinet has approved a one-year, no-cost Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Wadhwani Centre for Government Digital Transformation (WGDT) in Bengaluru. This partnership marks a crucial step towards fostering academic collaboration with the Chief Minister’s Office, emphasizing the critical need for digital transformation across government processes and services.
• The primary objective of this MoU is to establish a collaborative framework that will enable the Government of Assam to integrate emerging technologies into its administrative functions. Through this partnership, WGDT will provide specialized support in digital transformation, encompassing various government departments, initiatives, and projects. This collaboration will modernize the state’s governance mechanisms and enhance the delivery of public services by leveraging the potential of cutting-edge technologies.
• A key component of this MoU is the capacity building of mid to senior-level government officials in Assam. The initiative will equip these officials with the necessary knowledge and skills in emerging technologies, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate the evolving digital landscape. The Government of Assam lays the foundation for a more efficient, transparent, and responsive administration by empowering its officials with a deeper understanding of technological innovations.
• Overall, this MoU represents a forward-thinking approach by the Assam government to embrace digital transformation and equip its officials with the tools and expertise needed to drive meaningful change in the state. This collaboration with WGDT is expected to significantly transform how government services are delivered, ultimately benefiting the people of Assam.

The transformative initiatives approved under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s leadership reflect a visionary approach towards governance and community empowerment in Assam. From legal reforms and land management to cultural preservation and women’s empowerment, these measures are poised to drive meaningful change and foster a more inclusive, efficient, and progressive state. Sarma’s proactive and strategic decisions underscore a commitment to addressing longstanding issues, enhancing public service delivery, and preserving Assam’s rich cultural heritage. As these reforms take shape, they will undoubtedly contribute to shaping a more robust and resilient Assam, aligned with the aspirations and needs of its diverse populace.