Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam is undergoing a transformative journey toward inclusive and sustainable growth. A significant innovation in the administration is the weekly Cabinet meetings held at various District Headquarters, a move that has added a new dimension to governance. These meetings, conducted outside the state capital, allow for a specific focus on district-level challenges and their solutions. Ministers are encouraged to visit different areas en route to the meetings, gaining first-hand knowledge of local issues. This approach has led to a series of innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing governance, public welfare, and infrastructure across the state. The measures span across various sectors, including education, traffic management, market regulation, water supply, and witness protection, ensuring that even the most marginalized communities benefit. The recent Cabinet meeting in Nalbari, along with previous sessions in Guwahati, exemplifies the Government’s commitment to bringing governance closer to the people. Through this model, the Chief Minister’s vision for Assam is driving not only economic growth but also ensuring that the benefits of development reach every citizen, truly embodying the spirit of Antyodaya.
Strengthening the Education System
The Cabinet’s approval of a Special Recruitment Drive to appoint experienced contractual teachers from the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and State Pool as regular teachers marks a significant step towards strengthening the education system. By amending existing service rules to facilitate the lateral entry of these teachers into regular positions in Lower Primary (LP) and Upper Primary (UP) schools, the state aims to address the pressing need for seasoned educators in government schools. This move is expected to enhance the quality of education by leveraging the skills and experience of teachers who are already familiar with the state’s educational landscape and challenges.
This decision stands to benefit approximately 35,133 contractual and State Pool teachers, offering them a pathway to job security and career advancement. Regularizing these teachers not only recognizes their contributions but also helps in retaining talent within the educational system. By stabilizing the teaching workforce, the state can ensure more consistent and higher-quality instruction for students, which is crucial for their academic development and overall educational outcomes. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to improving the educational infrastructure and addressing long-standing issues related to teacher shortages and turnover in government schools.
Progressive Traffic Policies
The recent decision by the Cabinet to eliminate fines for two-wheelers in the absence of essential documents such as licenses, PUCs, and registrations represents a significant shift in traffic enforcement policy aimed at reducing financial strain on citizens. By removing fines as a punitive measure, the policy aims to alleviate the burden on individuals who may struggle to maintain all required documents. The continued enforcement of helmet regulations underscores the Government’s commitment to road safety, even as it seeks to provide financial relief. Legal action will still be pursued in cases of non-compliance, ensuring that the rule of law is maintained while offering some leniency.
For three-wheelers, including auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws, the introduction of a four-warning system before fines are levied introduces a more lenient and educational approach to traffic violations. This policy acknowledges the vital role these vehicles play in urban transportation and the livelihoods of their drivers. By providing multiple warnings, the Government hopes to encourage compliance without immediately resorting to financial penalties, which can be particularly burdensome for drivers who often operate on modest incomes. This decision is poised to benefit a wide array of individuals, including students, gig workers, delivery partners, and public transport drivers, by preserving their earnings while still promoting adherence to traffic regulations.
Fair Market Pricing
To address concerns about the high prices resulting from previous bidding processes for the settlement of markets, bazaars, haats, and ghats, the State Cabinet has decided to cancel all current tenders issued by the Zila Parishads, Anchalik Panchayats, and Gaon Panchayats. This decision aims to prevent excessive collection rates from traders and the public, ensuring fairer pricing in these markets.
In response, the State Government will introduce new tender conditions. The Government value of each tender will be determined by averaging the settlement values from the previous three years for the respective market, bazaar, haat, or ghat. Bidders will be allowed to quote up to a maximum of 10 per cent above this Government value. Any bid exceeding this limit will be rejected. Additionally, the P & RD department will establish the procedures for selecting the highest bidder in cases where two or more bidders propose the same price.
During the interim period, before the new tenders are issued and bids finalized, the current lessees will continue to operate these markets at previously settled rates. This approach is expected to benefit the general public by lowering the prices of commodities traded in these designated areas.
Regulating Private Placement Agencies
The State Cabinet’s approval of the Assam Private Placement Agencies for Recruitment of Workers’ (Regulation) Rules, 2024 marks a significant step towards enhancing the safety and security of workers employed through private placement agencies. These new regulations align with “The Private Placement Agencies for Recruitment of Workers (Regulation) Act, 2019” and are designed to establish a comprehensive database of both workers and private placement agencies within the state. This database will facilitate better monitoring and regulation, ensuring that both workers and agencies operate within a legal and ethical framework.
Under these rules, private placement agencies are required to register with the Labour Welfare Department. This registration process allows the State Government to exert greater control over the operations of these agencies, ensuring they adhere to prescribed standards and practices. By mandating this registration, the Government aims to verify the operational status and existential authenticity of the agencies, thereby curbing fraudulent practices and protecting workers from exploitation.
The implementation of these rules is expected to bring about a more organised and transparent system of employment through private placement agencies. It underscores the State’s commitment to worker welfare, providing a safer and more secure working environment. This move not only safeguards workers’ rights but also promotes ethical business practices among recruitment agencies, contributing to the overall socio-economic development of Assam.
Enhancing Water Supply Infrastructure
The Cabinet has approved significant water supply projects aimed at ensuring clean and safe drinking water facilities in the urban areas of Karimganj Town and Hailakandi Town. The Hailakandi Town Water Supply Scheme, valued at Rs 72.74 crore, is designed to provide 135 litres per capita per day to an estimated population of 60,425 by 2055. This scheme includes an automated Water Treatment Plant with a design capacity of 12.66 MLD, drawing raw water from the Katakhal River, located 1.97 kilometres from the treatment plant.
Similarly, the Karimganj Town Water Supply Scheme, worth Rs 81.18 crore, will cater to an estimated population of 1,01,430 by 2055, ensuring the same per capita water provision. This project features an automated Water Treatment Plant with a design capacity of 16 MLD, sourcing raw water from the Longai River, just 0.25 kilometres from the treatment plant. Both projects are equipped with advanced technologies to enhance efficiency and reliability.
Key innovations in these projects include the District Metered Area (DMA) concept, which helps in managing water distribution more effectively, and the integration of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems supported by Artificial Intelligence. Additionally, these projects will incorporate facilities for the recirculation of wash water within the treatment plants, significantly minimising non-revenue water loss and promoting sustainable water management practices.
Ensuring Witness Protection
The Assam Witness Protection Scheme, 2024, ensures the safety of witnesses facing threats during investigations and trials, in compliance with Section 398 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Witnesses can apply for protection through a prescribed form submitted to a Competent Authority. This Authority, a Standing Committee in each district, is chaired by the District and Sessions Judge, with the District’s Police Head, an officer nominated by the District Magistrate, and the Head of Prosecution as members.
Witnesses are categorised into three threat levels: A, B, and C, determining the extent of protection needed. The scheme includes measures such as in-camera trials, installation of security devices at the witness’s home, and close protection with regular patrolling. Additionally, temporary relocation, court escorts, and government-provided vehicles for court dates enhance witness security. These provisions aim to ensure witnesses can testify without fear, promoting fair and just trials.
To support these initiatives, the scheme establishes a Witness Protection Fund and a State Witness Protection Authority. The fund finances protective measures, ensuring resources are available for timely and effective implementation. The State Witness Protection Authority oversees the scheme’s execution, ensuring adherence to protocols and addressing any issues. By providing comprehensive protection, the Assam Witness Protection Scheme, 2024, strengthens the judicial process, upholding justice by safeguarding those who play a crucial role in criminal trials.
Development Initiatives for Nalbari
The Assam Cabinet’s recent decisions underscore a dedicated focus on the holistic development of Nalbari, reflecting a proactive approach towards infrastructure enhancement, educational advancement, and cultural preservation. Initiatives such as supporting former OBB teachers, granting substantial funds to four prominent temples, and establishing a Convention Centre and Circuit House highlight the government’s commitment to bolstering religious tourism and community infrastructure. Introducing science streams at Mahendra Narayan Choudhury Girls’ College and establishing a new degree college in Barkhetri exemplify efforts to expand educational opportunities. Furthermore, the planned construction of embankments, a flyover for medical access, a state-of-the-art Sports Complex, and a Skill Centre underscore the State’s vision for comprehensive socio-economic growth in Nalbari. These initiatives promise to elevate the region’s profile and improve the quality of life for its residents.
A New Hub for IT Parks and Electronics Manufacturing Clusters
The Assam Cabinet’s recent approval of the Land & Space Lease Management Policy, 2024, marks a significant step toward positioning the State as a prime destination for IT Parks and Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMCs). This policy provides a clear and structured framework for investors, facilitating the occupancy of land and built-up spaces within these specialized zones. Managed by the Assam Electronics Development Corporation Limited (AMTRON), the policy is set to boost the State’s industrial landscape, contributing to the development of Tech City projects and creating substantial employment opportunities—8,000 direct jobs and over 100,000 indirect jobs—cementing Assam’s role as a rising player in the national technology and manufacturing sectors.
Relief measures for small traders on GST notices
To alleviate the difficulties faced by small traders due to GST-related notices, the Cabinet has endorsed the recommendations of a sub-committee tasked with reviewing this issue. The Cabinet’s directives focus on rectifying the concerns raised by the traders through a structured approach. Specifically, the Cabinet has approved the suo moto rectification of 10,484 cases from 2017-18 and 15,529 cases from 2018-19 under Section 161 of the Assam GST Act, 2017. This process will be conducted on a case-by-case basis within the next three months. For the subsequent years—2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22—GST notices generated using Big Data Analytics Software (BDAS) will be addressed according to a newly established Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Furthermore, to prevent undue pressure on traders, the threshold for issuing notices with BDAS assistance has been set at Rs 5 lakh. The Government aims to resolve these issues within a three-month timeframe to ensure fairness, minimize harassment, and maintain adherence to the GST framework.
Strengthening Representation for Moran and Matak Communities
The Cabinet has taken a significant step to empower the Moran and Matak communities by approving amendments to the Moran Autonomous Council Act 2020 and the Matak Autonomous Council Act 2020. These amendments will increase the number of constituencies in both councils from 22 to 27. Consequently, each General Council will now have 30 members, including 27 directly elected representatives and 3 nominated by the Government, in consultation with the Autonomous Councils. Out of the 27 elected seats, 22 will be reserved for the Moran and Matak communities, 4 for women, and 1 for the general community, ensuring more inclusive and equitable representation.
Cabinet Approves Amendments to Boost Maths Education in Assam
On August 9, 2024, the Cabinet approved crucial amendments to The Assam Secondary Education (Provincialised Schools) Service (Third Amendment) Rules, 2024, and The Assam Secondary Education (Government Schools) Service (Third Amendment) Rules, 2024. These amendments are designed to streamline the recruitment process for Graduate Teachers specializing in Mathematics in both provincialized and government schools across Assam. The initiative aims to fill 1,766 teaching positions, significantly improving the availability of qualified maths teachers. This decision is expected to enhance the quality of mathematics education for secondary students throughout the state.
Implementation of Bodo Accord 2020
In a significant move to honour and implement the Bodo Accord of 2020, the Cabinet has approved the inclusion of 19 villages into the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). This decision entails the exclusion of these villages from Biswanath District and Sonitpur District, with their incorporation into Udalguri District within the BTR. This adjustment is a crucial step in fulfilling the Accord’s provisions and aims to enhance administrative efficiency and local governance within the region.
Enhancing Workforce for Technical Institutions
To bolster the operational efficiency of the state’s technical education sector, the Cabinet has approved the engagement of 221 Grade IV posts on a contractual basis. This strategic move aims to support the smooth functioning of the two Engineering Colleges and eleven Polytechnics across the state, ensuring that these institutions can better meet the demands of students and faculty alike.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s vision for Assam is one of comprehensive and inclusive growth, where development is not just measured by economic indicators but by the improved quality of life for all citizens. The State’s recent initiatives reflect a balanced approach to governance, addressing critical areas such as education, market fairness, traffic policies, and infrastructure development. By focusing on both urban and rural areas, and by ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations are considered, the Assam Government is laying the groundwork for a more prosperous and equitable future. As these policies take effect, Assam is poised to emerge as a model of progressive governance, where the benefits of growth are shared by all, and where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.
Leave a Comment