Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a series of groundbreaking decisions taken during the weekly meeting of the Assam Cabinet. The State Government has embarked on a development journey in multiple sectors including housing, education, land settlement, healthcare, and urban planning.
Key Decision 1: New Houses for Poor People
At least, 1.30 lakh houses will be built under the Chief Minister Housing Scheme in rural areas to improve the standard of living of economically weak people. This initiative is in line with the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, targeting those who have not yet benefited from the Central Government’s scheme.
The Assam Government has already approved 19,10,823 houses under the scheme. The plan outlines a unit cost of ₹1,30,000, disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer.
Out of these, 12,43,584 houses have been built, and an additional 600,000 houses are likely to be completed by February 2024. The beneficiaries for this scheme were selected based on the socio-economic caste census.
Additionally, the State plans to enhance digital infrastructure and create libraries for children and adolescents under the ‘Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24’.
Key Decision 2: Scaling Down Viva-Voce Marks in CCE
To uphold a balance between written examinations and interviews, there will be a significant reduction in viva-voce marks for the Combined Competitive Examination held by the Assam Public Service Commission. This decision aligns with the MP Bezbaruah Committee recommendations and a Supreme Court judgment.
Key Decision 3: Land Settlement in 13 Districts under Mission Basundhara 2.0
The settlement of land was approved in favour of indigenous landless families in 13 districts, benefitting 1,540 families in both urban and rural areas. This move is part of Mission Basundhara 2.0, aimed at providing secure land tenure to indigenous communities.
Key Decision 4: Relief to Landless Indigenous Families & Stipend Hike for Internee Doctors
Approval was granted for the settlement of land to 946 landless indigenous families across Assam, along with a 15 per cent stipend hike for internee doctors from April 1, 2024.
Key Decision 5: Reservation, De-reservation of VGR/PGR Land
The Cabinet approved 197 proposals for de-reservation of VGR/PGR land and the reservation of an equivalent quantum of land for settlement to landless indigenous families in many districts.
Key Decision 6: Sports Complex & Old Age Home
A nod was given for the construction of a state-of-the-art Sports Complex in Chandrapur and the setting up of an Old Age Home and Child Care Institution in Boko, with a combined budget of ₹205 crore.
Key Decision 7: Policy for Planned Urban Development
The Assam State Township Policy, 2023, was approved to ensure systematic and planned urban development across the State, addressing the need for affordable housing and essential services within townships.
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