The Assam Cabinet, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, recognised a series of transformative choices aimed at solidification the state’s power infrastructure, improving access to essential services, enhancing sanitation, and hastening industrial growth.
Power Sector Gets a Major Boost to safeguard reasonable and continuous electricity across Assam, the Cabinet has approved:
A targeted subsidy of Rs. 300 crore to the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) to provide tariff relief for consumers under the Jeevan Dhara and Domestic-A categories during FY 2025–26.
An additional Rs. 200 crore in tariff subsidy to APDCL to prevent any increase in retail power tariffs.
A financial sanction of Rs 244 crore for the acquisition of land and the renovation of the 220 KV Grid Substation of AEGCL at Sarusajai, Guwahati.
These initiatives aim to soothe electricity pricing and improve power infrastructure, especially for lower-income families.
Safe Drinking Water for Hailakandi's Lala Town
The Cabinet accepted the establishment of the Lala Town Water Supply Scheme under the Hailakandi PHE Division. The initiative is intended to provide every household in Lala Town with continuous access to clean and safe drinking water, ensuring a better quality of life in the region.
Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs through PFC Transformation
With the stabilisation of ARTPS services, 362 Public Facilitation Centres (PFCS) have become redundant. To repurpose this infrastructure and workforce, the Cabinet has approved a one-time grant of Rs. 50,000 each for 746 PFC operators. This grant, coupled with existing computer hardware, will support their transition into Village Level Entrepreneurs under the Common Services Centre (CSC) framework, thereby strengthening digital and public service delivery in rural areas.
Sanitation Gets a Push with SWA-JAL Mitras
To reinforce the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin, the Cabinet approved the rebranding and expanded role of Jal Mitras as SWA-JAL Mitras. These individuals will be involved in monitoring and verifying Individual Household Latrines (IHHL), promoting waste segregation, and leading sanitation awareness campaigns.
A structured performance-based incentive system will be implemented, offering monthly stipends of Rs.1,000 and additional incentives ranging from Rs.500 to Rs.2,000 based on performance. Additionally, Water User Committees will be efficient into Water and Sanitation User Committees (WSUCS) to improve community engagement and implementation efficiency.
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Ex Gratia for Families of Pahalgam Tragedy Victims
The Cabinet has accepted ex-gratia assistance of Rs. 5 lakh each for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the recent Pahalgam tragedy.
Industrial Incentives to Spur Growth and Employment
In a move to boost Assam’s industrial landscape, the Cabinet approved customised incentives under the Industrial and Investment Policy of Assam (IIPA) 2019 to 12 companies that had signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit.
These firms are likely to invest a total of Rs. 7,730 crore and generate approximately 16,466 employment opportunities across various sectors.
These decisions underscore the Assam government's commitment to holistic development, balancing welfare initiatives with infrastructure upgrades and economic incentives.
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