Guwahati, Aug 11 (IANS) 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 (BTC) 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
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