Assam Bans Nursing Homes from Withholding Bodies Over Pending Bills

In a landmark cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday, the Assam government rolled out a series of major decisions ranging from health regulations to education, forest conservation, and community welfare.

Tougher Rules for Nursing Homes: Holding Dead Bodies Over Dues Prohibited

The Cabinet has approved strict new rules for private hospitals and nursing homes across the state. From August 1, no medical institution will be allowed to hold a deceased patient’s body for more than four hours over pending bills.

If such an incident occurs, the family can call 104 or contact local police, who will then ensure the body is released. The government emphasized that no nursing home can treat a body as collateral for unpaid dues. Payments can be collected later.

Violators will face stringent penalties, including:

• Suspension of license for 3–6 months

• Fine up to ₹5 lakh

• Permanent closure on repeated violations

Evictions to Resume in Goalpara From July 12

Despite public opposition, eviction drives in Goalpara will begin on July 12, with the Gauhati High Court not issuing any stay on the matter. The operation was postponed to avoid conflict with Jumma prayers on July 11.

Evictions will be conducted at the Paikan reserve forest region and 10–12 other locations. The High Court has directed the state to clear all forest encroachments. The government is providing ₹50,000 compensation to affected families and land pattas to eligible indigenous landless people.

Conspiracies in Lakhimpur and Forest Encroachment

The Cabinet discussed alleged conspiracies to alter the demographic and geographic profile of Lakhimpur. People from Sribhumi, South Salmara-Mankachar had reportedly encroached on forest lands and planted rubber trees.

In contrast, indigenous families in Lakhimpur have already received legal land documents.

New Name for Hojai’s University

Due to a directive from the University Grants Commission (UGC), Hojai’s Rabindranath University will now be renamed as Rabindranath Thakur Vishwavidyalaya, to avoid confusion with similarly named institutions elsewhere in India.

Rapid Action Teams to Mitigate Human-Elephant Conflict

To curb the increasing incidents of human-elephant conflict, the government will form Rapid Action Teams in 80 forest-fringe locations across Goalpara, Udalguri, Baksa, Sonitpur, and other districts under the “Gaja Mitra” scheme.

Each location will have 8 local youths trained and deployed. The government will plant bamboo and Napier grass in these areas to create elephant-friendly food zones, along with constructing solar fencing to prevent elephants from entering human settlements.

3,000+ Institutions to Receive Land Under Mission Basundhara

Over 3,000 namghars, temples, and schools will be allotted land under the Mission Basundhara program across all the districts in Assam. The process will be completed by August 14. The total application is almost 50,000 and above.

Salary Hikes for Gaon Pradhans and Anganwadi Workers

Starting October 1, the honorarium of Gaon Pradhans will be increased from ₹9,000 to ₹14,000 per month. Those operating in forest areas will also benefit from the revision.

In a separate decision, the state cabinet has approved an increase of state incentive by ₹1500 and ₹750 respectively for Anganwadi Workers and Anganwadi Helpers from October 1, 2025.

This will increase the incentive of Anganwadi Workers to 8,000 and of Anganwadi Helpers to 4,000.

Support for Monastic Devotees and Traditional Artisans

The Cabinet approved a monthly grant of ₹1,500 from October 1 for Udasin devotees residing in various Sattras (Vaishnavite monasteries) of Assam.

For the traditional bell-metal (kansha) artisans of Sarthebari, the state will now refund the state GST they pay on raw materials—boosting their livelihood and preserving the heritage craft.

Monthly Grant for Class 10 Students After Form Fill-up

In a significant move for education, the cabinet has approved the implementation of Prerona Asoni - a financial assistance scheme providing 300 per month, for a period beginning November 1st, 2025, till the HSLC examination (February 2026), to all the students studying in Class X in all ASSEB-affiliated schools. The amount will be transferred via DBT and enable students to buy books, notebooks, nutritious food items, etc. The form filling up of the same shall be held from September 1 to October 31.

The #AssamCabinet took important decisions today. Sharing the highlights with media. https://t.co/pOEoAPMMAS

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 10, 2025

Also Read: Goalpara: 140 Hectares in Paikan Reserve Forest Set for Eviction