Relief for Farmers, Boost for Tea Workers, and Medical Expansion: Cabinet Decisions Out

The Assam Cabinet, in its latest meeting held at Janata Bhawan on Friday, approved a series of significant policy measures spanning land distribution, healthcare infrastructure, educational initiatives, and financial assistance to the tea workforce. The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, also discussed the escalating drought-like conditions across western Assam and recent incidents of land encroachment and evictions.

Drought-like Situation in Five Districts

A key highlight of the meeting was the government’s concern over drought-like conditions in five districts: Baksa, Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, Barpeta, and Dhubri. These districts have received minimal rainfall compared to other regions of the state. Despite farming activities beginning on time, crops have failed due to the lack of adequate monsoon showers.

The Cabinet acknowledged the distress of farmers and resolved to implement support mechanisms through the Agriculture and Revenue Departments. The Chief Minister noted that although many other districts have seen sufficient rainfall, the western belt remains vulnerable to crop failures. The situation in parts of Upper Assam—particularly Sivasagar and Dibrugarh—is also showing early signs of similar stress, prompting the government to monitor developments closely.

Land Patta Distribution Under Mission Basundhara

The Cabinet approved land allotments for over 1,000 sites under Mission Basundhara. These include land grants for schools, colleges, Namghars (community prayer halls), and Deputy Commissioners’ offices. In a major relief step, 11 families displaced from the Lakhimpur revenue circle will be allotted new land. The government clarified that these families will not be required to pay any land premium, and the grants will be issued at the standard rate of five lechas per family.

New University for Disability Studies

A new university named National University for Disability Studies will be established at Bongaon under Chhaygaon constituency. The Cabinet approved this unique initiative to be set up on 150 bighas of land, aiming to promote inclusive higher education and research in the field of disability studies.

Major Healthcare Projects Approved

The Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh will see a massive expansion project sanctioned with a total expenditure of ₹357 crore. This project is intended to upgrade facilities for professors, nurses, and staff, and to improve overall healthcare infrastructure at the state’s oldest medical college.

In Guwahati, the Cabinet approved land allotment to Medanta Hospital near Sarusajai Stadium. The hospital complex will include a 500-bed maternity and child care hospital. Adjacent to it, a five-star Lemon Tree Hotel will also be constructed as part of the broader health and hospitality hub. "The combined investments of the three projects are Rs 800 cr and will create around 2,700 jobs for local youths," said CM Sarma.

Boosting Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production

To streamline the process of land availability for hydrocarbon exploration & production activities, Cabinet has approved notifying exemption of hydrocarbons exploration and production activities from the purview of "The Assam Regulation of Reclassification and Reclassification cum Transfer of Lands Act, 2015" subject to the payment of the applicable premium.

Companies like Oil India Limited, IOCL, etc, have been permitted to purchase or lease the required land directly from landowners through negotiated settlement, as per prevailing market rates and applicable guidelines.

Tea Industry Workers to Receive Cash Aid

As part of the state’s bicentennial celebration of the tea industry, the government has sanctioned a financial assistance package for tea workers and employees. A total of ₹342 crore will be spent to provide ₹5,000 each to around seven lakh workers and staff associated with the tea sector. The Chief Minister stated that this is a gesture of gratitude for their longstanding contribution to Assam’s economy and culture.

Political Reactions on Eviction and Security Concerns

Addressing the recent violence and eviction-related tensions, particularly in areas like Uriamghat and Paikan, the Chief Minister claimed that in Uriamghat, a single individual had encroached upon nearly 500 bighas of land. He stated that state police will take immediate action against any resistance during such eviction operations.

Referring to the Paikan incident, the Chief Minister suggested that the violence occurred a day after Rahul Gandhi’s rally in the area. He alleged the attack was “pre-planned” and revealed that police are currently investigating whether the speeches made by Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge were provocative in nature. If such a link is established, legal action will be initiated.

He also disclosed that 12 new families from Nagaon and Manipur had recently migrated to Lakhimpur. The local Deputy Commissioner has been directed to send them back to their original locations immediately.

More Evictions Planned

Eviction operations will continue in Sarupathar, Golaghat, and other areas, said the Chief Minister. Responding to criticism, he remarked that it is for the Congress to determine whether people are truly agitated or not, and sarcastically added that perhaps the unrest wouldn’t have happened if Rahul Gandhi had not visited.

BJP Strategic Meetings Ahead of BTR and 2026 Polls

Later in the afternoon, the BJP Legislature Party met at Lok Sewa Bhawan. Tonight, BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B. L. Santhosh will arrive in Guwahati to participate in a crucial strategic meeting at Vajpayee Bhawan.

The “Chintan Baithak” (introspective session) will involve discussions on the upcoming Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) elections as well as the 2026 Assam Assembly polls. Senior BJP leaders including Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, State BJP President Dilip Saikia, and around 50 top functionaries are expected to attend the closed-door deliberations.

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