Guwahati Oct 1: The Assam government has decided to table the report of the Justice (retired) BK Sharma Inquiry Commission on the cash-for-job scam in the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) during the upcoming session of the Assam Legislative Assembly.
This was decided in the weekly cabinet meeting held in Dispur on Tuesday.
The One-Man Inquiry Commission, led by Justice Sharma, was established to investigate allegations of corruption and malpractices in the conduct of the Combined Competitive Examinations (CCE) of 2013 and 2014 by the APSC.
Justice Sharma submitted a comprehensive 380-page report to the Assam Home Department on October 13, 2023, just ahead of the extended deadline set by the Gauhati High Court. The report reveals shocking irregularities and misconduct during the 2013 CCE, implicating both beneficiaries and perpetrators involved in the scam.
“The Assam Cabinet approved the proposal to make the report public,” Tourism Minister and government spokesperson Jayanta Malla Baruah said and highlighted that this move aims to serve the larger public interest, allowing the people of Assam to understand the extent of corruption that plagued the APSC under the previous administration.
The report’s findings will now be placed before the Assam Legislative Assembly, shedding light on the depth of malpractices within the commission during that period.
The Cabinet has approved the Banikanta Kakati Merit Award under the Pragyan Bharati Scheme, allocating ₹345.74 crore for the distribution of 48,673 two-wheelers to meritorious Class XII students.
According to the scheme, girl students who scored 60% and above in their Class XII exams and boy students who scored 75% and above will also be eligible for the same reward.
“This initiative aims to encourage academic excellence and provide greater mobility for students, motivating them to perform better in their Higher Secondary (HS) exams. The scheme is seen as a significant step towards promoting education and rewarding students’ efforts,” Baruah said.
The Cabinet also accorded administrative approval to set up a water supply scheme to ensure round-the-clock water supply in the Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Testing (TSAT) plant in Jagiroad.
“The project will be carried out by Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and will cater to both the industrial and residential requirements of the plant. The cumulative cost of the project will be ₹121.36 cr (including operation and maintenance for 10 years). Water will be sourced from the Kapili River with a capacity of 12.5 million litres per day and the project is expected to be complete by July 2025,” the mini9ster said.
The Cabinet also accorded approval to the proposal of procurement of 200MW power from the Kalai II Hydro Electric Project of Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDCIL) by APDCL to meet the growing energy demands of Assam.
“The levelized tariff for procurement of power from the project will be ₹5.46/unit, significantly lower the average rate of power purchase during FY 2022-23. The decision will help in meeting energy requirements as well as aid in fulfilling renewable power purchase obligation,” he said.
On October 4, Assam will see the launch of a new administrative structure in the district level with the launch of Sub-districts to be led by Additional District Commissioner
Considering the enhanced responsibilities and power bestowed upon them, Cabinet has accorded approval to rename the Sub-districts as Co-Districts, to be headed by a Co-District Commissioner.
