Guwahati, April 4: In a series of important decisions, the Assam Cabinet on Friday approved that all state government orders, notifications, and office memoranda will be issued in both Assamese and English, starting April 15—coinciding with Bohag Bihu, the Assamese New Year.
Addressing a press conference after the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the change, linking it to the recommendations of the Justice Biplab Sharma Committee on implementing the Assam Accord. “Except in Barak Valley and Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), where Bengali and Bodo respectively will also be used, all official communication will be issued in Assamese along with English,” Sarma said.
To ease implementation, officials have been directed to use the Bhashini app to aid in translation and ensure consistency in bilingual communication.
DA hike for government employees and pensioners
The cabinet also approved a Dearness Allowance/Dearness Relief (DA/DR) hike from 53% to 55% for all state government employees and pensioners. The revision will be effective from January 1, 2025.
Flood monitoring with community involvement
To improve real-time flood management, the cabinet approved the formation of Local Embankment Monitoring and Flood Preparedness Committees. Each committee will oversee 8–12 km stretches of embankments and report to local Water Resources Department (WRD) engineers.
“These embankments are decades old and at risk of breaching. We can’t monitor every inch, so we’ll involve the public,” said Sarma.
“Each committee will consist of 10–15 local youth volunteers and WRD officials. Volunteers will be provided with gum boots, raincoats, torchlights, and essential flood-fighting gear,” Sarma said.
“The initiative will run from April through October, covering the peak monsoon season. In October, volunteers will receive a certificate signed by the Chief Minister in recognition of their contribution,” Sarma also said.
Free medicines scheme: ₹190 crore sanctioned
To cut down out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for the public, the cabinet approved ₹190 crore under the “State Budget for Free Drugs Service”. This move is expected to improve access to essential medicines at government health facilities across Assam.
Assam Climate Centre for Cities (SC-3)
The cabinet cleared the proposal to set up the Assam Climate Centre for Cities (SC-3). The centre will guide urban climate action, suggest policies, and coordinate initiatives for sustainable city development.
The project will be jointly funded by the Central government and the French government.
Experts will be appointed through the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC).
Community halls in tea estates
To promote skill development and community welfare in tea garden areas, the cabinet approved the creation of management committees for the Mahaprabhu Jagannath Community Hall cum Skill Centres being constructed across 500 tea estates, with a total budget of ₹750 crore.
Each committee will be headed by the local MLA to ensure proper functioning and maintenance.
