Guwahati, July 23: In a major decision aimed at transforming school education, the Assam Cabinet has approved a ₹2,750 crore project funded by the World Bank to revamp school infrastructure across the state.
The announcement was made by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma following a Cabinet meeting held in Dibrugarh on Wednesday.
Under the “Assam School Education and Adolescent Wellbeing Project,” the government will construct 400 new schools and 1,733 Anganwadi centres equipped with trained teachers, modern classrooms, and a focus on science and technology education.
The funding arrangement includes 90% of the loan to be repaid by the Centre and the remaining 10% by the state government.
The Cabinet also cleared several other key proposals. A new scheme titled Chief Minister’s Foreign Language Initiative for Global Human Talent (CM-FLIGHT) was approved to train Assamese youth in foreign languages for overseas employment. A pilot project will roll out this financial year in collaboration with international agencies, including ASEAN ONE Co. Ltd., Jaceex Ventures LLP, and Meiko Career Partners Co. Ltd. The initial focus will be on Japanese language training up to JLPT N2 level, aligned with Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker visa programme.
To strengthen policing, ₹150 crore was sanctioned under the MOITRI scheme for ongoing infrastructure upgrades at police stations. So far, 73 police stations have been completed in the first phase, while 46 are under development in the second phase. The Cabinet also approved the creation of ten new posts of Co-District Superintendent of Police (CDSP) for newly formed co-districts, which are set to be inaugurated on August 12 and operational by August 15.
In urban development, a new scheme was approved to support infrastructure upgrades in apartment complexes using funds from MLALADS and the United Fund. Eligible buildings must have at least 16 flats, 80% occupancy, and be registered under the Societies Registration Act. Upgrades will include roads, drainage, water and electricity supply, disaster preparedness, and security systems.
To boost the startup ecosystem, the Cabinet approved the formation of a Section 8 company titled Assam Innovation and Startup Foundation. The company, to be operated under the Department of Innovation, Incubation and Startups (DIIS), will serve as a dedicated platform for entrepreneurship, incubation, and innovation support.
