The Assam State Cabinet met on June 23 and approved plans to notify the Urpad Beel area, spanning 1,256 hectares, as a Proposed Reserve Forest (PRF) under Section 5 of the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891. Located in the Goalpara district, this wetland is ecologically sensitive and rich in biodiversity, aimed at enhancing conservation efforts in the region. Additionally, the Cabinet approved the designation of the Hasila Beel area, covering 245 hectares, as a Proposed Reserve Forest. A month will be provided for the public to register their claims and objections regarding this designation.
Furthermore, the Cabinet introduced the ‘Shraddhanjali’ scheme to ensure the respectful and coordinated transportation of the bodies of individuals who die outside the state while working or studying. This policy particularly targets youths in low-paying jobs and those who perish under special circumstances, including murder and accidents, excluding those who die due to medical treatments outside Assam. The Assam Police Special Branch will serve as the Nodal Agency for this implementation, with a designated DIG officer overseeing the respectful return of residents’ bodies. Families can relay information through local administration, police, or by calling 112.
In another significant move, the Cabinet approved the establishment of the Rabha Development Council to enhance the welfare of the Rabha community living outside the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council area. It also agreed to fill 50 percent of Supervisor positions from among serving eligible Anganwadi Workers who possess at least ten years of experience and a degree in Arts, Science, Commerce, or related fields. The remainder of the positions will be filled via direct recruitment through the ongoing State Level Recruitment Commission process for Class III positions.
In alignment with a Supreme Court directive, the Cabinet declared the transgender community as “Socially and Educationally Backward Classes” in Assam. This development ensures that District Commissioners require proof of local residency for applicants when issuing Transgender Identity Cards. Additionally, the Cabinet approved an increase in the monthly honorarium for Cook-cum-Helpers working under the PM POSHAN scheme, raising it from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000, effective October 2025, effectively making their monthly earnings Rs. 2,000.
The Cabinet also extended the “Apon Ghar” and “Apon Bahan” schemes to regular and contractual employees up to the age of 60 within the National Health Mission, Samagra Shiksha Axom, and various power utilities. Furthermore, it allotted a self-identified site to Hinduja Renewables Energy Private Limited for a 900 MW off-stream Pumped Storage Project (PSP) in West Karbi Anglong, with an investment of approximately Rs. 5,400 crore.
Lastly, a Rs. 3,000 crore SEBI-registered Assam Industrial and Green Growth Fund was approved to mobilize long-term capital for various sectors including renewable energy, green infrastructure, priority startups, agro-tech, tourism, and MSMEs, with an anchor investment of Rs. 500 crore to be phased in.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/assam/cabinet-approves-reserve-forest-tag-for-urpad-hasila-beels-in-goalpara-1582099
Category: Assam,Featured
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Publish Date: 2025-06-23 11:23:00
