Assam Cabinet okays notifying 2 waterbodies as proposed reserve forest

Guwahati, Jun 22 (PTI) The Assam Cabinet on Sunday approved proposals for notifying two ‘beels’ (waterbodies) in Goalpara as proposed reserve forest (PRF) to maintain ‘social and natural balance’.

The Cabinet also gave its nod to a scheme for bringing back bodies of youths and students residing outside who die there.

It also declared transgenders as ‘socially and educationally backward class’.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, addressing a press conference after chairing the Cabinet, said, “Cabinet has approved the proposal to notify Urpad Beel area (1256 Ha) as a PRF under Section 5 of the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891.” “This ecologically sensitive and biodiversity-rich wetland will be protected and conserved to strengthen conservation efforts in Goalpara,” he added.

The Cabinet has also okayed a proposal to notify Hasila Beel area (245 Ha) as a PRF under the same law, and in both cases, one month's time will be given to the public to register their opinion, Sarma said.

“Through these steps, we can ensure that social and natural balance in Goalpara is maintained,” the chief minister added.

Sarma said the Cabinet approved the ‘Shradhanjali’ scheme for the government to facilitate coordinated transportation of bodies of people from Assam who are working or studying in other states and die of various causes.

“The scheme will be implemented from October one. It will be applicable primarily for youth engaged in low-paying jobs outside the state, along with those who have died in special circumstances, such as murder and accidents,” he said.

The scheme will not include cases of death during medical treatments outside the state, he added.

“Family members will inform local administration, or police by dialing 112. Moreover, a social media ID will be created dedicatedly for the purpose,” Sarma added.

The Cabinet approved the allotment of a self-identified site to Hinduja Renewables Energy Private Limited for development of a 900 MW off-stream Pumped Storage Project (PSP) in West Karbi Anglong district.

“With an investment of Rs 5400 crore, this project will contribute towards achieving the state's target of 2 GW PSP capacity by 2030,” Sarma said.

The Cabinet also gave its nod for declaration of the transgender community as ‘Socially and Educationally Backward Classes’, in line with the spirit of a Supreme Court direction.

Transgenders who are inhabitants of the state will be eligible for this benefit, Sarma said.

The council of ministers approved the creation of a Development Council for Rabha community people residing outside the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) area.

The proposed Council will undertake welfare schemes to promote the socio-economic, educational and cultural uplift of the Rabha community living beyond the territorial jurisdiction of RHAC, the chief minister said.

A proposal to fill up to 50 per cent of supervisor posts in the department from among serving eligible Anganwadi Workers with at least 10 years of experience got its nod from the Cabinet.

The remaining posts will be filled up through direct recruitment, which is now being done through the State Level Recruitment Commission for Class III Posts, Sarma said.

The Cabinet approved enhancement of the state’s share in additional honorarium for Cook-cum-Helpers engaged under the PM POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman) scheme from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per month, effective from October 2025, for 10 months annually.

They will now receive Rs 2,000 per month, including the Centre’s share.

The Cabinet approved the first annual incremental benefit to the newly appointed teachers in LP, UP and Secondary Schools under Special Recruitment Drive (SRD) in July 2025, as per provisions of the ROP Rules 2017. It will be provided in the month of July 2025, instead of July 2026.

The formulation of the Assam State Mineral Exploration Trust Rules, 2025 for the creation of the State Mineral Exploration Trust (SMET) to promote exploration of minor minerals such as sand, gravel, stone, granite, limestone, quartzite, china clay, etc, was given the nod by the Cabinet.

The Cabinet okayed the establishment of Rs 3000 crore SEBI-registered ‘Assam Industrial and Green Growth Fund’, an alternate investment fund for Assam with anchor investment of Rs 500 crore in a phased manner to mobilise long-term capital for renewable energy, green infrastructure, priority Start-ups, agro-tech, tourism, MSMEs and other priority sectors. PTI SSG NN