In a significant move aimed at transforming governance and empowering citizens, the Assam state cabinet on Saturday approved a sweeping set of decisions. These reforms focus on securing land rights, modernising administrative systems, and boosting infrastructure across the state.
Major Push for Land Rights Under Mission Basundhara
The cabinet meeting placed a strong emphasis on land and revenue reforms, taking concrete steps to benefit indigenous and landless families. Under the latest phase, Mission Basundhara 3.0, the government cleared the settlement of 732 proposals for government khas and ceiling surplus land in the Kamrup (Metro) district. This initiative is designed to provide homestead land to eligible families.
Furthermore, the cabinet also gave its nod to settle an additional 168 proposals under Mission Basundhara 2.0 for government land in the same district. These settlements will be finalized after the realization of the applicable settlement premium from the beneficiaries. Collectively, these measures are expected to provide secure land tenure to hundreds of families, encourage investment in housing, and improve access to essential civic amenities.
Digital Leap in Revenue Administration
In a historic step to modernise the state's age-old revenue system, the cabinet approved crucial amendments to the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation, 1886. The changes involve the insertion of new rules - 183A and 186A.
These amendments will legally enable digital hearings, electronic submission of documents, and technology-driven service delivery across the revenue department. This shift is anticipated to drastically reduce case pendency, enhance transparency in proceedings, and provide legal sanctity to all electronic processes. Notably, this reform also aligns Assam with the National Incentive Framework, making the state eligible for central incentives of up to Rs 150 crore.
Cultural Initiative and Policing Reforms
Alongside core governance changes, the cabinet also made progress in other areas. In a cultural outreach decision, land at Amerigog village in Sonapur has been officially allotted to the Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam.
On the law and order front, the cabinet advanced policing reforms by amending the Assam Police Manual. The key change allows personnel from both the armed and unarmed branches to appear for promotion examinations to the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI). This move is intended to ensure merit-based career advancement and improve overall efficiency within the police force.
The series of decisions taken by the Assam cabinet mark a comprehensive effort to address long-standing issues related to land ownership while pushing the state's administration into a digital future. The reforms are poised to have a direct impact on the lives of common people, offering them greater security, improved services, and a more transparent system of governance.
