Photo Courtesy: nenews
Guwahati: The Assam Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has greenlit a series of major policy shifts, including a new rural employment program and a development authority for a satellite city near Guwahati. The government will implement the central Viksit Bharat Rozgar Guarantee and Livelihood Mission, or VBGRAM, starting July 1. This legislation replaces MGNREGA, raising the annual guaranteed employment from 90 to 125 days.
State officials intend to spend approximately Rs 2,000 crore on the initiative this financial year. The program aims to bolster rural infrastructure by funding projects like road construction, school boundary walls, and crematoriums. Each panchayat is expected to receive about Rs 1 crore on average to support these efforts.
In a separate move, the government is halting new Aadhaar card issuance for adults, noting that nearly all eligible residents in the state are already enrolled. Authorities specified that while the rule is immediate for the general population, exceptions exist for children and specific community groups. The cabinet announced a temporary extension for marginalized populations, stating: "Aadhaar cards will continue to be issued to these groups till March 2027, after which the restriction for those above 18 years will also come into effect from April 1, 2027."
Urban expansion also remains a priority, with the formation of the Guwahati Satellite City Development Authority to oversee a new township near the airport. Additionally, the state has tightened rules for IAS officers, requiring cabinet approval for any premature deputation requests. These decisions precede the upcoming Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly, which kicks off on July 6 and will feature the presentation of the 2026-27 state budget.
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